Church News & Services – November and December 2026
News and service times from churches across The Chimes villages, including Remembrance, Advent and Christmas.
From the Rector
In September, we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Rev. David Howell’s arrival in the Benefice. The Bells of Weston were rung in recognition of the occasion, followed by an afternoon celebration at the Village Hall. A poem, “A Special Invitation”, was written to mark the anniversary and thank David for his ten years of ministry, friendship and support.
A Special Invitation
For ten wonderful years, you’ve been our Vicar, Our guide, our friend, our faithful inspirer. Through weddings and blessings, prayers and song, You’ve been there to help us all along.
So now, dear Vicar, the bells will ring, A special tribute, just for you, we’ll bring. With every chime and every peal, We hope you’ll know how much we feel.
At 2.15pm, please come and hear, The bells ring out to celebrate you this year. A special dedicated ringing, especially for you, To mark ten wonderful years of all that you do.
But please don’t leave when the ringing is through, For we have another surprise waiting for you! At 3 o’clock, the Village Hall will be the place, With friends gathered there to greet you with grace.
There’ll be laughter, memories, friendship, and cheer, As we celebrate your wonderful ten years. So Vicar, please join us - we hope you’ll agree, For this special celebration, with all of us, happily!
First, hear the bells ring at 2.15 on the day, Then join us at 3pm, for a celebration our way. The bells will ring, the welcome is true, And this special celebration is all for you!
Church Services – November 2026
Sunday 1 November – All Saints’ Day
• Aston Ingham — Evensong, 4.30pm
• Lea — Family Communion, 9.30am
• Linton — Remembering Service, 5pm (benefice timetable; parish notice gives 5.30pm — please confirm)
• Upton Bishop — All Age Worship, 11am; Remembering Service, 4pm
Sunday 8 November – Remembrance Sunday
• Aston Ingham — Remembrance Service, 10.50am
• Lea — Remembrance Service, 10.50am
• Linton — Remembrance Service, 10.50am
• Upton Bishop — Remembrance Service, 10.50am
• Christ Church Gorsley — Remembrance Service, 10.30am
Sunday 15 November
• Aston Ingham — Village Praise, 10.30am
• Lea — Parish Communion, 9.30am
• Linton — Bible Book Club, 10.30am
• Upton Bishop — Sung Parish Communion, 11am
Sunday 22 November – Christ the King
• Aston Ingham — Parish Communion, 10.30am
• Lea — Children’s Church, 10am
• Linton — Holy Communion, 11am
• Upton Bishop — Mattins (1662 BCP), 11am
Sunday 29 November – Advent Sunday
• Upton Bishop — Ariconium Benefice Advent Service, 10.30am
• Lea — Advent Carol Service, 6pm
• Christ Church Gorsley — Café Church, 10.30am
December 2026 – Christmas Services and Dates
The following December dates were announced in the November edition of The Chimes.
This is not a complete December Sunday-service timetable.
Sunday 13 December
• Upton Bishop — Christmas Carol Service, 4pm
Wednesday 16 December
• Aston Ingham — Carol Service, 6.30pm; followed by mulled wine and mince pies
Saturday 19 December
• Christ Church Gorsley — Carol Service, 4pm; carols and readings followed by refreshments
Sunday 20 December
• Lea — Carol Service, 6pm
• Linton — Carol Service, 5.30pm
Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve
• Linton — Crib Service, 4pm
• Lea — Midnight Communion, 11.30pm
Friday 25 December – Christmas Day
• Aston Ingham — Parish Communion, 10.30am
• Linton — Christmas Communion Service, 11am
• Upton Bishop — Christmas Day Communion, 9.30am
Regular worship and contacts
Gorsley Baptist Church welcomes visitors to its Sunday service at 10.30am, with separate children’s and youth activities. Website: www.gorsleybaptist.church | Telephone: 01989 720312.
Rector: Rev. David Howell | 07903 790049 | revdavidhowell@icloud.com. Friday is his day off.
