We are the Benefice of St Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers with St John the Baptist, Chelveston-cum-Caldecott
Welcome!
St Mary’s and St John’s are the Church of England (Anglican) churches, serving our parishes and welcoming everyone to worship and activities. We are engaged in the life of our communities and are glad that our buildings are there for the benefit of all.
In the present situation, we are not able to be open in the usual way due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but as the lockdown restrictions ease, we are gradually getting our churches open again. Meanwhile our churchyards are places of peace and beauty and there are benches where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine, flowers and nature all around – please feel free to wander in.
Since lockdown began we have been offering services and prayers online – all accessible from our website and signposted from What’s App and Facebook.
Our Sunday Service is available all day, but we try to join at 10am to worship together – and all are welcome.
During the week, daily prayers and resources are on the website, and on Wednesdays there is a ‘Midweek Message’ which includes a time of prayer, readings, and music.
Morning and Evening Prayer is said daily in our homes at 9am and 5pm, and simple forms of these Offices are here on the website, as well as on the Church of England website:
https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
We would be delighted to hear from you if you’d like to know more about our worship and weekly events, or if you are enquiring about a wedding, baptism, or funeral. We welcome all in Christ’s name - if you are new to this area, or would like to find out more, please get in touch.
We welcome all in Christ’s name.
Join us HERE at 7 p.m. for our Celtic Evening Liturgy
St. Mary's Churchyard and the Chichele Garden feature on the Higham Ferrers Tourism Secret Gardens. Use the buttons below to see them
KNIT & NATTER
See our new guide for walkers
See our Easter Gardens
Bishop Donald's latest message 28th June
Prayer for Today Monday 6th July
O God, the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:
increase and multiply upon us your mercy;
that with you as our ruler and guide
we may so pass through things temporal
that we lose not our hold on things eternal;
grant this, heavenly Father,
for our Lord Jesus Christ's sake,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
ABOUT ST. MARY'S
St. Mary's is a 13th Century church unusual in that is has a double nave.
The chancel of one contains the High Altar and the other the Lady Chapel in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
It is a Grade 1 listed building
and in regular use on most days.
CHRISTENINGS
A Christening, or Baptism, is the first step of an amazing journey with God, parents, godparents, friends, family and the Church. A lifetime of discovering more about love, faith, and hope begins - a wonderful moment to celebrate.
SERVICES
In addition to our Sunday services detailed below there are regular weekday services and also services for special occasions and festivals.
WEDDINGS
Marrying in church is personal, meaningful, spiritual and beautiful, just as you want it to be.
ABOUT ST. JOHN'S
The Church of St. John the Baptist dates from the mid 13th Century but had rebuilding and restoration work in 1849.
It is a Grade 2* listed building and is in regular use, both on Sundays and during the week.
FUNERALS
When a loved one dies, please contact the Rev. Michelle so that prayers may be said as part of our daily worship.