The Akeman Benefice

The Akeman Benefice is a group of seven historic churches in North Oxfordshire, including Bletchingdon, Chesterton, Hampton Gay, Kirtlington, Middleton Stoney, Wendlebury, and Weston on the Green. 

Formed in 1996, the benefice takes its name from the Roman road that ran more or less east to west through the middle of our area. It is pronounced as two syllables (ache-man). Though each village parish has its own historic church, we work together to try to widen the opportunities for people in our communities to hear the message of Jesus Christ.

You are assured of a warm welcome at any of our services. Just click on any of the individual church pages to find out more. The Ministry Team are always pleased to hear of any newcomers, to be informed about people who are unwell or in any kind of need, or to meet with you to talk about matters of life and faith.

Most of our parishes have a service (sometimes two) on most Sundays. The exception is the fourth Sunday of the month when we meet together as one worshipping body in each parish church in turn through the year. We try to keep a balance between child-friendly, all-age services and more traditional celebrations of Holy Communion. Evensong takes place once a month in Kirtlington, and occasionally in other churches.

The Akeman Benefice invites families and young people to join us for our family-friendly activities, including Messy Church, family services, and an annual service especially for those who have had a child baptised in one of our churches.

There are several midweek fellowship groups meeting in the villages for Bible study, prayer and mutual support. 

Our benefice is part of the Deanery of Bicester and Islip, a federation of 37 churches, mostly rural, grouped into five benefices. Our Area Dean is Gareth Miller, who is also our Rector.

Our diocesan bishop is The Bishop of Oxford, The Right Reverend Steven Croft. He has responsibility for the whole diocese of Oxford, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, but his main pastoral focus is on the City of Oxford itself. He also has national responsibilities.

We are part of the Archdeaconry of Dorchester, which covers most of Oxfordshire apart from the City of Oxford.

The Akeman Benefice offers you a warm welcome. For further information please visit - www.akemanbenefice.org.uk