Writing from the Rectory – November 2025

I am excited to inform you that we have been busy developing our children’s ministry at St Gregory’s. We are upgrading the facilities to be more child-friendly and introducing a monthly family, interactive service in 2026, on every third Sunday of each month, at 11am, from Sunday 18^th January. This complements our annual child-based activities – perhaps you came to the Light Party?

Do look out for ‘Christmas Through the Keyhole,’ which will welcome all the local primary schools at the end of November and be open to families on Saturday 29^th November, free of charge. It invites the visitor to immerse themselves in the mysterious, wonderful, earthy yet heavenly story of God coming to be with us in human flesh as written in the stars and ancient texts. Smell the incense and gaze at the stars; taste the pitta and hear the angel declare “Glory to God in the highest”; read the emperor’s decree and follow the map through bandit country. Finally, join with the shepherds, wise men and animals to adore the newborn saviour of the world.

We will be particularly pleased to welcome you to our Advent and Christmas services, both at All Saints’ and St Gregory’s Churches. Come and find out more about the relevance of God making himself known to us so that we might realise again this year that in the dark streets shines the everlasting light, the hope of glory, the Prince of Peace.

Every blessing to you and yours, Revd Andrew.

Forthcoming events in the Gainsborough Benefice of All Saints’ and St Gregory’s:

• 23 Nov Light Up A Life 3pm at St Gregory’s Church (stnicholashospice.org.uk)
• 29 Nov Christmas Through The Keyhole St Gregory’s Church 9am-12 noon
• 14 Dec Carols by Candlelight, 3pm, St Mary’s Church, Chilton
• 21 Dec Carols by Candlelight, 6.30pm, St Gregory’s Church
• 24 Dec Christingle30 pm All Saints’ Church, 11pm Midnight Mass St Gregory’s
• 25th Dec 8am Said Communion, All Saints’ 10am Family Communion both All Saints’ and St Gregory’s