Pause for Thought - December 2025

Nativity
As we approach the joyous season of Christmas, our hearts are filled with anticipation and gratitude for the many blessings we have received throughout the year. Christmas is a special time for our church communities—a time to gather in faith, reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, and celebrate the wonder of God’s love made manifest among us.

In the midst of festive preparations and family gatherings, let us find moments to pause and remember the true meaning of Christmas. The humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem reminds us that hope shines brightest in the simplest of circumstances. His arrival brought light to a weary world and offers all of us the promise of peace, joy, and redemption.

This year, as we share carols, exchange gifts, and decorate our homes, may we also open our hearts to those in need. Christmas calls us to generosity and compassion, echoing Christ’s message to love our neighbours as ourselves. Whether by reaching out to someone who is alone, lending a helping hand, or sharing words of encouragement, we embody the true spirit of the season.

May the hope of Christ fill your home with warmth and your spirit with joy. Let us come together as Christian communities, united in faith and love, to celebrate the birth of our Saviour and the blessings that Christmas brings.

From all of us at Greyfriars and St Mary’s Churches, we wish you a blessed and peaceful Christmas, and a New Year filled with hope and happiness.
Revd Alison
Priest-in-Charge

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

New to church?

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet at Greyfriars Church (details here) for our Sunday Service starting at 11am. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you will be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the service. It is a great way to meet people and find out more about us.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. If you need a large print service book, please ask.

Our Service

The main service begins with a warm welcome from our Priest-in-Charge. Our service of Holy Communion includes hymns accompanied on the organ, bible readings, a sermon, prayers of intercession and responses. If you are a communicant member of another church, you are invited to share Holy Communion with us. Or if you prefer, you can come to the altar for a prayer of blessing.

Serving and Volunteering

Once you've settled here with us, if you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team. It's also a great way to get to know more people.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome, or if you would just like to meet with someone before you come, please get in touch with us by filling out the form below.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

We will respond and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Who's who


Revd Alison Hudson
Priest in Charge

We hope that you will join us and feel at home at our lovely church community.