Well, the New Year has arrived and as we say goodbye to 2020, we reflect on our Christmas in the midst of a world-wide pandemic. It was clear that our Christmas celebrations for 2020 would be different, but that did not stop us celebrating the Good News of Christ’s birth, the Good News of our Emmanuel - ‘God with us’.

As we look back on our Christmas services, we praise God for modern technology that enabled us to worship God and be connected through our Sunday services, Advent course, Carol services, Crib service and one of our Christmas Day services all on Zoom. And these were alongside our ‘in building’ and outdoor services across the team where following all guidelines we were able hear the Christmas story and praise God with carols (sung by the choir in our buildings, sung by all at our outdoor services).

As a ministry team, we aimed to provide as many services as we were able to enable as many people as possible to join us whilst also ensuring all social distancing guidelines are followed.

Although our Christmas services have looked a little different, we have very much enjoyed and appreciated the efforts of all our Churchwardens, PCCs, Lay Worship Leaders and Ministry Team for all their hard work, with a lot of positive feedback and gratitude being sent to the Team Rector from many across the Team.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your patience and support throughout 2020 and I pray that God blesses you richly throughout 2021 and beyond.