Rector’s Update 22/12/2025
We held our final two Carol Services on Friday and Sunday evening. It has been lovely to see so many visitors at all four of the services and in every case, attendance exceeded that of 2024. A huge thank you to everyone who was involved and made these services so successful whether playing, singing, reading, preparing the churches, serving refreshments, welcoming or in any other way – you are all much appreciated.
Of course, these were just the preliminary to the actual event and we will gather to celebrate across the Benefice as follows:
Christmas Eve
3pm Bethlehem Journey from Memorial Hall to All Saint’s Church (with live animals)
4pm Crib Service - St Denys’ Stanford Dingley
11pm Benefice Midnight Communion - St Mary’s Bucklebury
Christmas Day
8am Benefice Holy Communion (BCP) – St Denys' Stanford Dingley
9.30am Family Communion – St Peter's Bradfield Southend
9.30am Family Communion – St Mary's Bucklebury
11.00am Christmas Celebration – St Denys' Stanford Dingley
At all three of our Family Services children of all ages are invited to bring a new gift to show to us – we always have a lot of fun looking at these together!
Finally, in the New Year there will be a 2 hour basic First Aid training course at All Saints’ on Saturday 17th January 2-4pm. This is for the Small Saints and Monday Coffee teams but if anyone else would like to take part there is space for a few more. The course is free of charge. Please contact Caroline Newbold if you are interested caroline@2bsd.org.uk.
If you are going away this Christmas, I pray that you will have a safe journey and a good time. For those staying in West Berkshire I look forward to seeing you at one (or more!) of our services.
With our love for a very Happy Christmas.
Steve
Steve Newbold
Team Rector Bradfield, Bucklebury and Stanford Dingley
Tel: 0118 227 5674