News & Events - Weekly Notices

Next Junior Church

Sunday 18 January 2026

Join us during the 10:15am Sunday Mass in the children's area for adult-led stories and crafts linked to the Church Year.

From January 2026, Junior Church will take place every Sunday during term time, except on All Age Mass weeks.

Epiphany Carol Service

Sunday 18 January at 4.00pm

The third in our series of Carol Services explores the themes of the Epiphany season and marks the conclusion of our festive observances. Epiphany celebrates the appearance of God’s glory in the world through the birth of Jesus, our Emmanuel, and the revelation of the Incarnation to the Gentiles and to all creation. Observed since the 3rd century on 6 January, it is celebrated in both East and West in various rich traditions. In the Western Church, emphasis rests on the nativity and the recognition of Christ’s kingship in the visit of the Magi with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This revelation is echoed in Simeon’s words in the Nunc Dimittis at the Presentation in the Temple (2 February), which marks the close of the Epiphany season. The Greek word epiphany means ‘appearance’ or ‘manifestation’, and refers to the unveiling of Jesus as more than teacher or moral guide, but truly God made man, the Word made flesh. Simeon proclaims him ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’, and Jesus later names himself ‘the Light of the World.’

The symbolism of light permeates this season and our service: Christ calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light, that we may recognise his divine imprint in all creation and respect every person made in the image of God. Please do join us. Refreshments afterwards in the parish centre. 

The Conversion of St Paul

Sunday 25 January 2026

This year the feast of the Conversion of St Paul falls on a Sunday. We recall the dramatic ‘Damascus Road’ encounter through which Saul – formerly an opponent of the Church – was transformed into Paul, apostle and evangelist. As we celebrate his conversion and wholehearted turning to Christ, we ask what within us needs to change so that we may be committed disciples, fulfilling our spiritual potential.

This feast also marks the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Week began in 1908 as the ‘Octave of Christian Unity’, founded by Fr Paul Wattson. In the 1930s it gained support from the Faith and Order Movement, and since 1968 it has been jointly promoted by the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. It invites Christians of every tradition to join in prayer that all may be one, as Christ himself prayed, and we remember in particular the people of Kingsley Park Methodist Church and St Gregory’s Roman Catholic Church with whom we have particular connection.

Candlemas – Date for your diary

Monday 2 February 2026 at 7:30pm

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, falls forty days after Christmas, on Monday 2 February 2026. This feast marks a turning point, as we take one last look back to the Christmas crib and begin to look forward toward Holy Week. In accordance with Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple with an offering of two doves, their modest means. Into this ordinary moment steps Simeon, a devout man awaiting the Messiah. In this encounter another Epiphany takes place: Jesus is revealed as light for both Jews and Gentiles, though not without destined opposition.

On Candlemas we rejoice in the light of Christ, the light that scatters the darkness of sin and death and leads us to eternal life. May we place our lives in that light each day and live by it. 

Information Quick Links

Fundraising

Find out what charities St Matthew's will be supporting throughout the year. Take me there...

Weekly Notices

Take a look at this week's weekly notice. Read More...

Parish News

Read the latest parish news at St Matthew's Church. Read More...

St Matthew's Monthly Magazine

Packed full of information about activities and events taking place at or around the church. Download...

Join our Mailing List

To receive our email newsletter regarding the latest news and upcoming events at St Matthew's, kindly provide us with your name and email address below. By opting in and subscribing, you'll stay informed about our community, special services, insightful articles, and other valuable content.

Connect with us

Please show your support by following and subscribing to our church and choir social media channels, where you can find inspiring content, updates on our events and services, live streamed services, and uplifting messages.

Church Contact & Social Media

Choir Contact & Social Media