Special Events
Christmas
Christmas is a highlight with traditional Carol services including at Blackham Church, a Nativity/Christingle Service, a Real Nativity outside The Rectory with animals, Christmas Eve Crib Service and Midnight Communion, and Christmas Day when over 250 people usually attend.
Easter
At Easter, apart from a service on Easter Day, there is a service of reflection with music and readings on Good Friday for an hour. We also hold a Passover Meal at The Rectory.
Harvest
Harvest Festival is usually on the third Sunday in September at Withyham Church and an evening service at Blackham Church a week or two later. There is also a Harvest lunch/supper in the Kings' Hall.
Remembrance
On Remembrance Sunday there is a service at Withyham Church at 10.55am and an Act of Remembrance by the Lych Gate at Blackham Church at 12.30pm.
Other Special Services
Other special services include Plough Sunday Service (held in January), Mothering Sunday service (4th Sunday in Lent) and a Rogation Service (outside in May). During Flower Festivals (August Bank Holiday) a ‘Songs of Praise’ service has been held. Photos below from the Flower Festival 2021.
Bellringers
Withyham Church has an impressive eight bells, six of which are over 200 years old.Â
A group of ringers, drawn from the local area, ring at certain Sunday services and major festivals, as well as at weddings. Normally six bells are rung.
Julie Richardson is the Tower Captain.
Church Choir
Withyham is fortunate to have a Church Choir. Having a choir means that Sung Eucharist, Matins and Evensong can all be sung. There are c. 15 members of whom 8-12 are often present on a Sunday morning, with some members returning in the evening. The Choir is led by our principal organist Sue Stone.Â
Peter Ellefsen is our assistant organist and Bob Plessey plays at the Family Services.
Choir Practice is usually on Thursday evenings.
