Latest news

#FollowTheStar is the Church of England’s 2019 Christmas campaign. Thousands of services and events will be taking place in churches all over the country in the run up to Christmas.

St. John’s Church in Irlam Road, Flixton, together with Flixton Fellowship at The Ark in 26 Ambleside Road, will be among those celebrating the birth of Jesus and will be holding services throughout the festive season.

The magic of Christmas begins at St. John’s on Sunday, December 8, starting at 2.30pm, when a ‘Messy Christingle’ event will take place. Children can celebrate the festive season by taking part in a variety of craft sessions and producing Christingles to take home, as well as enjoying refreshments. Entry is free but children must be accompanied by an adult.

On Sunday, December 22, a Carols by Candlelight service will take place at St. John’s starting at 6.30pm. This event, organised in liaison with Flixton Fellowship, will encompass the spirit of Christmas with audio visual presentations, readings and favourite traditional carols and speciality pieces sung by a combined choir from the two churches.

Services at St. John’s will be held on:

Christmas Eve 4.00pm - Crib Service.

Christmas Day 10.30am - Christmas Morning Family Communion.

Services at Flixton Fellowship will be held on:

Christmas Day 9.30am - Christmas Family Communion

Said Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu, who are leading this year’s #FollowTheStar" campaign:

“Christmas is a time for generosity. The gifts we give do not have to be expensive or extravagant – sometimes the gift of time with a neighbour or a smile at

someone we see on the streets can be just as meaningful. Like the shepherds, who had only their awe and devotion to bring to witness to the birth of Christ, the best gift

we can give is the gift of our hearts. Just as we give, we must also be open to accepting the gifts of others. In Jesus, God gives us the most precious gift of all and invites us to know his only Son.

“Whatever your Christmas looks like, everyone is invited to the birth of Jesus. From the lowliest shepherds to the wealthy Magi, all are welcome to gather together and delight in God’s grace!

“You too are welcome to follow the star this Christmas and find yourself in that humble stable, in a place where you are known and loved in the presence of God. We hope that you have a blessed Christmas and pray that your journey following his star leads you ever closer to the joy and peace of knowing Jesus Christ.”

For more information, visit www.churchofengland.org/Christmas or www.stjohnsflixton.org.uk