Nine Lessons and Carols


Monday 18th December 6.30pm in Church

Our Nine Lessons and Carols Service will once again take us on the journey from God’s marvellous creation through to the birth of the Christ child.  It is always a wonderful way to start Christmas.   There will be refreshments afterwards.   Do come and bring your friend’s

Advent Course Joint with St John’s


Joint Advent course with St John’s Ellel, each Wednesday evening in Advent from 7.30pm to 9pm. 6th December it is in Forton at St James. We will be using the Archbishop of York’s Advent Book “Stick with Love”
You don’t need the book to take part but if you would like to order a copy you can get them, like most things, from ‘all good book shops’. Amazon has them on sale.

Advent Notice Sheet

Light Switch On – Friday 1st December 6.30pm in the Village
Switch on of Forton Christmas lights with the Forton Light Orchestra, Father Christmas. Rudolph hopes to be with us because he loves joining in the refreshments in the Village Hall after the switch on.
If you are able to donate cakes for the refreshments please see Margaret Humphreys, Hilda Dugdale or Jean Oliver

Men’s Breakfast – Saturday 2 December 8.30 to 9.20 in the Upper Room Slightly earlier finish to accommodate the Angel Festival…


Angel Festival – Saturday 3rd/Sunday 4th December 11-4pm
Please let Louise or Ruth know what angels you will be bringing and if you are able to help set up. If you are able to help on either day please put your name on the list at the back of church.
Please advertise it widely by taking a poster, posting on social media, telling your friends and neighbours,
bringing people along.
If you are able to provide some cakes etc for refreshments please see Susan and items for the tombola Jean

Over 50s Christmas Lunch – Tuesday 28th November 12 –3
Shireshead Cricket Club More information see Jean Oliver


Ladies Link – Wednesday 6th December 10.30 -2.30 Upper Room
Further details Jean or Hilda

Advent Course Joint with St John’s – Starts this Wednesday 29th November
The journey to reuniting the parish with St John’s Ellel is on track for just after Easter. To help us get to know some of our friends at St John’s we are having a joint Advent course each Wednesday evening in Advent from 7.30pm to 9pm They will alternate between St John’s and St James 29th Nov /13th Dec St Johns 6th/20th Dec St James. We will be using the Archbishop of York’s Advent Book “Stick with Love”
You don’t need the book to take part but if you would like to order a copy you can get them, like most things, from Amazon– other independent retailers are available. Our friends at St John’s are aware that on the 13th December many of us may be at Hay Carr.


Musical evenings
Thanks to the generosity of Kath Walling, and Katie and Matt at Hay Carr we have been invited to sing carols and share in refreshments on two dates in December.
For many years after the Carol service people congregated at Hornby Farm for refreshments. This year we are invited to sing carols and share refreshments on Sunday 10th December 4pm—6pm Just turn up or let Kath know you are coming.
Many years ago carol singing at Hay Carr was part of the December calendar at St James. Katie and Matt have invited members of the congregation, spouses, partners, husband’s/wife’s to sing carols and share refreshments on Wednesday
13th December 7 for 7.30pm
. They would like some idea of numbers so there is a list at the back of church for you to add your name and the number of your family you will be bringing with you.


Since 2017 the MU have been hosting an annual gin evening open to all, men and women. Last year was so successful some could not remember how good it had been the morning after! Keep the date Thursday 14th December 7.30pm
Upper Room It will be a night to remember ………..eventually

ANGEL FESTIVAL

We are pleased to announce that the annual Angel Festival will take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December 11am-4pm each day. Entry is free with refreshments available. Look out for angels around the village.

Angel Competition for Children with prizes sponsored by Hugo’s (Ice Cream, Cafe, and Soft Play). Make a Hugo’s inspired angel, no larger than 30cm x 30cm. Paint, draw, collage, sew, 3D model or use any creative way to form your angel. Remember to put your name and contact number with your entry. Drop your entry off at the church, Hugo’s, Forton school or Forton Post Office by 4pm on Tuesday 28tyh November 2023.

You can watch our services on Facebook

Our 10am Sunday Morning Worship is broadcast live on Facebook.

You can watch live or on catch up. You can send feedback and join our growing online congregation. Further details please see our St. James Church, Shireshead, Forton Facebook page.

Nine Lessons and Carols

7pm Monday 19th December join us for our traditional Nine Lessons and Carol service.

Christmas Eve – Crib service 5pm bring a football scarf or scarf

Midnight Mass – 11:30pm

Christmas Day – 10am bring a present

St. James, Shireshead

Weekly Communion Service, all welcome.

We meet every Sunday at 10am. St James church is located on Whinney Brow Lane, Forton just off the A6. We are a village church serving the rural parish of Forton and Shireshead.

We run a modest foodbank. We run several groups including a Sunday School, Mother’s Union and Men’s Breakfast. Our choir joins up with other choral groups for larger celebrations. The village of Forton is growing and residents old and new will find an open door and a warm welcome.

For those unable to attend, weekly services are live streamed on our Facebook page. Seach StJames, church, Forton or follow the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/stjameschurchforton/

Parish Mission Statement

Growing in faith and love
Engaging with our community
Guided by the power of the Holy Spirit

We look forward to seeing you soon.