Dear Friends,
As we enter this new time of national lockdown, I am aware that it is full of different emotions and messages. Our approach as a church, is one of calmness in the storm, hopeful and secure in our God. As the situation moves forward, we are always endeavouring to adapt and change, to the needs and guidance that there is. We are a living, praying community.
So with lots of different information flying around, let me just clarify how we are moving forward at this time.
While we are grateful that the government has allowed places of worship to open, after careful consideration and prayer, with the increase in the ‘R’ rate being significant in the areas around us, and pressure on our NHS, in line with the guidance from our Bishop, and other guidance, the PCC have decided to hold a live stream service only at this time and not ‘in person’. We feel that this is the safest thing to do for our community and to play our part at this time.
Sundays at 10.30, there will be our live stream service and we encourage you to join in with us from home. I am excited about our new series from the book of Philippians, and I encourage you to take a chance to have a read through it.

• Youth and Children’s ministry will be online.
• Friday Prayers at 10.00am start again this week.
• The Bible course is starting in Life Groups or if you would like to join the course, do contact the office.
• The Alpha Course starts Monday 25th January
• The Bereavement Journey starts 2nd of February
• For those who find it harder to connect online: Daily Hope is available on 0800 804 8044, a selection of readings, hymns and prayers.
• Our next 24-hour day of prayer and fasting is on Wednesday 13th January
• CAP is available on 0800 328006

While not everything is the same as March, we are aware that some may be finding themselves in need or just need a friendly voice on the phone to pray with them. We are here and please do contact us via the church office (e-mail or phone).
It is great to hear stories of where you are reaching out to each other at this time, and can I encourage you to keep continuing to do so.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13: these three remain, faith, hope and love. Let us continue to love each other, our neighbour and to be rooted and steadfast in prayer, sharing the hope that we have.

Please continue to check out our website, e-mail and Facebook for the latest updates and subscribe to our YouTube Channel ‘Christ Church Ware’ to receive all the latest videos.
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With my prayers for you all,
John.

Dear Friends,
We  hope that you enjoyed the Carol Service last night, a huge thank you to all who have taken part and put it together, it was an amazing team effort. Thank you also for the words of encouragement that we have been receiving in the office. if you missed it or want to watch it again it can be found HERE.

Our anytime Nativity Trail around Ware can be found HERE.  
Why not try and find all the characters on a daily walk and enjoy the story of Christmas?

Thanks to the hard work of our creative team and many members of Christ Church, over this year we are able to have our Children’s Christmas Eve Service online only this year: this can be watched via our Live Stream page, Facebook or YouTube Channel at 4.00pm on Christmas Eve, or on catch up afterwards.

Following the government’s announcement placing Ware into tier 4, we are following all the relevant guidance and will be holding a reduced capacity in person, Christmas Eve Communion at 11.00pm and a Christmas Morning Communion at 10.00am. Entry is via ticket only and you can book a place HERE. Please note you must remain in your household or support bubble in Tier 4 while attending and not mingle. There will also be a reduced capacity ‘in person service’ at 10.30 on Sunday the 27th of December. All services need to be pre booked. If you have already booked tickets to any of our services and are now no longer able to attend, please do contact the office. office@christchurchware.co.uk.

A Christmas Day Service on line at 10.00 am will be available HERE as well as the 27th of December 10.30am.
 
The direct links for on-line Christmas Day and Sunday 27th December are:
25th December 10 am: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baPil6cZfpw 
27th December 10:30 am: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjvTGPugNMU
 
Please do continue to check out our website, email and Facebook pages for all the latest updates, as we continue to review, as all the latest  guidance is updated.
Please do also subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE and enjoy catching up with many of the services and extra videos.

Dear Friends,
I am sure that you are aware of the latest announcements from our prime minister today, about our area going into Tier 4. This will impact us all in many and different ways, including how we connect with Family and loved ones at Christmas.

As a team, we have been planning and preparing to be able to deliver a celebration of Christmas. For God's Light of Hope, is always with us.
Having met with the Wardens earlier this evening, and not knowing the full implications/ guidance of what Tier 4 will mean in practice, we have made the decision for tomorrows services (Sunday 20th December) to be livestream only. These services  10.30am Morning Service and 6.30pm Carol services can be found: www.christchurchware.co.uk/live-stream

This means that there will be no ‘in person services at church’ at 9am, 10.30am or Carol service at 2pm, 4pm, or 6.30pm.
We are really excited about what God is going to do as we gather virtually tomorrow and look forward to you joining us on line.

At our 10.30am live stream service we are delighted to welcome back some of our students who will lead our worship and prayers. www.christchurchware.co.uk/live-stream

We have some amazing items put together for the Carol Service, and you will see many members of our church and community taking part 6.30pm on our live stream. Carol service: https://www.christchurchware.co.uk/live-stream.html

As we receive additional guidance we will keep you updated about our other services this Christmas season, so please do keep checking out our website, e mail, social media or contact the office on 01920 487267 for all the latest information.

Please continue to be praying for us and each other. And may God himself continue to bring His light of hope and comfort to each of us. I look forward to joining with you on line tomorrow.

With my prayers,
John.