St Nicholas Church
Welcome to our 12th Century church on Thorney Island in Chichester Harbour
We are now in the season of Epiphany which began on January 6th.
The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘manifestation’ or ‘appearance’, and the Feast of the Epiphany marks the recognition of the new born Jesus by the world.
Later, the Church remembers the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist, when a voice from heaven declares Jesus to be God’s beloved Son.
The season of Epiphany ends with the Feast of the Presentation. Jesus is brought to the Temple by his parents according to the law of Israel. There, he is recognised by Simeon, who declares him to be
‘a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel’. The traditional service for this feast includes a procession of candles, and so it is often known as Candlemas.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We light a candle as a symbol of your love and warmth and hope. You turn our darkness into light, in your light shall we see light.
Remembering our friend Andy Walkley
Our congregation was deeply saddened at the loss of our friend Andy Walkley.
Andy led the way in overseeing significant renovations to the church, the development of this site and the installation of our exhibition which you can enjoy online and in the church itself.
His dedication to the church community has not only preserved the history of the Church, but ensured that the worshipping life of the Church can continue.
For all of us who knew Andy his loss has been a deep shock and sadness, but we also give thanks for his life and the legacy he leaves.
