About Us

We share a minister with the Parish of High Ongar w. Norton Mandeville.  

The parish of St. Christopher’s, Willingale is a fairly small rural village and has a population of approximately 483. The main part of the village is clustered around two churches with the remainder of the properties in groups, scattered over a wide area.

HISTORY

The two churches in one churchyard.  Whilst not unique, two churches in one churchyard is a rarity. St. Andrew’s church which is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust (http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/) was built
before 1130 AD. The church of St. Christopher’s is now used for all regular worship and dates from around 1360AD but there is evidence in legal papers that a wooden Saxon church was previously on the site. The existing building has been ‘improved’ by succeeding generations from the 14th century to the Victorian age. More recently the the bells were restored and augmented to six by volunteers within the community, the exterior masonry and roofs have been restored, a disabled toilet and kitchen installed and the interior redecorated.  We have a bright and vibrant church fit for the 21st century in a 14th century building.

STYLE OF SERVICES

Eucharist services follow the Common Worship format at 9.30am on the First Sunday of the Month.

Once a month on the Third Sunday at 9.30am a Family Service is held which is led by either Rev Gibbs or a lay person from within the church family. This service is of an informal nature and is designed to encourage more families with children to join the regular congregation. 

A service of Evening Prayer is held on the Second Sunday in the month at 6.00pm and is a service of reflection.

At the main festivals of Christmas, Easter and Harvest members of the wider community are invited to take part as readers etc.