We would like to wish you all a happy, peaceful and above all safe Christmas. We know it is a very different Christmas to the one we were hoping to have – particularly in our churches.
The churchwardens of Aldworth and Ashampstead have felt that in the light of the danger of the mutating virus and Tier 4 restrictions that they should close St Mary’s and St Clement’s for services over Christmas but we are so fortunate in the benefice in having a modern church at Basildon which is more flexible and safe.
So we are delighted that, as well as the many virtual services on offer, we are able to have two 'in-person' services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please make sure you contact 01491 672442 if you would like to come to these as numbers regrettably have to be restricted.
We do hope we shall see you, either virtually, or in person over the Christmas season – all services and links are listed below –
Christmas Eve: two Children’s events:
St Mary’s Aldworth, 3pm: Decorating the Tree (outside)
St Stephen’s Basildon: Children’s Service (Nativity costumes), 5pm (in the church).
Benefice Holy Communion, 11pm on Facebook or the Benefice YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLfBukWFQBTV9y3p-whgcQ
Christmas Day:
Benefice Holy Communion, 9am on Zoom. Link to join Zoom Meeting:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78126573106?pwd=TGZOckx5MUZlenlaZUYySmF1bWVMdz09
(Meeting ID: 781 2657 3106 Passcode: z84t0v)
Benefice Family Service with Communion for Christmas, 10am (in St Stephen's church)
Diocese of Oxford Church at Home service, 10 am Right Revd Dr Steven Croft, presiding and preaching here: https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/#tab-id-3
SERVICES in the benefice
We gather at 10.50am at St. Clement’s for an act of remembrance and short service of remembrance. Please do join us as we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.
We gather at 10.50am at the War Memorial at St. Mary’s for an act of remembrance which will be followed by a short service inside the church. Please do join us as we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.
A short act of remembrance outside by the war memorial followed by the Remembrance service in the church - click for more
St Mary's
Food for body, mind and soul ! Join us at 9:30 am for breakfast followed by a short, informal, family friendly 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.
St Stephen’s
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.
Join us for our half-termly outdoor Wild Church. All ages are welcome as we wander, wonder and worship. Please dress for the weather. Children bring a grown up!
St Clement’s
Using the wonderful and powerful words of traditional Evensong, we gather to sing favourite hymns, psalms and hear short scriptures and a talk. This is evensong with all the trimmings! If you’re looking for peaceful way to end the weekend - this is for you!
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.
We join together for a short interactive family worship service. Lots of fun! Action songs, Bible readings, dressing up, toys and we finish with yummy refreshments. Bacon butties, posh omelettes, pastries and much more.Lots of Holy Chaos. Come join the fun.
St Mary's
This is a fabulous way to round off the weekend. We gather together in the atmospheric St. Mary’s Aldworth to pray and worship together using the traditional and powerful words of Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer. We have a small community choir to help us sing God’s praise. There is a short sermon with prayers and psalms. If you are looking for a spiritual encounter with the Lord in the comfort of a traditional service - this is for you.
We’re all invited to begin the Jubilee weekend by lighting an official jubilee beacon on Thursday 2nd June.
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.
Join us for a wonderful evening concert in the company of the Aldworth Giant’s. Saturday 30th July 7pm.
