What a busy December it was here in North Monmouthshire! Here you’ll find details from events across our Ministry Area and churches as well as a video highlighting just a handful of events from 2025:
Advent Carols
Advent started on Sunday 30th November with a joint Ministry Area Advent carol service at St Nicholas’, Grosmont. It was a beautiful candlelit afternoon service where we were reminded of the hope of Christ’s birth being the light in the darkness.
We were lucky to be joined by the MA Pop-Up Choir led by Philip Norman as well as the Kitchen Singers of Grosmont who sang a powerful rendition of Calon Lan. The first candle of hope was lit on the Advent wreath.
Darkness to Light
The beginning of advent was also marked by a From Darkness to Light service on the Sunday evening at St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey. The service was taken by Jess Graham, one of our Ministry Area Lay Worship Leaders. This special service focussed on the genealogy of Christ and we reflected on the faith and courage shown by His ancestors. The church was gradually filled with candlelight as a reminder to take the Light of Christ out into the world.
Christmas Shoeboxes
Every Advent, the congregation at St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey fill shoeboxes with gifts to be sent across the world for children in poverty. Over 60 boxes were sent as part of Operation Christmas Child, managed by Samaritan’s Purse. Huge thanks to Ann Davies at St Teilo’s who diligently collects and sends these boxes each year – what a tremendous effort. You can find out more about the work of Samaritan’s Purse on their website:
Advent Quiet Day
Dr Kay Howells, MA Minute Secretary and Parishioner of St Michael, Llanvihangel Crucorney writes a thoughtful reflection on the Advent Quiet Day held at Ty Mawr convent:
Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday 5th December saw the lighting of the Christmas Tree both inside and outside at St Michael, Llanvihangel Crucorney. Despite the rainy weather, lots of children from the primary school filled the church (along with some elves too!) to loudly sing some of our favourite carols like O Come all Ye Faithful and Away in a Manger. The children had the chance to hang their special decorations on the tree before heading into the village to meet Santa! It was lovely to see families enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and lots of joy and laughter whilst looking forward to the excitement of Christmas.
Toddler Visit from Father Christmas!
Our Way, the weekly Toddler group at St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey enjoyed a very special visitor before Christmas – a very famous face from Llangattock Lingoed!
Emily Bailey’s toddler group is always looking for new volunteers – we’d love to hear from you!
Carol Services
We held several carol services across our churches which always attract a strong number:
St David, Llanddewi Rhydderch
On the second Sunday of Advent, Father David Williams led his first Christingle Service at St David’s with lots of children enjoying the tradition of dressing their oranges with sweets and raisins and learning all about their symbolism.
St Bridget, Llansantffraed
Another Christingle service was held at St Bridget’s by Father David for the first time in over 30 years. A full church of children enjoyed stripping chocolate and candy canes from the tree as well as a visit from St Nicholas himself who spoilt the children with chocolate coins. This ended with us enjoying tea/coffee and delicious home-baked mince pies- thank you Jean.
St Cadoc, Llangattock Lingoed
On Sunday 14th December, St Cadoc’s, Llangattock Lingoed had their annual carol service joined by the Cantorion Phoenix Choir as well as a very special visitor by sleigh – well, tractor! It is lovely to see our churches still holding such an important place in our rural communities.
Carols Under the Stars
On Monday 22nd December, our Families Pioneer Emily Bailey held Carols under the Stars at St Teilo, Llantilio Crossenny. The churchyard was strung with lights and everyone enjoyed hot chocolate and mulled wine as we sang our favourite festive songs together. We hope this will become a tradition for future years.
Llanvapley Supports Skenfrith
Sunday 21st December saw many carol services across the MA. Each year Llanvapley church support a charity and this year they chose St Bridget’s Church in Skenfrith following the recent floods. The Committee wanted to acknowledge the hard work of the community which allowed the church to reopen so quickly. Pictured Chris Mitchley, trustee of St Bridget’s with Rev’d Heidi Prince.
St David, Llanddewi Skirrid
St David’s, Llanddewi Skirrid were joined by Archdeacon Ian Rees for their Christmas Eve candelit carol service. There was a full church with a mixture of readings, poems and reflections. Ian spoke of the ‘thinness’ of Christmas Eve as a time when heaven meets earth. A very generous £204 of donations was added to the £420 raised for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice.
