As of June 1st, the parishes of Grasmere and Rydal have officially joined together to form one new parish — the Parish of Grasmere.This merger is a natural and positive step forward in our shared ministry and mission in the area. With the new parish now established, there will be one Parochial Church Council (PCC) serving the whole community. This will allow us to work more closely together, share resources, and support one another in our worship and outreach.Worship in RydalWorship continues most days in the beautiful chapel at Rydal Hall, led by Lawrence Basham and a dedicated team who offer regular services and pastoral care. This has become a valued and vibrant part of parish life, drawing people together in prayer and fellowship throughout the week.St Mary’s, Rydal will remain open for private prayer and for visitors who wish to enjoy its peace and heritage.In addition, we are delighted to announce that St Mary’s will continue to host five special festival services over the coming year: • Harvest Festival – Saturday 5 October, 9:30am • Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 9 November, 9:30am • Christmas Day – Wednesday 25 December, 9:30am • Easter Sunday – Sunday 5 April, 9:30am • Pentecost Sunday – Sunday 24 May, 9:30amWe look forward to seeing many of you at these services, and we give thanks for the continued life and witness of our churches in both Grasmere and Rydal.As we begin this new chapter, let us move forward in hope, unity, and faith.
Grasmere Sports Sunday – Celebration Service 🕊️⛪Sunday 24 August 2025 | 11:00 AMSt Oswald’s Church, GrasmereLed by Rev Lawrence BashamJoin us for a special service celebrating Grasmere Sports, a cherished tradition at the heart of village life for over 170 years. From fell running to Cumberland wrestling, this historic event reflects the strength, spirit, and community of Cumbria.We’ll gather in the beautiful setting of St Oswald’s Church to give thanks for the legacy of the Sports and pray for all who take part, support, or visit.🌿 A moment of reflection in a day full of activity.🕊️ Open to all – whether local, visitor, competitor or spectator.Everyone welcome!Come and be part of this treasured Lakeland tradition.
Grasmere Glee sings Summer Songs at 2pm on Saturday 13th September opposite Sam Read Bookseller or, if it’s raining, in the church. Grasmere Glee practices at Allan Bank on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm. If you enjoy singing and would like to join please contact Hilary Beskeen at hbeskeen@icloud.com We look forward to seeing you.
St Oswald’s Church is open daily for anyone to visit our historic church building and also to just sit and think. Judging by the number of written prayer requests (currently more than 200 per month) left in the church building, lots of people do visit us to pray and some return and leave notes to say their prayers were answered and thank us.Each week we pray through every individual prayer request left at St Oswald’s church. A place that has been a place of prayer for centuries, we stand on the prayers of those who have gone before us and our job is to receive and hold the baton for now.‘A peaceful place’, ‘thank you for being open, so calm in here’, ‘I sense God’s presence here’ are the types of message we find written most days in the visitor book and so in June there will begin two new services during the week for anyone to connect with the praying community on that day in the village, on Tuesday’s at 11.00am, Holy Communion and Thursdays at 2.30pm a silent half hour, a space to sit. Nobody will bother you, just peace and quiet in an ancient church. We’re open, you’re invited.
