"But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19
This year's Church of England Christmas theme is "At the Heart of Christmas", which invites us to discover - or rediscover - the good news of the birth of Jesus. Based on readings from the Gospels of Luke and John, the theme challenges us to think (like Mary did) what the amazing events of the first Christmas may mean for us this year and for the years coming ahead.
We are blessed to be in a position where we can meet together to worship this Christmas, remembering "Hands, Face, Space & Grace".
Advent Sunday | Sunday 28th November | 10:30am
This year, Advent begins on Sunday 28th November, which marks the beginning of the season of waiting and preparing for the coming birth of Jesus. Like with all of our services over the Advent and Christmas period, we will be gathering to Worship together in the church building but also digitally through Facebook and YouTube.
Cafe Christingle | Sunday 5th December | 4.00pm
Come and build your own Christingle and find out more about Jesus, Light of the World. This is an All Age service in "cafe style" and families and individuals are able to book a table to attend. Tables are already filling up so don't leave it long to book if you would like to come to the church building! Book on 01452 524173 or email office@stbarnabasgloucester.org.uk. The service will also be live streamed with the option to build your Christingle at home. Christingle packs will be available to pick up between 11am and 12pm on Saturday 4th December at the church building.
Community Carol Service | Sunday 19th December | 6.30pm
A wonderful time to hear the Christmas story through readings, carols and anthems. Rehearsals for Community Choir begin today (Sunday 21st November) at 3.00pm in the church building. There's still time to join so if you'd like to find out more, please get in touch. This service will also be live streamed if you would like to worship digitally.
Crib Service | Friday 24th December | 4.00pm
As with Christingle, this year the Crib Service will be in cafe style and also live streamed. Booking is essential this year so get in touch by calling 01452 524173 or email office@stbarnabasgloucester.org.uk. More details to follow!
First Communion of Christmas | Friday 24th December | 11.00pm
Following the Crib Service, we will be meeting at 11.00pm to celebrate the First Communion of Christmas. This service will not be live streamed.
Christmas Day | Saturday 25th December | 9.30am
Come to the church building at 9.30am on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ together. This will be a service of Holy Communion and all are welcome. This service will not be live streamed.
Home Communion
We currently have a team that are visiting people in their homes to celebrate Communion over the Christmas period (all all year round). If you know anyone who is unable to leave home easily or would appreciate this then please get in touch so we can arrange a visit.
Community Events
There's lots going on in Tuffley, White City and Robinson over the Christmas period so keep an eye out in the news sheet and Facebook page for events in your local area. Likewise if you think we've missed something that should be on here just get in touch!
Christmas Market & Table Top Sale
Sat 27th November | 10.00am-4.00pm
This year's Christmas Fair is looking busier than ever! The event is taking place in the church halls and the church building with both building opens from 10.00am-4.00pm. A great time to get your Christmas shopping done with a number of local independent businesses/crafters as well as the wonderful St Barnabas stalls. Refreshments will be available (did we mention the crepe van!?). There will be entertainment in the church building between 1.00pm & 4.00pm from Ribston Hall High School, Ambitions Dance Group and Cotswold Clarinet Choir. We are also delighted to have a number of charities visiting this year including Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Gloucestershire Bundles, New Start Cat Rescue and Marshalling Men's Minds. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Tuffley Christmas Windows
Tuffley Christmas windows is back! How many windows can we light up this year? To get involved, design a street facing window and light it up on a night in December of your choosing. Your window then stays lit up until Christmas Eve (or longer if you would like!). You can create any design you like but we ask that you include your number somewhere in the design (e.g. December 1st = 1). Sign up by getting in touch with your name and address and preferred date. If it isn't available then we will offer you the nearest one. We've heard that Father Christmas may be visiting some houses this year!