Love Christmas!

A long time ago in Bethlehem, Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph. It's been so long. It happened so far away... and yet Christmas is more popular than ever.

We love the fact that all across the world, people will take a break from their usual routines. Many will share a special get-together with family and friends. Thousands will decorate their homes, prepare food and give presents. And our church will be full of people of all ages and backgrounds because a real Christmas starts with Christ.

We'd love you to join in. Because the love at the heart of Christmas is God's love - the generous, gracious gift of a Saviour - and that's worth celebrating!

Special Christmas Services at St Paul's:

• Sunday 20 December - Carols by Candlelight 4.00 to 5.30pm and 7.00pm to 8.30pm (service repeated)
• Christmas Eve - Christingle service 4.00 to 5.00pm, especially for younger children
• Christmas Eve - Midnight communion service - 11.30pm to 12.30am
• Christmas Day - Family communion service - 10.00 to 11.00am

Christmas Toy and Gift Service 2009

We collected over seventy specially chosen presents from members of our congregation last Sunday for the annual Christmas Gift Service.

These will go to children and young people at a number of projects and hostels for supporting those in special need. Some are homeless, some are fleeing domestic violence.

We hope that these gifts will bring a little cheer on Christmas Day. Thank you to all who contributed so generously.

Register now for Alpha 2010

We're looking forward to another great Alpha Course, beginning at St Paul's on 26 January. I'm just about to send out postal invitations to people who might be interested.

The Alpha Course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.

It's relaxed, low key, friendly and fun.

There is a meal together at the beginning of each session, which gives our guests an opportunity to get to know each other.

Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything.

If you, or someone you know is interested and you'd like to recieve an invitation, please email me with your details and I'll get one straight to you.