Please see below for our upcoming Christmas events this December:
On the first Sunday in December, the 7th, we shall be holding our Breakfast Church at 10.00am, as usual. This will be followed at 4.00pm by our annual Christingle Service, from which all donations made are sent to the Children's Society,. Children from Packington Church of England Primary School take part, doing the reading and prayers and singing a hymn. However, everyone is of course welcome to attend, including pre-school children and children from any school. We are very pleased that Emily Darlington, a member of St Helen's Church in Ashby, and a key player in leading the group Rock Solid, which Ashby Youth for Christ runs for young people from years 7-9, is coming to speak to us on that occasion, and we are looking forward to her visit.
There is something quite magical about this Service. It is always a joy to see the children holding their lit Christingles, with the church lights dimmed, as we sing a carol and think about the Light of the World coming into our lives.
Instant Nativity and Toy Service 14th December 2024 at 10.00am
On this occasion we shall re-enact the Nativity to a simple script. We shall have some clothes for dressing-up in, but not enough for everyone, so please come with or in your own, then you can choose whether to be a king, an angel, a sheep – whoever you prefer! And we are anticipating that the scene will be authenticated by the presence of very special furry guests!
This is also the occasion to bring new unwrapped toys which will be donated to the Marlene Reid Centre to brighten the Christmas of children who have very little. Wrapping paper is also appreciated.
Singing at the Bull & Lion at 7pm on Tuesday, 16th December with the Salvation Army Band An enjoyable community occasion to remind us again what Christmas is really about! Everyone is welcome. Mulled wine and mince pies warm us up and it is a delight to hear the band. A collection is taken with the proceeds given to the Salvation Army. .
Carol Service Sunday, 21st December 2025 at 6.00pm The church is always beatifully decorated and largely lit by candles - an uplifting backdrop to the singing of well-loved carols and hearing the familiar readings telling the Christmas story . We are delighted that our Archdeacon, the Venerable Claire Wood has accepted an invitation to be our preacher on this joyous occasion..
Christmas Eve when we shall be holding our Crib Service at 4.00pm. The children love to bring up and place in the stable, the key figures in the Christmas story, but adults love this simple service too.
11.30pm sees the start of our Midnight Communion Service. Join us to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus at the very start of Christmas Day.
Christmas Day. There is no service at Packington but there is a Family Holy Communion Service at Holy Trinity Church Normanton at 10.00am.so if Midnight was too late for you, come and celebrate the Good News of Jesus in this relaxed and joyful service!
New Year's Day. At Packington Church, there will be a short informal service of poems and prayers at 11.30am - and the odd carol! - followed by soup and pudding at 12 noon. This has proved to be a popular event and all are welcome to join us. You can come either to the service, or to the meal or both! There is no need to book but it does help to have numbers, so if you know you would like to come please ring retired preist, Lesley Birtwistle on 01530 413309, or email her on lbwistle@googlemail.com