The Epiphany Carol Service
Welcome to St Gabriel’s for our first Epiphany Carol Service. At the beginning of the Church the Epiphany was one of our most important celebrations, more important than Christmas. Our worship this evening helps us take part in that great tradition with its focus on the three elements of the season; the visit of the Wisemen, the Baptism of the Lord, the turning of water into wine at the wedding of Cana. The visit of the Wisemen is the first time Jesus is shown (‘Epiphany’) to be God and man. His baptism is when He is consecrated as Messiah and the Kingdom of God is begun. And the miracle at Cana is the first of His Signs in St John’s Gospel which mark that the Word lived amongst us and we beheld His glory. Tonight’s service continues our Christmas Appeal. Since 2022 we have supported humanitarian aid in the Ukraine. The war has possibly claimed 400,000 Ukrainian soldiers, killed or injured, 790,000 Russian soldiers, killed or injured, and 14,000 Ukrainian civilians killed. Ten million people have been displaced and many are without access to food, water and electricity. More than six million have fled the country, leaving behind everything they've ever known - often including their loved ones. Homes, hospitals and schools continue to be damaged, forcing further evacuations. The Red Cross has provided Healthcare and psychosocial support, Door to-door welfare checks distributing blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits and food parcels in hard-hit communities, Safe and dignified accommodation, and power for vital services (more than 870 generators have been delivered to support 35 railway stations, 20 hospitals, two water utilities and numerous community centres). St Gabriel’s will support this work by giving half the money we raise at our Carol Services to the Red Cross (this will allow us to cover some, but not all, of our costs). You can support this work by donating through our collection or via https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
Please give generously. And this night’s service is followed by a Supper to which all are invited. Fr Owen
The Epiphany Carol Service
Tuesday 6th January 2026, 7.30 p.m.
Followed by Supper