Host the Holy Family This Advent!
This Christmas, a very special journey is taking place across our Benefice. Small, knitted figures of Mary, Joseph, and their donkey will be travelling from household to household across Silsoe, Flitton, Greenfield, Wardhedges and Pulloxhill, reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s original journey to Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.
The journey begins on Advent Sunday (29th November), with the Holy Family staying in a different home each night before arriving at church on Christmas Eve.
Would You Like to Host Them for a Night?
Everyone is welcome to take part—adults, children, families, and households of all ages! You can sign up to host the knitted Holy Family for one night between 30th November and 23rd December.
How It Works:
Arrival at Your Home: Mary, Joseph, and the donkey will be delivered to your home on the day of your stay in a weatherproof bag. If you aren’t at home, they can be left safely on your doorstep.
What’s Inside the Bag: During their stay, you’ll find:
An Advent candle to light (with an adult responsible for this)
A Christmas story to read together
A prayer to pray
Lots of knitted sheep! (Children can keep one or bring it to church on Christmas Eve).
Handover to the Next Household: The following day, you will pass the Holy Family on to the next host. If possible, we encourage you to meet the next family or person when handing them over, and you are very welcome to share refreshments together if you have time!
Arriving at Church on Christmas Eve: At the end of their journey, bring the Holy Family with you to whichever Christmas Eve service you attend:
Flitton: 10:30am
Silsoe: 3:00pm
Pulloxhill: 5:00pm
How to Sign Up
If you have a particular date in mind or would like to hand them on to a specific neighbour or friend, please let us know when you sign up and we will do our best to arrange the rota accordingly.
To reserve your night, please contact Rev Olivia:
Email: revliv@3churches.uk Phone: 01525 657000 WhatsApp: 07721 928955
Note on Privacy: For GDPR and confidentiality, contact information and participant lists will be held solely by Rev Olivia. With your permission, she will connect you with the hosts directly before and after your date.