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.
We are very glad to be able to open once again for Sunday Services and for now will be returning to our previous pattern of 9am at St John’s and 10.30am at St Mary’s – both will be said services of Holy Communion. However, recognising that not everyone is yet able to gather for public worship our Online Benefice Sunday Service will continue, as will all our online services, prayers and resources. 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.
Our churches are at long last starting to hold services inside the church buildings.
The services will be said Mass at St. John's on Sundays at 9 a.m. and at St. Mary's at 10.30 a.m.
Our online services will continue as usual.
Face Coverings and Safety Measures
In line with the new Government requirements, face coverings must be worn in church from 8th August – however we have already been encouraging the use of face coverings, as well as hand sanitiser and social distancing. All these measures are to ensure that we are all as safe as possible as we gather together for worship or visit our churches for prayer.
Bishop Donald's latest message 4th August
Prayer for Today
Sunday 9th August
Trinity 9
Almighty God,
who sent your Holy Spirit
to be the life and light of your Church:
open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit
in love and joy and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Orders of Service
for all services are available on the website and please use a downloaded version or print off your own to take along to church. A few printed copies are available in case of need.
St.Mary's HERE
St. John's HERE
St. Mary's Churchyard and the Chichele Garden feature on the Higham Ferrers Tourism Secret Gardens. Use the buttons below to see them
See our guide for walkers
We remember and pray for the people of Beirut after their disaster
KNIT & NATTER
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.