CANCELLED CHRISTMAS SERVICES In ASHAMPSTEAD & ALDWORTH

It is with enormous regret that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Carol Service at St Clement’s today. We just feel that in the light of the danger of the mutating virus and Tier 4 restrictions that it is our responsibility to make sure that everyone remains as safe as possible.

We have also decided to cancel the Christmas morning Holy Communion service. Aldworth has made the same decision as we both feel that it will be virtually impossible to make both our churches which are old totally covid-secure.

There are a number of online services taking place, notably we have a zoom Benefice Holy Communion service on Christmas Day which will be led by Juliet Straw. The Diocese is also providing a number of services and there will be many on the radio too. We will circulate details of all of these to you in the next few days.

We would also like to reassure you that St Clement’s will remain open for private prayer. St Clement’s has been beautifully decorated and all the Christmas stars are being blessed and hung this morning – a wonderful way of remembering all those we shall sadly be unable to see this Christmas. Do come and see them and say a prayer.

We - Caroline, Sally and I - wish you all a peaceful and safe Christmas. Please do not hesitate to contact us (and do remember the village WhatsApp group) if you need help – or just want to talk. With prayers and blessings to you all.

Revd Katy Weston

Caroline Butler 07765 255569 Sally Hardaker

07836 524087 07870 511223

Lord Jesus you are the true light that gives light to everyone: At this Advent season, as we prepare ourselves for Christmas, may we receive you again in our hearts, renew our belief in your name, and remember that you give us the right to become ch… — **Lord Jesus you are the true light that gives light to everyone:**
At this Advent season, as we prepare ourselves for Christmas, may we receive you again in our hearts, renew our belief in your name, and remember that you give us the right to become children of God.
**Lord Jesus, you are the Word become flesh, you made your home among us:**
At this Advent season as we prepare ourselves for Christmas, may we once more be ready to see your glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
*based on John 1:9-14*

Featured Events

SERVICES in the benefice

Featured

Dec 7

Dec 7, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM08:30 – 09:308:30 AM – 9:30 AM

8.30am Holy Communion @ Aldworth

Dec 7, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM08:30 – 09:308:30 AM – 9:30 AM

St Mary's

A short said service of Holy Communion using the tradition Book of Common Prayer format. We enjoy a said service this week, with scriptures, prayers and a sermon. A perfect way to begin a Sunday morning in worship.

Dec 7, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM08:30 – 09:308:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Dec 7

Dec 7, 2025

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM16:00 – 17:004:00 PM – 5:00 PM

8.30am Christingle @ Ashampstead

Dec 7, 2025

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM16:00 – 17:004:00 PM – 5:00 PM

St Clement’s

Join us as together we retell the pure message of Christmas using the wonderful Christingles. Everybody welcome as we build our Christingles together as part of the service and enjoy some wonderful singing. A brilliant way to begin Christmas.

Dec 7, 2025

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM16:00 – 17:004:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Dec 11

Dec 11, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Outdoor Carols @ Basildon 6pm

Dec 11, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Enjoy some Christmas carols while you wait for your fish and chips! This year we shall sing hymns, enjoy mulled wine in the beautiful surroundings with festive outdoor lighting - it promises to be really special.

Dec 11, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Dec 13

Dec 13, 2025

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM17:00 – 18:005:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Carols @ The Bell Aldworth 5pm!

Dec 13, 2025

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM17:00 – 18:005:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Join us at The Bell Pub in Aldworth at 5pm as we sing some classic Christmas Carols as well as enjoy some refreshments! Everybody welcome for a fun filled afternoon!

Dec 13, 2025

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM17:00 – 18:005:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dec 14

Dec 14, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM10:00 – 11:0010:00 AM – 11:00 AM

10am Communion & Carols @ Basildon

Dec 14, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM10:00 – 11:0010:00 AM – 11:00 AM

We gather for a service of prayer, readings, wonderful hymns and communion. We have activities and toys for children and are passionate about seeing all ages and stages engage in worship together. We have gluten free communion wafers available and share in delicious refreshments in the church centre after the service - it’s a great way to chat and catch up with people.

Dec 14, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM10:00 – 11:0010:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Dec 14

Dec 14, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM10:00 – 11:0010:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Christingle @ Aldworth

Dec 14, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM10:00 – 11:0010:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Breakfast & Christingle Service! Food for body, mind and soul ! Join us at 9:30 am for breakfast followed by a short, informal, family friendly Christingle service. A great opportunity to meet friends and share a breakfast of bacon rolls, fresh brewed coffee or tea, fresh fruit, croissants; then worship together.

Dec 14, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM10:00 – 11:0010:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Dec 14

Dec 14, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Lessons & Carols at Ashampstead 6pm

Dec 14, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Join us for a wonderful service of carols and readings as we re-tell (and sing) the Christmas story. Everybody welcome for this beautiful service!

Dec 14, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Dec 21

Dec 21, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM08:30 – 09:308:30 AM – 9:30 AM

8.30am Holy Communion @ Ashampstead

Dec 21, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM08:30 – 09:308:30 AM – 9:30 AM

St Clement’s

We gather at 8.30am for a short said communion service using the words of the wonderful Book of Common Prayer. The service will include a short sermon, and plenty of time to pray, reflect and encounter God in this wonderful place. What a brilliant way to begin a Sunday - especially as there is coffee and biscuits served afterwards.

Dec 21, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM08:30 – 09:308:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Basildon Christingle Service - with Basildon Primary

Dec 21

Dec 21, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM10:00 – 11:3010:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Basildon Christingle Service - with Basildon Primary

Dec 21, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM10:00 – 11:3010:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Join us at 10am as we host our Christingle Service with special performances from Basildon Primary School. We will build the Christingles as part of our service and enjoy some delicious refreshments afterwards. Absolutely everybody welcome.

Dec 21, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM10:00 – 11:3010:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Dec 21

Dec 21, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Lessons and Carols - Aldworth

Dec 21, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

A beautiful service full of favourite carols and the beautiful words of the traditional readings. With candles, good voices and festive cheer its a service not to be missed.

Dec 21, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM18:00 – 19:006:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Featured

May 24, 2022

Jubilee Beacon Lighting Event Basildon

May 24, 2022

We’re all invited to begin the Jubilee weekend by lighting an official jubilee beacon on Thursday 2nd June.

May 24, 2022

May 23, 2022

Welcome our new Curate!

May 23, 2022

Join us as we welcome our new Curate to the Benefice for a garden party at The Vicarage, Upper Basildon. Jen’s first services across the Benefice will be on the 3rd July 2022, so join us in the afternoon as we properly welcome her to Basildon, Ashampstead and Aldworth.

May 23, 2022