St Mary's Church

St Mary’s, a beautiful church dating from the 13th century, has headless statues, a brass knight, stunning stained glass and much, much more! The church is open during daylight hours and is well worth a visit. However, it’s far more than a lovely ancient monument.

The church is part of the Diocese of Peterborough and serves Blakesley-cum-Woodend. It is part of a group of five local parishes, known collectively as the ‘Lambfold Benefice’.

Services

Services are currently held at 10.30 each Sunday. The services vary from Sunday to Sunday, but in the same pattern each month:

  • The first Sunday is Family Service; a short, informal, family-friendly service, suitable for all.

  • The second Sunday is a short Holy Communion service aimed at families

  • The third Sunday is Matins, a traditional language service from the Book of Common Prayer

  • The fourth Sunday is a full Holy Communion.

  • If there is a fifth Sunday there is a Benefice service held in one of the five churches.

  • A mid-week service is held on Tuesdays at 9.30. On the first Tuesday in the month this is a ‘house service’ at Woodend

Information about the services and church activities can be found in the Village Newsletter and on the village noticeboards.

Other Church Activities

In addition to services in the church, a ‘Messy Church’ group meets on certain Saturdays. This is a craft based session around a Bible theme. For more information contact Mary Barnett (01327 860585) or find us on Facebook.

‘Launchpad’, a lively expression of faith, is aimed at young people in Upper Primary and Secondary School. Bridget writes ‘Launchpad is a wonderful gathering of young people across the area of South Northants. Once a term they get together, they socialise, have refreshments and play some warm up games. Then we go into our service, which is put together by the young people themselves. Each group organises their contribution to the whole. There is singing and dancing, dramatic stories, thought provoking ideas and prayers. Our local group is small in number, but big in enthusiasm and enjoyment’ If anyone is interested in joining us please ring Bridget on 01327 860697.

We have a very active church choir who sing at special services e.g. the Benefice services, weddings etc. The choir practises every Thursday evening and is open to both adults and juniors. They perform anthems, harmonies, modern and traditional pieces and have sung some very memorable complete choral works. For more information contact Meg Pike, choir mistress.

We also have strong links with the village school.

We are very grateful for the support of a number of people who clean the church, arrange flowers, look after the churchyard and organise fund-raising and social events. ‘Lay’ people are involved in our services as readers, sidespeople, intercessors and leaders at Family Service. We are always happy to welcome more folk into the ranks!