Lent is a special time in the Christian Year when people get ready for Easter.

Occurring
for 46 days, 2 hours
Venue
Address

Lent is a special time in the Christian Year when people get ready for Easter. It lasts for 40 days - not counting Sundays - and begins on Ash Wednesday, the 18th February. This season reminds Christians of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, praying and preparing for his ministry.
During Lent, many people choose to give up something they enjoy, like sweets or screen time. Perhaps they try to do something kind, such as helping others. Some people read the Bible more, join church activities, or give to charity as a way of showing love and care. This is because Lent is a season of reflection, self‑discipline, and learning to be more like Jesus.
Lent is a time to think about how we can grow to be more like the people God made us to be. Just as spring brings new life to the world, Lent helps Christians prepare for the joy of Easter - the celebration of Jesus rising again and bringing forgiveness and new beginnings to us.
Lent can feel serious, but it is full of hope. Lent reminds us that everyone can make a fresh start, and that acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can make a big difference. By the time Easter arrives, we can be ready to celebrate the new life and love that Jesus brings.

St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire.


Fradswell – Rooted in Tradition, Flourishing in Spirit

Tucked away in rolling countryside, the small church of St James the Less is a Grade II listed gem, with a chancel arch dating back to the 13th century. While the chancel survives from that time, the main part of the church was rebuilt in 1764 and enlarged in 1852. It stands at the heart of the fairly isolated village of Fradswell, where agriculture and a deep connection to the land continue to shape daily life.

Fradswell is a small but vibrant rural parish—fewer than 200 residents—with a strong sense of identity and an open-hearted approach to worship. In recent years, we have embraced a Celtic-themed, Lay Led service, which has deepened our connection to the rhythms of the land, the seasons, and the Spirit. This quiet evolution has brought new life and joyful energy to our worship and our community.

Everyone is welcome—including dogs! Our services reflect the beauty of the changing seasons, with soul-stirring music and liturgy rooted in Celtic prayer. We often take worship out into fields and farm buildings for Rogation, Clypping and Lambing Sunday celebrations.

We are flourishing—not only in numbers, but in creativity, faith, and community connection. Our worship is reflective and inclusive, often involving the wider village in meaningful ways, and always offered in a spirit of warmth and welcome. Afterwards, we enjoy home-baked refreshments and joyful conversation—an essential part of our fellowship.

Our outreach includes:

Supporting the Quiet Café and Lunch Club at the village hall

A well-loved 5½-mile Rogation Walk, now a local tradition

Whether you’re just passing through, exploring faith, or seeking a spiritual home, you’ll find a heartfelt welcome at St James the Less.

Fradswell may be small, but we are full of hope.

Get in touch

Our Vicar is The Rev'd Vivienne Starkie

Associate Miniser The Rev'd Vivienne Starkie
01889 - 271046

Our website

What's on

Lent is a special time in the Christian Year when people get ready for Easter.

Occurring
for 46 days, 2 hours
Venue
Address

Lent is a special time in the Christian Year when people get ready for Easter. It lasts for 40 days - not counting Sundays - and begins on Ash Wednesday, the 18th February. This season reminds Christians of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, praying and preparing for his ministry.
During Lent, many people choose to give up something they enjoy, like sweets or screen time. Perhaps they try to do something kind, such as helping others. Some people read the Bible more, join church activities, or give to charity as a way of showing love and care. This is because Lent is a season of reflection, self‑discipline, and learning to be more like Jesus.
Lent is a time to think about how we can grow to be more like the people God made us to be. Just as spring brings new life to the world, Lent helps Christians prepare for the joy of Easter - the celebration of Jesus rising again and bringing forgiveness and new beginnings to us.
Lent can feel serious, but it is full of hope. Lent reminds us that everyone can make a fresh start, and that acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can make a big difference. By the time Easter arrives, we can be ready to celebrate the new life and love that Jesus brings.

Safeguarding

Our parish of St James the Less, Fradswell, is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Lichfield’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO, Mrs Laura McTaggart who can be contacted by phone on 07834 388140 or by email at [email protected], or alternatively, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor whose details can be found by clicking on the button below. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.

Click on this button for more usefeul information from the Diocese of Lichfield

St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire. Charity No. 620366