Welcome to The Weobley & Staunton Benefice

During our recent sunny afternoon Rogationtide walk through the orchards between Byford and Monnington we were accompanied by several happy dogs. The question was ventured as to whether our four-footed friends could be counted in our ‘statistics for mission’ that we submit to the Diocese each year. Unfortunately, the statistics for mission only include human attendance at services. This got me reflecting on how the mission of the church is so much wider than what can be measured by numbers in the pews.

When Jesus gives his final commission to the disciples before his ascension, he says to them ‘You are my witnesses’.  They were commissioned to live their lives in joyful recognition of Jesus teaching, death and resurrection and to spread this news wherever they went. This is also our calling, and we can do this in many and myriad ways other than just attending church services.

All of our interactions with others, our involvement in the wider community, our giving to charity and for the support of the church, our care for neighbours and the practice of hospitality – all these things are part of our witness to the reality of Christ’s presence in our lives. Also, our witness does not have to be spectacular to be effective. Every month I try to attend the Tuesday coffee morning held in Weobley church. While our numbers vary, the quality of the cake, and the warmth of the welcome, does not.   Everybody is made welcome, local or visitor: the hand of Christian fellowship is extended to all, and this includes those bringing their dogs.

Rev’d Philip

When I first came to the vicarage in April 2021 my first sight of the backyard was of the little apple tree in full bloom, and in the fields behind, about 20 ewes with their lambs frisking around them. It was a glorious, uplifting sight, particularly as we had just come through the last winter of the pandemic living in a crowded suburb. Five years later, the apple tree (despite my amateurish pruning) is still going strong and there are new lambs running happily in nearby fields. Spring brings with it a reminder that life cannot be restrained: that creation is alive with God’s handiwork.

In our Easter season Sunday gospel readings from John, we encounter Jesus statements about ‘abundant life’ and a series of teachings which focus on how we might experience this. Jesus speaks about himself as ‘the good shepherd’ who looks after his sheep; as ‘the way, the truth and the life’ and ‘the true vine’ in which we are called to abide and be fruitful. John’s writing is simultaneously simple and profound. I recommend reading John chapters 14-18 slowly and carefully, taking the time to meditate on the imagery and asking God to ‘open the eyes of your heart’.  It may well be the season for you to encounter life in all its abundance. 

Rev’d Philip