This nativity scene outside Holy Saviour Church along along with a display of prayers and pictures on the railings marks the more imaginative ways churches are celebrating the religious season with Covid safe Christmas activties.

A lot of churches are having to scale back or have on line services due to Covid restrictions but there is still plenty of festive merriment.

At Holy Saviour Saturday (December 19) from 4pm to 5pm there will be informal family friendly carol singing in the church gardens so why no walk by or join in!

On Christmas Eve enjoy a children’s and parents craft and nativity-Christingle in the church between 4pm and 5pm.

From 11pm to12.30am there will be a family friendly Midnight Mass Service on Christmas Day; 10am to 11.30am.All activities will be socially distanced.

Between 11.30am and 1pm the church will be serving free takeaway hot soup and rolls for all at the church hall doors.

Reverend Catherine Tucker, Vicar of Holy Saviour Church, Croydon and Area Dean of Croydon North said: “We hold together the hope that when Christmas comes it will bring joy and celebration after a uniquely difficult year with an acknowledgement that, for those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods, or who are potentially still not able to be together with loved ones – it may be the part of our church’s role to provide… comfort and joy.”

• The New Year is set to bring a special celebration for St Paul’s Church as it marks its 150th Anniversary Year.

Watch our for more events to mark this special event in the life of Thornton Heath! 

St Paul’s will be holding the First Communion of Christmas by candlelight at 11.15pm on Christmas Eve. This will be both in church and live on Facebook. Please email revd.derrick@gmail if you would like to attend in person as places are limited. Or text or ring him on 07342 923138.

On Christmas Day the church will share an online ‘Christmas Greeting’ at 10.30am for about 15 minutes.

Both events will be on St Paul’s Church, Thornton Heath, Facebook page. There will then be a service on Sunday December 27 at 10.30am with the Epiphany Service (celebrating the arrival of the Wise Men) on January 3 at 10.30am.

• St Albans church is holding a carol concert by candlelight at 4pm on Sunday December 20. On Christmas Eve an 11pm Midnight Mass; and Christmas Day 8am Mass followed by 10am Parish Mass with carols. On New Year’s Eve an 11pm Watch-Night Service. For more info:
www.stalbansouthnorwood.weebly.com