West Downland Benefice Services

May & The Jubilee Weekend
1st May
10.00am               United Benefice Service, Great Shefford with breakfast from 9.45am  
8th May
9.00am                 BCP Holy Communion, Shefford Woodlands
10.30am               Holy Communion, Fawley
15th May
9.00am                 BCP Holy Communion, Leckhampstead
10.00am               Café Church, Great Shefford
10.30am               Holy Communion, Chaddleworth
22nd May
9.00am                 BCP Holy Communion, Wickham
10.30am               Holy Communion, Brightwalton
29th May
10.00am               United Benefice Service, Brightwalton with brunch and village walk
 
Platinum Jubilee Weekend Services
Thursday 2nd June
Evening Prayer 6.30pm, Chaddleworth church
Using the original service held throughout the country on the Sunday before Her Majesty the Queen’s Coronation
 
Sunday 5th June
10am Service of Thanksgiving, Leckhampstead church
 
We are pleased to offer Zoom from Church for many of the 10.30 services, please contact the Benefice Office for joining details – sarah.westdownland@gmail.com
Service details and Order of Services can be found on the A Church Near You website – www.achurchnearyou.com

Revd Miri Keen writes …
Yesterday the season began as I took the first West Downland wedding of 2022.  It was wonderful to welcome the bride and groom and their family and friends into the church, to witness their vows and to pray for God’s blessing on them as they begin the adventure of marriage.  I always feel rather like I’m waving couples off on a long sea voyage! 
 
One of the best parts of the modern Marriage Service is that it acknowledges how important the encouragement and care of family and friends can be when life’s storms hit.  After the bride and groom have said “I will”, the vicar asks the congregation “Will you, the families and friends of the bride and groom, support and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to come?”  It’s always fabulous to hear the whole congregation saying “We will” as they offer their ongoing practical help, encouragement and prayers.  Communities can make a difference too, so as we’re reading Banns and preparing for lots of weddings across the benefice perhaps you would spare a moment to offer your kind thoughts, good wishes and prayers for our happy couples.     
 
Kier and Rosie; James and Amie; William and Harriet; Will and Juliet; John and Fleur; Ned and Lydia; Gary and Tracy; Tobie and Rosie; Scott and Helen; Josh and Lucy; Kit and Nem; John and Gina.
If you would like to find out more about marrying in church please get in touch.  

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