Tag Archives: epiphany

Services in the Langtons – Winter 2026

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January & February 2026

Welcome to the season of Epiphany – The time that marks the visit of the Wise Men or Magi to the infant Jesus.

What is Epiphany?

Epiphany is the Christian feast on January 6th (or 19th for some Orthodox) marking the manifestation of Jesus to the world, primarily celebrated as the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to the Christ child. Epiphany also commemorates his baptism and the miracle at Cana, signifying his divinity to Gentiles. The word means “revelation,” and in secular use, it refers to a sudden, insightful realisation. Celebrations include Three Kings’ Day festivities, water blessings (Theophany), and removing Christmas decorations, symbolizing the revelation of Christ’s glory. Generally, it occurs on the Twelfth Day – 6th January.

The Three Kings

Although we often think of three kings, their number isn’t actually mentioned in the Gospel accounts. They are described as ‘wise men’; astronomers and astrologers ‘from the East’. Again, we don’t know from where exactly. They had noticed a phenomenon in the night sky – an unusually bright star, which they interpreted as the sign of a newborn king of the Jews. These men felt compelled to travel many miles (possibly on the Silk Roads) to find this child so they could present gifts to honour his status and significance. They brought three special and expensive gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh – all marking the baby’s status, in life and eventually, in death.

Worship rota for January / February

Our services for this period of Christmas, which lasts until Candlemass at the start of February – The rota is shown below, or download here.

Download Rota shown below

Worship rota for January-Feb2026Download

Key: H.C. – Holy Communion AAW – All Age Worship

JANUARY

11th      Church Langton          H.C. 11:00am                          Martin Hathaway

18th      Tur Langton                AAW 11:00am                    Maxine Johnson

25th      Church Langton           H.C. 11:00am                          Martin Hathaway

FEBRUARY

1st        Thorpe Langton          Candlemass H.C. 6.00pm        Martin Hathaway

8th        Church Langton          H.C. 11:00am                          Martin Hathaway

15th      Tur Langton                 H.C. 11:00am                          Martin Hathaway

22nd     Church Langton          H.C. 11:00am                          Martin Hathaway

Winter view of St Peter's Church Langton. The building is silhouetted against the setting sun, with a snow lined ploughed field in the foreground. The furrows lead to the church in a single point perspective
Winter sunset, St Peter’s Church – Photo by Peter Thompson

Launde Deanery Minster Community Worship is found here for services in villages across our area.

Click here for Services and tojoin on Zoom if you aren’t able to come in person.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Sunday Worship

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Holy Communion Service – Sunday 23rd February

Today’s Collect Prayer

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.

Today is the Second Sunday before Lent – (See our last Sunday worship post) It was lovely to see everyone turn out on what was another cold, grey February morning – Signs of Spring coming though and still the cheerful greeting of the snowdrops by the gate.

Snowdrops is a watercolour pen drawing by Maxine Dodd artist. The image shows simple outlines of the snowdrop flowers against the white background of the paper. Flowers are shaded lightly in pale blue wash and the leaves in warm apple green
‘Snowdrops’ by Maxine Dodd

Themes and thoughts

The first reading came from the first book of the Bible – Genesis, Chapter 2: 7, which tells of the creation of man and how he planted a garden in the east

“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being”

“Every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”.

Breathe on me

Following this reading, we sang ‘Breathe on Me, Breath of God’ with words by Edwin Hatch, which tell’s of God’s breath of new life, after repentance and redemption.

‘Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.

The second reading came from Luke’s Gospel and spoke of the women who formed part of Jesus’s group of supporters – the twelve disciples and these women, who used their own money to fund Jesus’s mission.

Luke, Chapter 8 ‘Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Mag′dalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Jo-an′na, the wife of Chu′za, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Thoughts and reflections on the importance of these women and women’s ministry – How Jesus included women in his work throughout his life – and how sad that the church has excluded them over time. Women’s contribution is essential and vital – yet time after time, culture after culture, they are demeaned and oppressed.

Prayers

The intercessions were said and we prayed for women and girls – those who live with oppression and are silenced, denied education and even simple fun that other children enjoy. We prayed for our world leaders and the momentous week of talks and meetings in the week to come.

St Peter's Church High Altar Window which shows the Deposition of Christ from the Cross and the women who tended him, including Mary, his Mother and Mary Magdalene
St Peter’s High Altar Window, which shows the Deposition of Christ and the women who tended him, including Mary, his mother and Mary Magdalene

Coffee and warm up afterwards

We followed the service with a good cup of hot coffee and tea – with warming ginger biscuits and a chat and catch up on the weekend’s rugby and football. Thanks to our service team for a warm and thought provoking service.

Lent 2025

Ash Wednesday – 5th March and this year’s Lent course which begins on 11th March were announced and details will be published here shortly.

Donations

Donations can be made to St Peter’s at any time from the secure payment site here. Donations go towards maintenance of the building, day to day service bills and supports our work in our small community. Donations can be made as one-offs or regular payments.

We thank you for your kind and continued support.

Donate to St Peter’s Church

Sunday Worship

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Holy Communion Service – Sunday 9th February

Today’s Collect Prayer

O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Today is the fifth Sunday of the season of Epiphany – (See our last worship post) and fourth before the season of Lent. The first hymn we sang, ‘My Song is Love Unknown’ looks towards the Passion of Christ and Easter.

It was lovely to see everyone turn out on what was frankly a cold and grey February morning. The little group of snowdrops which grow beside the path gave a bright greeting.

Themes and thoughts

The theme of the service was Christ as the Living Water and the readings and talk reflected this. The Gospel reading was John 8:1-11 and the Old Testament was Jeremiah 17:13

A reflection on the theme of the Living Water, Jesus’s challenge to the authorities – which could only lead to the Cross – and his bravery by following that path.

Prayers from the Prayer Tree

The intercessions were said and the children’s prayers from the Prayer Tree were offered – The tree’s branches are ready for new prayers – drop in at any time and add yours.

St Peter's Prayer Tree
St Peter’s Prayer Tree

Coffee and warm up afterwards

We followed the service with a good cup of hot coffee and tea – with warming ginger biscuits and a chat and catch up on the weekend’s rugby and football. Thanks to our service team for a warm and thought provoking service.

Donations can be made to St Peter’s at any time from the secure payment site here. Donations go towards maintenance of the building, day to day service bills and supports our work in our small community. Donations can be made as one-offs or regular payments.

We thank you for your kind and continued support.

Donate to St Peter’s Church