Welcome to St.Nick’s for Sunday 4th and 11th January 2026
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
Christmas is a very special time. Beyond the presents and decorations, what people treasure most is being with the ones they love. Even in a world full of shopping and busyness, what truly matters is the value of life — something we see most clearly at moments of birth and death. Both appear in our Gospel reading today.
On Sunday 31 August 1997, a young minister woke up to the shocking news that Princess Diana had died in a car crash. That same morning, a family was coming to church to have their baby daughter baptized. The minister realised he couldn’t use the sermon he had prepared. He quietly prayed, “Lord, help!” And God did help, giving him the right words for a day that held both joy and deep sadness. After baptizing the baby, and with her parents’ permission, he held her for a moment and invited the congregation to think about the value of life — shown in the birth of this precious child and the death of the much‑loved Princess. The church fell completely silent.
Today’s Gospel reading invites us to reflect in the same way on the value of life — shown in the baby Jesus and in the children who were killed by Herod’s orders. Matthew didn’t have to include the stories of the escape to Egypt or the killing of the innocent children; they aren’t in the other Gospels. But by telling them, he reminds us of those who suffer even during the festive season, including families who have lost children to violence.
So it is right that, in the middle of our celebrations, we pause to remember those whose lives are hard or dangerous, those who are grieving for their children today. Throughout Advent, we heard that the child to be born would be called Emmanuel — meaning “God is with us.” Today we remember that Emmanuel was a refugee, that God knows what it is like to be homeless, and that God truly cares. The story of Jesus being taken to and from Egypt echoes the story of the Exodus. In both stories, innocent children die, but in both stories God comes to save and rescue his people.
When Princess Catherine finished her cancer treatment, she spoke about what she had learned. She said the journey through cancer is frightening and unpredictable, especially for loved ones. It forces you to face your own weaknesses and gives you a new way of seeing life. She said it reminded her and William to be grateful for the simple but important things we often take for granted — like loving and being loved. She ended with words that fit beautifully with Christmas and with our Gospel reading: “Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
This Christmas, may we give thanks for the gift of life and do all we can to protect others, just as Mary and Joseph protected their precious child — the child born to be the Saviour of all.
Alison Mills
ALM and Churchwarden
Tuesday 6th January, 7pm Taize evening Prayer
Join us for our next Taizé evening worship at the church. This candlelit service is simple, meditative, and designed to create a peaceful atmosphere. We’ll have Bible readings, prayers, reflections, and beautiful chants Refreshments will be served after the service #Everyone is welcome!
Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
We will hold our usual Wednesday Holy Communion every Wednesday at 10.30am.This service will continue weekly in the new year with our friends Rev Josh Gaskell or Rev Mark Hewerdine.
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments
Sunday 4th January
To celebrate Christmas 2 and the Feast of the Epiphany we will welcome back our dear friend Rev Mark Hewerdine to preside and preach at our 10.30am service. Music will be provided by our new organist, Christian Fields with readings and prayers from the St. Nick’s team. #Everyone is welcome #rRefreshments
Sunday 11th January
To celebrate the first Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ, we will welcome another dear friend of St.Nick’s Rev Josh Gaskell to preside and preach on Sunday 11th January. With music from Christian Fields, prayers and readings by members of St.Nick’s team. 
