St Mary’s has a welcoming congregation and provides both modern and traditional services following a monthly pattern, but the regular routine is varied by less common forms of worship such as the commemoration of All Souls, Songs of Praise, and the Lamb Ale service.
There is a Café Church every quarter – a short and very informal service beginning with coffee and pastries. One Wednesday mornings during term time we hold ‘Rise and Shine’ – a gathering for the young and the young-in-heart – coffee, conversation, and activities for toddlers. There’s a dedicated Children’s Corner in the church to welcome and entertain younger visitors. The church works very closely with Kirtlington School and hosts regular school services.
Pastoral care is very important and individual members of the congregation are active in helping those in need in the village. Please get in touch with one of the wardens or clergy if you would like a visit or know of someone who would appreciate one.
The church is proud to be used as a community space, providing a venue for occasional concerts, drama performances, art exhibitions, and conferences. The church space has also been used for children’s music and dance classes, and adult exercise classes.
There is a rota of local volunteers who are responsible for cleaning, flower arranging, bell-ringing and the upkeep of the churchyard.
The church is normally open during daylight hours. There is seating on green chairs for 64 people, and an additional 80 wooden chairs. There is seating in the choirstalls for a further 16.
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The Akeman Benefice is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer. The Diocese of Oxford's safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our Benefice Safeguarding Officer.
For all safeguarding concerns please immediately inform the Benefice Safeguarding Officer, Nicky Donne, at [email protected].
Alternatively please contact the Benefice Rector, The Rev’d Gareth Miller, at [email protected] or 01869 350224.
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.
