Forest Chapel

St Stephen’s is the oldest of the three churches, set in the beautiful scenery above Macclesfield Forest. The chapel serves the local community and the many walkers and cyclists that come from all over the country to take a moment of peace and reflection in a place where people have worshipped for over 340 years.​

If you are passing through, please do take a moment to add your name to the visitor’s book and place any prayer requests in the basket provided. We’re always glad to hear from those who have dropped by and include you in our prayers.

Accessibility

Forest Chapel is situated in a small hamlet, which is accessed by narrow, winding roads that can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the winter months. The entrance, however, is wide and there are no steps to navigate. Inside, the flooring is level, but fixed pews reduce wheelchair access.

Parking

There is limited parking outside the church. For larger events, more parking is available on request.

Toilets

There is a single unisex toilet within the church.

Services

Please find below a brief summary of the main services provided at Forest Chapel. There are different styles to suit a range of different tastes and temperaments. For more information regarding service times, please see the Services tab above.

Evensong

Though Evensong is traditionally choral, our service is a more relaxed, prayerful and meditative one for those looking for a quiet space in amongst the busyness of life.

Light in the Forest

This is a lay-led service held every Wednesday, during which prayers are said for all those that have left prayer requests in the basket and/or filled in the visitor’s book.

Rushbearing

This is an annual service held on the first Sunday after the 12th August, which celebrates the changing of the rushes. It is a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, when most buildings had earthen floors and rushes were placed on top as a form of renewable floor covering. A review of this service can be found on the Ship of Fools website.

Carol Service

The carol service at Forest Chapel is traditionally held on Christmas Eve.

Get in touch

What's on

Light in the Forest

Occurring
Every Wednesday at for 1 hour
Venue
Forest Chapel
Address
Oven Lane Forest Macclesfield, SK11 0AR, United Kingdom

A quiet, reflective service.

Safeguarding

At Forest Chapel, we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all. We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.

If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer.
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Jane Warren
Email: [email protected]

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01928 643442

Out of Hours Support
The Diocese of Chester partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.This also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the caller.

In the case of an emergency
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.
Helplines Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)