Disappointed church officials in Quadring say the planned Sunday services at St Margaret’s cannot go ahead.
It was hoped roof repairs would be completed on time, but the church will not be ready after all.
Sunday’s 6pm Carols by Candlelight service will now be held at Quadring Church Hall, which has a small chapel.
The church was hit by lead thieves in the summer of 2011 and repairs costing £40,000 have been underway since October of this year.
Some £25,000 of the bill has been met by insurers but the church is left to pick up the remaining £15,000.