From strikes, to heat banks and the war in Ukraine - the Christmas messages from our bishops
Bishops across the West Country have been sharing their Christmas messages
Last updated 24th Dec 2022
The ongoing wave of strikes - and stories of conflict in Ukraine - make this year's Christmas message from the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
Earlier this week, Michael Beasley and his wife Lizzie, welcomed Ukrainian and local host families to the Palace Chapel in Wells to mark the Orthodox festival of St Nicholas.
Around 90 Ukrainians, including many children, gathered into the chapel for Vespers (in both English and Slavonic) led by Father Richard and Mother Sarah of Bath Orthodox Church.
Bishop Michael said: “It was a privilege to welcome our Ukrainian guests here on Monday and to hear something of their stories and situations. Their coming was a blessing to us and we were thrilled that they were able to join us.”
The Bishop of Exeter Robert Atwell has delivered his Christmas message from St Disen’s church, in Bradninch, near Cullompton where every Wednesday it is offering a warm welcome space in its community hall between 9am and 3pm.
He said: "The volunteer team serves home-made soup, hot drinks and cake. There is free Wi-Fi, magazines and books to read and the opportunity to chat with others or just enjoy a bit of peace and quiet in a warm environment.
"One of the local church ministers tells me that people are coming in the morning and staying until it closes. She said it has been wonderful getting to know new people in the community.
"I know of another church which is handing out hot water bottles to keep people warm during services and another which has raised money to give vouchers for the local food shop for people struggling to make ends meet."
The Bishop of Plymouth will spend Christmas Day with inmates in Dartmoor prison. Reverend James Grier says he'll also be thinking about those struggling with the rising cost-of-living.
The says this year, he hopes we'll rediscover the "really important" things about Christmas and says being together is more important than the presents we get... and we'll always remember the people we're with