Hello All,

I have been struck this season of festive frivolity by a higher than usual level of Christmas Jumper wearing. As a simple way to spread a little Christmas cheer, it’s hard to beat (other than singing loudly for all to hear!)
While I have not persuaded anyone else at the vicarage that I need one in the colours of my favourite German cut-price supermarket, I’d be more likely to splash out on the one that says simply ‘BELIEVE.’
I don’t know what M&S want us to believe in, but it’s nice to be reminded that this season is still about belief, and church folk across the land have adopted this one with gusto and panache. (If you have a moment, search on social media for #TeamBelieve)

However you choose to find and spread some Christmas joy this season, God bless you in it. Let us all be glimmers of light in the darkness.

I hope to see you at one of our services this advent and Christmas.
I’ll be in a Christmas jumper – possibly one with bells on!

God Bless,
Rev’d Rob

COVID-19 Update
Due to the new variant and additional precautionary measures the government has put in place, we now ask all visitors in church to wear a face covering, unless exempt for health reasons. Face masks may be removed for eating or drinking in church.

Christmas Services
Places at our Christmas Services are filling up!
To book a seat, please contact the [email protected]
Note: the Christingle on Saturday 18th and the 2:30pm Family Carol Service on Christmas Eve are both fully booked.

Christmas Flowers in Church
Don’t forget, this morning between 9-12pm, our Flower Team will be in church decorating for Christmas. Come along and lend a hand! The team welcome anyone who would like to help.

What’s The Story?
Did you know St. Wilfrid’s has a small team that present ‘What’s The Story’ to local school children? Through acting and storytelling, they tell the Christmas story and Easter story within the church building every year.
Just this week, over two days, approximately 180 children from the two local primary schools have visited church to participate in The Christmas Story.
The children were given story chains to remember what they had seen and heard, they consumed tons of biscuits and gallons of juice, and we hope learned about the true meaning and significance of Christmas.
Masterminded by Brenda, the team have been doing this every Christmas for years, and even last year we published a YouTube version!
New participants are always welcome, so if you’d like to join the team please contact the [email protected] or have a chat with Brenda Pickard or Margaret Roundhill in Church.

Meals Rota
We're on the lookout for cooks! Could you rustle up a home-made meal?
We are in the early stages of organising a cooking rota, with the aim to provide meals for those who are going through a tough time and need that extra bit care to get them back on their feet. Whether they’ve just got out of hospital, had a baby, lost a loved one, or have an illness, whatever it is we hope we can provide a meal or two. If you can help, please contact [email protected]

Drive-In Carols – Sunday 19th December
The Drive-in Carols organised by Wortley & Farnley Parish Church is creeping up on us! We are hoping to send a team to help from Calverley Parish.
If you would like to be a steward, please sign up here.

And of course, you can always come along to in your car to enjoy the event, the more the merrier! To sign up for tickets, please click here to book for the 5:30pm service, and please click here to book for the 7:30pm service.

Quiet Hour: Midweek Advent Communion w/ Contemplative Prayer
If you’ve not been to this new service yet, why not join us next week?
We meet in church on Wednesday at 12pm for a quiet hour with contemplative prayer and communion. Everyone is welcome.

Helping Those In Need
We're still collecting donations for Leeds Women’s Aid, to give to women in need of a safe space arriving at their refuges. They sometimes have a bin bag of their kids’ stuff, but rarely their own. Can we help give those making a hard, brave, fresh start a touch of hope? Socks, toothbrushes, gift vouchers, general toiletries, hats, scarves, & even knickers are needed!
All items will be gratefully received. If you would like to learn more about their work, please visit leedswomensaid.co.uk
Thank you, Nicola.