2024 Advent Challenge

Occurring
for 23 days, 1 hour
Venue
St James The Great
Address
St James The Great, High Wych Road High Wych Sawbridgeworth, CM21 0JB, United Kingdom

During Advent we can do many things to help us think more closely about the
Christmas Story, connecting our lives to that of the birth of Jesus and that very first
Christmas. We may use Advent candles, Advent calendars, Advent Bible Study or
we may want to enhance others lives with acts of kindness.

Many of us will have already have been buying presents for our loved ones, or
thinking about where is the best place to give generously this Christmas.

I am hopeful that you may consider to give generously of some Christmas food for
the Pop-Up shop in Sawbridgeworth – to help families be able to celebrate well this
Christmas.

These are my suggestions:-
- Week 1: Soft drinks
- Week 2: Stuffing, gravy products
- Week 3: Christmas puddings, mince pies
- Week 4: Christmas biscuits and/or toiletries

Alternatively, you may want to make a donation to the Pop Up Shop at:-
Barclays Bank
Sort Code 20-36-98
Account Number 60798029
Name of account: Sawbridgeworth Congregational Church
Use ref: Pop-Up shop

This will call us to sacrifice some of our wealth but it will benefit others who are
struggling. St James church is open every day from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm for you to
bring food and place in the green box provided, and we will make sure this food gets
to the Pop Up Shop.

St Mary's

Welcome to St Mary’s, Gilston!

Nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, St Mary’s is a place where centuries of history meet a warm and welcoming community. Originally built around 1135 as a simple village church, it was lovingly rebuilt and expanded in the 13th century. The tower you see today reflects further developments in the late 16th century, when its upper section was reconstructed and the distinctive south brick stair-turret was added—giving the church its unique character.

Today, St Mary’s is part of the Benefice of High Wych and Gilston with Eastwick, a vibrant group of three churches working together to serve their communities. Across our benefice, you’ll find a variety of services, events, and gatherings to suit all ages and backgrounds.

We’d love to welcome you—do explore our Services and Events pages to see what’s coming up at St Mary’s and beyond. Come along and be part of our story!

Get in touch

Rev Alison Jackson

The Rectory
1 Dovedale
High Wych
Sawbridgeworth
Hertfordshire

CM21 0DT
Revd Alison Jackson - Priest in Charge
07833 667707

Our website

What's on

2024 Advent Challenge

Occurring
for 23 days, 1 hour
Venue
St James The Great
Address
St James The Great, High Wych Road High Wych Sawbridgeworth, CM21 0JB, United Kingdom

During Advent we can do many things to help us think more closely about the
Christmas Story, connecting our lives to that of the birth of Jesus and that very first
Christmas. We may use Advent candles, Advent calendars, Advent Bible Study or
we may want to enhance others lives with acts of kindness.

Many of us will have already have been buying presents for our loved ones, or
thinking about where is the best place to give generously this Christmas.

I am hopeful that you may consider to give generously of some Christmas food for
the Pop-Up shop in Sawbridgeworth – to help families be able to celebrate well this
Christmas.

These are my suggestions:-
- Week 1: Soft drinks
- Week 2: Stuffing, gravy products
- Week 3: Christmas puddings, mince pies
- Week 4: Christmas biscuits and/or toiletries

Alternatively, you may want to make a donation to the Pop Up Shop at:-
Barclays Bank
Sort Code 20-36-98
Account Number 60798029
Name of account: Sawbridgeworth Congregational Church
Use ref: Pop-Up shop

This will call us to sacrifice some of our wealth but it will benefit others who are
struggling. St James church is open every day from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm for you to
bring food and place in the green box provided, and we will make sure this food gets
to the Pop Up Shop.

Safeguarding

The parish of Gilston with Eastwick is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs.

The Diocese of St.Albans’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

See our Safeguarding Benefice page for our policy.

Read here for more