Church services in the Sid Valley this Christmas

Rev'd Matt Selman - Team Vicar, St Giles and St Nicholas, Sidmouth (Image: Rev'd Matt Selman)

On the back of a hugely challenging year, many of us will now be trying to adjust to the disappointment and frustration of being unable to share Christmas with those we love. And that’s not to mention those for whom this might be the last Christmas with a loved one, those who are already vulnerable or lonely and those for whom Christmas is already a difficult time of year.
We all know that life is always a mixture of joys and challenges, celebrations and grieving. But at Christmas we hope for a little bit of insulation from the hard things; to be able to relax, to enjoy the good things of life and to find a little extra space in our hearts and minds for the needs of others.
Our church communities are no exception. So many people here have lost something this year: be it a loved one, or good health, a regular connection with others and even - with the restrictions on gatherings - a place to bring their prayers.
Our Christmas celebrations will be more bittersweet this year. But churches are places where people are used to being part of a story of both heartache and hope, in which the losses serve to remind us how precious are the joys.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on our ‘Names of Jesus’ Advent Calendar in the churchyard, you’ll have seen that the bible calls Jesus both ‘Man of Sorrows’ and ‘Light of the World’.
And so this Christmas, whatever our personal stories, we will be bringing them to church - or perhaps as we join in online from our homes - where they become part of the bigger story of God’s love for the world. A story in which Jesus, the Saviour of the world, is born as a fragile baby in a stable far from home; one moment in time that brings hope for all generations to come.
We would love you to join us to celebrate Christmas this year – see our service times below. Our Christmas collections this year will be split between Devon Carers, who support unpaid carers, and Christian Aid, who support the poorest worldwide including those affected by Covid-19.
Please do book online to make sure we have space for all. On Christmas Eve, we have extra services across the afternoon and evening to help fit everyone in safely.
And however you are celebrating this year, may God be with you and your loved ones
Christmas Services across the Sid Valley

The names of Jesus’ Advent Calendar in the churchyard (Image: Rev'd Matt Selman)

For services at Sidmouth parish, St Giles & St Nicholas
Please book online, using the Eventbrite QR code below or via the website: https://www.sidvalley.org.uk/sidmouthparishchurch.htm
Alternatively join our online broadcasts at 11pm Christmas Eve or 10am Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve 3.00pm, 3.30pm and 4.00pm Pop-up Nativity* (in the Churchyard)
6.00pm Christmas Eucharist
8.30pm Christmas Eucharist
11.00pm Christmas Eucharist (‘Midnight Mass’)
Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Eucharist
* Interactive Christmas story every 30 minutes. Numbers will be very limited to ensure safety.
Booking for in-person services Online broadcasts

All Saints, Sidmouth Please book at https://www.allsaintssidmouth.org.uk/christmas-2020
Christmas Eve 11.00am & 4.00pm Nativity Services
7.00pm Christmas Service
9.00pm Christmas Communion
Christmas Day 9am Christmas Service
11.00am Christmas Communion

St Mary & St Peter, Salcombe Regis Please book at https://www.allsaintssidmouth.org.uk/christmas-2020
Christmas Eve 11:30pm Midnight Communion
Christmas Day 9:30am Holy Communion
St Francis, Woolbrook
Christmas Day 9:30am Holy Communion
St Peter, Sidford
Christmas Day 11.00am Christmas Eucharist
St Giles, Sidbury
Christmas Eve 3:30pm Outdoor Christingle
11:30pm Midnight Mass
Christmas Day 11.00am Christmas Eucharist