Advent & Christmas
with St Katharine's Matson & St Barnabas Gloucester
As we approach Christmas this year, one of our favourite Christmas carols has inspired our celebrations, the beautiful Silent Night. It speaks of a holy night that is both “calm and bright,” words that invite us into the peace and wonder of the season. Living in a world that often feels hurried and heavy, the message of Christmas brings us back to a place of stillness and light. It calls us to pause, to be present, and to receive the gift of peace that Jesus offers to each of us.
Christians believe that on that very first Christmas “the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9). This light, the light of Jesus, shines even in the darkest places and brings hope to all. Whatever challenges we face, whatever burdens we carry, this Christmas, Christians believe Christ’s light shines on us, offering calm to our restless and anxious hearts and brightness to our lives.
As you celebrate Christmas this year, know that the church here at St Barnabas and St Katharine's is praying for you. Come and join the celebrations, times of reflection, get connected and find out more about our life together. Whether you are exploring faith, seeking support, or simply looking for a warm and welcoming place to be, there is space here for everyone. We try hard to be a community where God’s love is shared and celebrated amongst all ages.
God bless you and have a peaceful and joyful Christmas filled with many moments that are calm and bright!
Church Services
Our Advent & Christmas services are listed here. Our general pattern of worship will continue alongside the additional Advent/Christmas services.
Sunday 1st December | Christingle | 4pm | St Barnabas Church
Join in with this special Advent celebration, popular with families. We are exploring the good news of Jesus as the light of the world – and making a VERY big Christingle orange together.
Sunday 8th December | Blessing of the Graves | 1pm | St Katharine's Matson
This gentle service will begin in church at 1pm and include prayers, a reading from the bible and hymns - offering a time of reflection and comfort. After the service (approx 1:30pm), we will proceed outside to bless individual graves, gravestones and memorial plaques. All are welcome to attend the service in church, the graveside blessing or both. Please dress for the weather as we will be outside for part of the service. You are welcome to bring flowers to lay on the graves or we will provide a small selection of winter foliage for you to use. If you are unable to attend but would like a loved one's grave blessed, please contact Revd Catherine on office@stbg.uk and she will ensure their grave is included in the blessings.
Sunday 15th December | Children and Youth Ministry Nativity Worship | 10:30am | St Barnabas Church Halls
Our children and youth are leading us in a family friendly telling of the Christmas story.
Sunday 22nd December | Carol Service | 10am | St Katharine's Matson
Join us for a traditional Christmas Carol Service with beautiful readings and carols celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth. We hear the Christmas story told through Scripture and song, with timeless carols and Bible readings that remind us of the hope and wonder of this season.
Sunday 22nd December | Candlelight Carols | 6pm | St Barnabas Church
Join us for a traditional Christmas Carol Service with beautiful readings and carols celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth. We hear the Christmas story told through Scripture and song, with timeless carols and Bible readings that remind us of the hope and wonder of this season.
Tuesday 24th December | Crib Service | 3:00pm at St Katharine's Matson & 4:30pm at St Barnabas Church
Come along for a fun and interactive Family Crib Service, where everyone can take part in telling the story of Jesus' birth! Dress up as an angel, shepherd, wise person, or even Mary or Joseph! Through carols, storytelling, and costumes, we’ll celebrate the wonder of Jesus coming into the world. A joyful and engaging service for all ages—bring your family, friends, and festive spirit!
Tuesday 24th December | First Communion of Christmas | 11pm | St Barnabas Church
A beautiful and reflective service on Christmas Eve at 11pm. As we gather in the stillness of the night, we will celebrate the birth of Christ with Holy Communion, traditional carols, and Scripture readings. Come and share in the peace and wonder of this holy night as we rejoice in the coming of our Saviour.
Wednesday 25th December | Simple Communion on Christmas Morning | 10am | St Barnabas Church and St Katharine's Matson.
Celebrate the joy of Christmas morning with a Simple Communion and Carols service. Sing some favourite carols and the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. All are welcome!
Community Events
Saturday 23rd November | Make Your Own Chocolate Advent Calendar! | 10:30am | St Barnabas Church Halls
More information coming soon!
Saturday 30th November | Christmas Tree Festival | 11:00am-3:00pm | St Barnabas Church Halls
This year, St Barnabas is running a Christmas Tree Festival that will be open 11:00am-3:00pm alongside the church fair. We have invited local businesses and regular users of the church halls to decorate their own tree to represent their business/group. This will run along side the Christmas Fair. If you are a local business/group and would like to take part, download the application form below to find out more information.
Saturday 30th November | Christmas Fair | 11:00am-3:00pm | St Barnabas Church Halls
The St Barnabas Christmas Fair is taking place in the Church Halls. Stalls will be available in our largest hall (The Lambert Hall) and children's games and activities will be in the Martin Hall. We are also running a tuck shop and tombola!
Saturday 21st December | Carol Singing for Caring Communities | 2:00pm | Meet at St Barnabas Church
All are welcome to come carol singing in our local care homes in Tuffley. We will be meeting at 2:00pm at St Barnabas Church and will walk together to the homes. No rehearsals and no need to bring anything other than some Christmas cheer!