2009 - an amazing year ahead

The highlight of the year is definitely going to be the opening of our new church building, the Chapel on the Hill, which will occur during the first months of 2009.

It's going to host a variety of services and events, from a club for people who want to learn English as a second language, to healing services, Taize style services and more.

There is office space as well as the main worship area, which will be available for hire: a unique and highly practical setting.

As for the main parish church, of course services will continue there with all vigour.

Please do join us at 10am on a Sunday morning if you haven't come before. We do our best to provide an environment that offers both fun and spiritual sustenance.

Two further notes: Father Robert will be on parental leave from 3rd January for three weeks, and Father John will also be on annual leave for a fortnight in January, so be patient if your enquiries to them are not answered as fast as you would hope.

Also, this blog probably won't be updated again for a while. Don't let that stop you coming to church!

Father Robert

Christmas services timetable

Over 2,500 people have come to worship at our church this year of one form or another.

Why not join us this Christmas?


Sunday 21st December 10am: Final Sunday of Advent, Guest preacher, Louise Vincer, who used to be an associate priest here.


Sunday 21st December, 4pm: Carol service, all your favourites as we tell the Christmas story. Gluwein and mince pies afterwards!


Christmas Eve: Wed 24th December, 4pm: Crib and Christingle service. See the donkey ride in to church, light the candle in the christingle, take a cracker home. Come dressed as a shepherd, an angel, or just as you are. (NB Arrive early if you want a seat as this service is really popular.)


Christmas Eve: Wed 24th December, carols from 11pm, service starts 11.30pm: Midnight Mass.


Magical, mysterious and awesome. Welcome in Christmas Day at this nighttime service.


Christmas Day: 10am. Bring your toys and sing to the new born Christ child.

More sadly, there's also a funeral happening in Church, on Monday 22nd December at 9.45am for Viretta Pink. This will also be a beautiful occasion.

And, as promised, another photo from the Chapel on the Hill, our soon-to-open new building. This time, it's me with Reverend Sheila, checking out the staircase leading to the worship space.
Father Robert

Chapel on the Hill coming (as is Christmas)

Each week, we'll be adding an image from our new Chapel on the Hill. This (to the left) is the restored stained glass window (and, I think, Father John's head at the bottom right!).

While it's a small space, it's quite high and will make a peaceful, beautiful place for worship.

Meanwhile, our Christmas Fayre at the parish church went well. Hundreds of people came, we made £3170, and I'm just finishing off the last of Paul Tapp's exceptional chocolate muffins as I type this into the blog. Thank you to all who helped, or attended.

This Sunday is an All age parade Sunday, when the prayers will be led by our little beavers (smaller than cubs or brownies.) Our guest preacher will be Jane Steen, who's the canon theologian at Southwark cathedral.

If you like music, come to Sainsbury's on Wednesday 17th between 6.30pm and 7.30pm and you'll hear us Carol singing . Join in, if you like!

Our formal carol service will be on Sunday 21st Dec at 4pm.

Father Robert