St Martin-in-the-Fields church in central London is to broadcast a national online service to mark the start of Advent this weekend as the nation prepares for a Christmas ‘like no other’ amid the coronavirus pandemic.

#FollowTheStar was the Church of England’s and Archbishops’ Advent and Christmas campaign. It was fantastic to see so many churches use the resources to encourage attendance and share the good news of Jesus Christ at this important moment in the year. 

FEATURE / Find out more about the special #FollowTheStar features on A Church Near You. 

Hundreds of children at church school given innovative boxes complete with craft activities for Advent and Christmas. 

FEATURE / Jon Miles, Director of Church Urban Fund’s Together programme, writes about how the Advent Sleepout Challenge is providing crucial funding for the charity’s work on homelessness.

The Church of England’s Worship at Home for the fourth Sunday of Advent reflects on the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic of those suffering from illness, bereavement and mental health setbacks.

FEATURE / Ideas on how your church can become a star church for this year's #FollowTheStar campaign.

FEATURE / A huge thank you to dioceses and local churches across England and the Diocese in Europe for getting involved in #GodWithUs and bringing the Advent and Christmas journey to millions of people. We really appreciate the feedback given in the run up to the campaign and your help in shaping and sharing it.

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has welcomed guidance from the Government permitting outdoor singing for places of worship in all tiers in England from 2nd December.  

FEATURE / We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the new A Church Near You today – find a local church or share your weekly and seasonal services at the click of a button with the new design, features and easy-to-use editing experience.