Diocese of Chichester

Visitors could sample delicious homemade cakes and jams and buy handmade crafts for Christmas whilst listening to carol singing and catching up with friends over a coffee. Visitors also enjoyed the wonderful Christmas tree displays that many of our churches put on, a great way to engage with the local business traders. 

Thousands of people stepped away from the hectic shops and enjoyed the festive spirit in hundreds of churches and schools.

These events are also great fundraisers for the church and schools' important work, often to buy vital supplies and support local charities.

St Mary Magdalen in Coldean Brighton shared a fantastic Christmas video filmed at their Christmas Fair by one of the exhibitors and local estate agent Windward Grove. Windward Grove Director Simon Bubloz said: "My hope with putting this together is that it may encourage more people to help with various projects the church is involved with, maybe help the general community keep an eye out for events on at the church, and overall is something great to have that can always be looked back on. We’re always just up the road, an email away to help with anything else!" You can watch the video here:

Ahead of its Annual Christmas Tree Festival, Holy Cross in Uckfield celebrated with a community light-up event. The Rector, Fr John Wall, said: “The Christmas Tree Lighting and light display reveal was such a lovely event. I want to thank all the people that made it happen. This year the church has been lit in shades of purple in memory of our late Queen Elizabeth II. The Children’s choir sang beautifully; what a great way to start their string of Christmas performances! This is always a wonderful way to kick off the Festival of Christmas Trees!”.

Fr John invited local businesses to sponsor a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival, which is a much-anticipated event in the town. The church is expecting over 1,0000 visitors this year and will raise significant funds for the community.

Chichester Cathedral held a special service to mark the beginning of the season of Advent. Moving from darkness to light with readings and carols sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Revd Jane Bartlett from the Church of the Good Shepherd, Shoreham beach, teamed up with The Pollinator café for a Family Christingle service this year held outside with lots of carols and Christmas Magic.

Clapham and Patching Church of England Primary school held its much anticipated Christmas Market in the Village Hall and welcomed hundreds of people for sweet treats and Festive delights. Everyone got involved, and it was a great success.

All Saints Hove Christingle service this year included the newly formed children's choir and this was their first outing. They were a massive hit - we'll be hearing more from them.

At St Mary de Haura in Shoreham the church was lit up for its annual Christmas Tree Festival and a "Pop up nativity" with many Marys, Josephs, Angels, Kings, Wise ones and animals taking part in the retelling of the greatest story ever told.

Westfield church switched on the Christmas lights, and St Anne’s church in West Wittering delighted visitors to its Christmas Tree festival.

In High Hurstwood, members of the church at Holy Trinity took part in the Christingle service.

There was a moment of reflection on the work of the Children’s Society at the Christingle service at St John’s Preston Brighton. A hushed silence fell on the congregation as candles were lit and a prayer was said.

Lord Jesus, light of the world,

the prophets said you would bring peace

and save your people in trouble.

Give peace in our hearts at Christmas

and show all the world God’s love.

Amen.

Many more church events continue throughout advent – please check Achurchnearyou for details of activities in your area.