Latest News
Churchyard Management
In recent years a scheme has been started to improve the range of species of plants in our churchyard. In the autumn of 2009 and in connection with the Church of England’s national environmental campaign Shrinking the Footprint, which is signed up to the United Nations’ International Year of Biodiversity, we invited a representative of Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust to advise us on how to improve our efforts to promote native flora on the land in our care.
There are now two small areas to the west of the tower and to the north of the vestry which are being actively managed through a mowing regime which encourages wild flowers. Old churchyards are particularly rich in plant diversity even if they have been closely mown for a long time and these two areas contain indicator species associated with unimproved grassland and as such are very valuable for conservation. Correctly managed, these areas will help preserve the nation’s wild flowers and, since these areas will seed, may contribute to the re-population of local road verges and field boundaries. This is important not just for the plant species but also because the greater the variety of food available the greater the range of insects and birds provided for. Not least, the flowers will be a source of beauty and delight to those who make time to stop and stare.
The northern half of the new churchyard extension is also being managed for biodiversity and has been sown with a special seed mixture though, since it was previously farmland, this project is about providing a habitat which will encourage a range of wild flowers to establish themselves in the coming years.
If you are interested in helping further this project please contact Jane or David George on 01234 359014
Church Clock Appeal
The Church Membership thanks the Friends of St. James and the Village for their generous contributions to the Clock appeal. The total sum for repair and painting of the clock has been reached and the clock is now back in the Tower and looking marvellous.
To view a slideshow of pictures, please click here
St. James’s Church is a quiet and holy place where you are welcome to sit, think, be and pray. It is open daily from 9am.
It also provides:
- A 24x7 visible witness to the Christian faith in this community
- Beautiful architecture and art to enjoy and be inspired by
- A place for regular worship by the people of this community
- A place where prayers are said for the whole world
- A place of nurture and learning in the Christian faith
- Theologically and pastorally trained clergy
- Children’s, Youth and Schools work
- Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals for the whole village community
- Links with other charities locally, nationally and internationally
- Support in times of crisis
- Companionship on the journey of life and faith
- An environment in which people may meet with God and with each other.
This work of love, in the name of Christ, engages our God-given time and talents. In financial terms it costs £1,000 a week to run this church.
Please give what you can – and, if possible, give regularly as it helps us to plan expenditure. Robert Robinson will be please to discuss this with you (tel.210966)
Please pray for the work of this church community as we pray for visitors to this church.
Attractive Biddenham design tea towels ( £5 ) shopping bags( £6 ) and village notelets are now on sale. If anyone is interested in buying please contact Ann Morrish on Bedford 266644
Churchyard Consecration
| St. James’ Churchyard extension was consecrated by The Bishop of Bedford on Sunday 13th July after the morning service. Also the weathercock and pointers have been repaired and replaced. | ||
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Theft
Lead has been stolen from the roof. Please can everyone be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Police.
