Welcome.

St Thomas’ Church is part of a group of 4 churches served by our Rector and a small team of clergy. Each church has one or more church wardens, together with a group of volunteers who work within the church and the wider community. We also have a youth congregation which meets on Thursday evenings in the Rectory.

We invite you to share in our worship, friendship and activities. We believe that people of all ages can join in and benefit from the opportunities for Christian discipleship and fellowship made possible in this parish.

If you are not a church-goer, or if you haven't been to church for some time, come and try it for yourself, you may be pleasantly surprised. You will certainly be joining people who feel that church gives enrichment to their lives. We assure you of a warm welcome.

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE IN DECEMBER 2024 – FOLLOW THE STAR – CALM AND BRIGHT

Welcome to our Services for Advent – a period of Watching and Waiting preparing for the celebrations of Christmas - and then Christmas itself, the wonderful historical reality of the birth of God’s Son. We invite you to plumb the depths and engage with the awesome truths of the season.

We will have two Christingle Services. The first at 4pm on Sunday 1st December in Annscroft Church. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHRISTINGLE ORANGES. Ask if you need help with this. The second Christingle service will be at 4pm on Sunday 15^th December at Hanwood Church – Christingle oranges will be provided. The Hanwood Christingle is also our Gift Service when we will receive gifts which are distributed to local families who might not otherwise receive any presents – please bring suitable gifts if you can but please do not wrap them. NOTE THE TIME OF 4PM NOT 4.30PM.

We continue with our monthly Meditation Service, alternating with St George’s Church, Pontesbury – our turn this month at 7pm on Sunday 8^th December – a wonderful opportunity to be still with Jesus, and draw closer to him, to receive his peace and know his presence with you.

A new venture this year is CAROLS IN VINE CLOSE COMMUNITY CENTRE, HANWOOD at 1.30pm on Wednesday 18^th December with a choir from Hanwood School. Come along.

Join us for the Walking Nativity at 6pm on Thursday 19^th December at the White Horse Pub in Pulverbatch – a fun interpretation of this wonderful story. Wear warm clothing as weather permitting we will walk up to the Knapp and start the Walking Nativity there, finishing at the White Horse where you can purchase a hot meal and drinks.

Carols OUTSIDE the Cock Inn, Hanwood at 5pm on Saturday 21^st December – come and sing your heart out. Again wear warm clothing!

Carol Services at 6.30pm on Sunday 22^nd December at Hanwood Church and also at Pulverbatch Church, the latter candle lit with hand bells.

Crib Services at 4pm on Christmas Eve at Hanwood Church and also Annscroft Church – come dressed as your favourite Nativity character, be part of this great piece of history.

Plus a Midnight Holy Communion on Christmas Eve at BOTH Longden and Hanwood BOTH starting with mulled wine at 11pm. Finally there will be four services on Christmas Day Morning – a time to deeply connect with the wonder of God becoming a human being.

May you know the joy of the season and its true meaning and significance.

Upcoming events

Saturday 21st December

5:00pm -

Carols at the Cock Inn

Sunday 22nd December

2:00pm -

Carol Service on Zoom

6:30pm -

Carol Service and Readings

Tuesday 24th December

4:00pm -

Crib Service

Sunday 15^th December 4.00pm Christingle and Gift Service – a much loved Christmas Service of light. Bring a gift for a child in need.

Wednesday 18th December 1.30pm Carols in Vine Close Community Centre - Led by Hanwood School Choir.

Saturday 21st December 5.00pm Carols at the Cock Inn - meet in the car park ready to sing your heart out!

Sunday 22nd December 6.30pm Carol Service. A beautiful way to engage with the greatest birth ever – followed by mince pies and mulled wine.

Tuesday 24^th December 4pm Crib Service – be part of the greatest story in the world, come dressed as your favourite nativity character.

Tuesday 24^th December 11am Holy Communion - the final “Watching and Waiting” service.

Christmas Day 9.30am Family Communion.

Join the Church of England 'Calm and Bright- Christmas Reflections'