Festival Services

Christmas

Christmas time is joyfully celebrated in Effingham with Little Bookham Parish. Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebrations. The run-up to the season begins with an Advent Carol Service.

Our Christmas festivities include a Christingle Service, a Village Carol Service and a ‘Living Nativity’ – when the Christmas Story is re-enacted by an adult cast and live donkeys, using various locations around the village.

On Christmas Eve, we hold a ‘Crib Service’ where children are encouraged to join in the fun of retelling the Christmas Story.
At 11pm, a ‘Midnight Service’ takes place in St Lawrence, Effingham and on Christmas Morning, a Family Service is held at St Lawrence, Effingham.

Mothering Sunday

One of the most popular services during Lent is Mothering Sunday, when we give thanks to all who care for others and distribute flower posies.

Easter

Holy Week and Easter Day are the most important festivals in the Christian calendar. The week begins with Palm Sunday when we process from one church to the other. On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper when he instructed his disciples to remember him when they shared bread and wine. Jesus also taught the important of servanthood by washing his disciples’ feet. At our Maundy Thursday service, we recall that action, as the Rector washes the feet of members of the congregation.

On Good Friday, All Saints hosts services during the time when Christians recall Jesus’ crucifixion.

On alternate years, the ‘Living Easter’ – retelling The Easter Story around the village – takes place on Holy Saturday.

Easter morning begins with a sunrise service and, later in the day, a Family Easter Service takes place with an Easter Egg Hunt.

Annual Memorial Service

Each June, we hold a memorial service for all who have recently been bereaved. During the service, the names of those who have died are read out, and there is an opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of loved ones.

Harvest

Harvest is celebrated over a weekend. We arrange a Community Harvest Supper on the Saturday night and then have a Harvest Festival on the Sunday morning.

See our Church Life galleries

Pet Service

We hold an annual Pet Service in the Autumn, when people are encouraged to bring their pets to church to be blessed. Photos of pets and ‘toy pets’ are also welcome.

Remembrance Sunday

Each year Remembrance Sunday services are held on Remembrance Day in both churches. Local Scouts and Guides join us for the service at St Lawrence, Effingham.

Saints Alive

All Saints Church celebrates its patronal festival with an annual ‘Saints Alive’ Service around All Saints’ Day (the name of the service is not to be confused with our Saints Alive children’s group!).

The service happens after dark and is followed by a bonfire with appropriate refreshments.

View Weekday Services