Christmas at Christ Church: A Season of Reflection, Community, and Worldwide Connection
This Christmas season, Christ Church celebrated in new and meaningful ways, not only with our local community but also by reaching a global audience through our first-ever live streaming of services. From our bustling Christmas Fair at the start of December to the deeply spiritual services throughout the month, our church has been a place of joy, reflection, and innovation, bringing the message of Christmas to those who couldn’t attend in person.
Live Streaming: Reaching Beyond the Church Walls
For the first time, we live-streamed all our Christmas services, allowing people to join us no matter where they were. Whether through Facebook or YouTube, our Nine Lessons and Carols, Christingle, and Midnight Communion services reached a remarkable audience. With over 1.5k views on Facebook and 248 views on YouTube, we brought the warmth and message of Christ Church to people not only in Sowerby Bridge but around the world. Those who couldn’t attend in person, whether due to distance or other reasons, were still able to be part of our worship, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.
We also embraced social media in new ways, using platforms like Facebook to create engaging reels and stories—something we’ve never done before. These digital initiatives allowed us to connect with a wider audience, sharing moments from our services and giving people a glimpse into the life of our church during this special season.
Supporting St. Paul's Methodist Church and Bringing the Christmas Story to Life
In addition to our own services, we proudly supported St. Paul’s Methodist Church in their Live Nativity. Our church members helped with crafts, welcoming over 400 visitors who came to discover the Christmas story. It was a wonderful day of community engagement and festive spirit, bringing together families and children to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in a hands-on, interactive way.
Alongside other churches in Sowerby Bridge, we also brought joy to local shoppers by carol singing at Tesco, filling the aisles with festive music and a sense of unity. This outreach was a great opportunity to spread Christmas cheer to those who may not have been able to attend our services.
Christmas Fair and Nine Lessons and Carols
Our Christmas Fair kicked off the festive season, drawing in both church members and the wider community. It was a great success and set the tone for what became a truly memorable month.
One of the highlights was our traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This year, the new purple altar frontal, dedicated in memory of Brenda Dyson and Margaret Pickles—two life-long members of Christ Church—was blessed by The Venerable Bill Braviner, Archdeacon of Halifax. We were joined by local leaders, including MP Kate Dearden, ward councillors Dot Foster and Adam Wilkinson, and Carol Rodmell from Age UK, who all contributed readings. The service saw over 70 people attend in person—a marked increase from last year—and has since been viewed by hundreds more online.
Reflecting on the service, Rev. Tommy said, “It was a beautiful and moving celebration of community and faith. This year, it’s been especially powerful to know that our services are reaching so many people who wouldn’t normally be able to attend.”
Churchwarden Peter Henry added, “Live streaming our services has allowed us to share the joy of Christmas with people around the world. Seeing the response online has been incredible, and we’re so grateful for the new ways we’ve been able to engage with the community this year.”
Local Schools and Community Engagement
This Christmas season, our church also became a place of learning and celebration for local schools. Christ Church Junior School, Tuel Lane Infant School, and Bolton Brow School held their Christmas services in the church, with over 400 children attending across two days, supported by their teachers and parents. It was a joy to witness the excitement and wonder of the children as they celebrated the story of Christmas.
In early December, Key Stage 2 students from Sowerby New Road School visited Christ Church to learn about the church's role in the community and its history. A total of 120 children participated, gaining insight into the significance of Christ Church in the life of Sowerby Bridge.
Christingle and Christmas Eve
Our Christingle service was a particular highlight this year, attended by over 160 children and adults in person and viewed by hundreds more online. With candlelight filling the church, it was a beautiful and memorable service for all. In a playful twist, a mischievous little elf hid the Christingles around the church, adding to the excitement for the children. The service also raised funds for the important work of the Children’s Society, helping those in need during the festive season.
“Christingle was a truly magical evening,” said Rev. Tommy. “The church was full of light and joy, and it was wonderful to see so many families coming together. Knowing that others could join us online, even from afar, made it even more special.”
Our Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, a joint service with the Ryburn Benefice and St Paul’s Methodist Church, was attended by 40 people in person—an increase from last year. Led by Rev. Tommy and Rev. Jeanette Roberts, the service offered a peaceful moment of reflection before Christmas Day, and was watched by many more via live stream.
For the first time in several years, we also held a Christmas morning service, attended by 17 people. This short Holy Communion service offered a quiet and sacred start to Christmas Day, celebrating the birth of Christ.
A Year of Growth and Innovation
Looking back on this Christmas season, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who participated, both in person and online. Our decision to live stream our services has opened up new possibilities, allowing us to share the message of Christ Church with people near and far. Whether through social media reels, stories, or live-streamed services, we’ve embraced new ways to connect with our congregation and the world beyond.
As Churchwarden Peter Henry said, “This Christmas has been a time of growth, not just in numbers but in how we engage with our community. We’re excited about the future and how we can continue to use these new platforms to reach people.”
We look forward to carrying this spirit of connection and innovation into the new year, continuing to serve both our local community and those who join us online. We’re deeply thankful for the support of everyone who has made this Christmas season so special and look forward to what the future holds.
