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CHURCHES |
St Benedict's Church,
Bennetts End.
The Revd. David Lawson, Team Rector
Welcome to St Benedict's Church, Bennetts End
01442 261610
Churchwardens:
James Beer |
Irene Hobson |
St Benedict’s is a lively, growing and working church that welcomes people of all ages. If you have recently moved to this area, or if you haven’t got a home church come along and meet St B’s Family.
In 1952 a worshipping congregation and Sunday School met in temporary huts at Bennetts’ Gate. After much fundraising and hard work, the foundation stone for the present church buildings was laid in 1956. The first act of worship took place on St Benedict’s Day in July 1957. The church was consecrated on February 8th 1958, by the then Bishop of St Albans, Dr Michael Gresford-Jones (see photograph). In 1959 the Rev’d Robert Jones wrote in the church magazine, “The church is healthy and growing.”
In
July 2007 a special anniversary service was held to celebrate that 50
years later St Benedict's is still a healthy, lively and growing church.
Today the church, the building itself, the congregation and the ministry offered to the wider community, all bear witness to God’s love and concern for the people of this parish. In this period the nature of Bennetts End has changed dramatically; it is now a very diverse community with many opportunities and problems. The need for Christian witness is as vital now as it has ever been.
We have a lively and dedicated congregation, with many young families and children. There are a variety of services each month including worship for all the family and Junior Church. During week days, the church hall is used for Parent and Toddlers, two groups of Brownies, Rainbows, children’s workshops and groups from the community. We have a lively group of young people and committed leaders and but would welcome more. We also have a talented Musical Director who is committed to building up the traditional choir, the children’s singing group and instrumental input for some worship.
In September 2007 we said farewell to Rev’d Jan Neale who retired as Vicar of St Bennedict’s after 5 years. Jan has done sterling work here sowing the seeds of growth and renewal. The Revd Lauretta Wilson has been appointed Team Vicar at St Benedict's and we look forward to her licensing here on October 15th at 7.30 pm.
The church has a retired priest, Rev’d Don Butler; 2 Lay Readers, Paul Cook and Bob Day, and a dedicated lay team. All are committed to growing in faith, and together bear witness to God’s love and concern for all the people of the church and parish.
The church believes it is here to enable its members to grow in faith and serve the parish in a practical way by providing resources and enabling community projects e.g. Parent and Toddler Groups, Uniformed Groups, work with schools and young people, work with the elderly and housebound. The hall is used to provide a home for many local community groups.
The church goes forward into its fifty-first year in good heart, dedicated to continuing as a living and growing church for Bennett’s End.
Services
Sunday services each month
First Sunday |
10.00 am Sung Eucharist and Junior Church |
Second Sunday |
9.15am Holy Communion and |
Third and Fourth Sunday |
10.00 am Sung Eucharist and Junior Church |
Fifth Sunday |
10.00am Family Eucharist |
Regular Events at St Benedict’s
Mondays and Fridays
- Rainbows at 4.45pm. Tel: 01442 215696
- Brownies at 6.00pm. Tel: 01442 250598
Tuesdays
- 1st Nash Mills Brownies at 6pm-7.30pm. Tel: 245985
Thursdays
- Parent and Toddler Group. Tel: 232948
The Chambersbury Clergy team at The Revd Jan Neale's farewell
Details of current events, services ‘this week’ and some sermons can be found here.