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The Kingswood Benefice

Welcome! We are five parishes in North Hertfordshire, including the villages of Clothall, Rushden, Sandon, Wallington, and Weston. Each church has its own pattern of services, and we also worship together at a regular benefice service (on the 5th Sunday). Our churches are normally open for people to visit during the day. You would be very welcome to join us for worship, or to drop in during the week at any time. Our vision is to put Christ the King at the heart our of worship, and the heart of our communities.

To find out what’s happening in our churches week by week, you can sign up for our weekly email newsletter here (your details will not be shared with anyone): The Kingswood Benefice Weekly Mailing, or check our Kingswood Benefice Facebook page.

This Week’s Services – Sunday 15th March

4th Sunday of Lent/Mothering Sunday

9:30am – Holy Communion – Sandon

11am – Matins – Weston

6pm – Evensong- Rushden

Coming Up:

Youth Group – Sunday 22nd March at 4pm in Weston Church
A new group for young people from any villages, in Years 6-9, meeting in Weston Church at 4pm until 5:30pm. A space to chat, meet new friends, and share snacks and games, as well as to wonder about how God might be part of our lives. We will meet monthly on the 4th Sunday. Please contact Sarah or Bev for more details. If you would like to be part of the team of helpers or leaders, please speak to Sarah or Bev.

Easter Monday Pilgrimage to St Alban’s Cathedral 6th April
Please join us for this exciting annual event (details attached). Walkers are hoping to start from Hatfield fuelled with breakfast, but we also need a few people that might be willing to drive and drop walkers back afterwards.  More details to follow but if you are interested in coming along please speak to Bev or Sarah.

Clothall’s ‘Year of the Birds’

There is a whole year of events planned to celebrate the fantastic East Window in Clothall Church, and to raise funds for its restoration and conservation which include talks, concerts, outdoor activities, and more- see attached flyer for our children’s stained glass event on Thursday 2nd April .

BCP Holy Communion – Thursday 19th March at 10:30am

A service of BCP Holy Communion for everyone. A small and faithful group gather to worship in the historic service of Communion from the Book of Common Prayer.

Hope for Rural Churches- Saturday 2nd June

Please save the date and use the link on the attached poster to book for this free, one day conference to be encouraged and inspired by other folk in contexts similar to ours.  A chance to meet others from across the Diocese and share ideas.

Deanery confirmations-Sunday 21st June-Royston

If you have not yet been confirmed, it is a fantastic way to publicly affirm your commitment and develop your faith.  We would love to be able to present some people from across the Benefice to the Bishop for confirmation.


Regular Events:

Lent Course – The Nicene Creed

We are meeting weekly during Lent (six times) to look at what we say in our churches each week – the Nicene Creed. Come along, bring your questions and  your answers, and share with others from the Benefice. Mill End Plants at 2pm (please come earlier to buy your drinks so we’re ready to start at 2pm) and Zoom at 6:30pm every week.


Sandon Singers Community Choir 
If you’d like to come along and sing, in a relaxed and friendly group, then Sandon Singers is for you. You don’t need to be able to read music, and if you can’t make every rehearsal, that’s fine. Next rehearsals are: 16th March and 30th March.

Our Reading and Discussion Group is on Thursdays at 6:30pm on Zoom.
This group is open to all.  If you would like to get to know your Bible better and ask some of the big questions- speak to church wardens/clergy for login details. For the next six weeks we are following the Lent Course on the Nicene Creed.

Weston Luncheon Club
This group runs weekly in term time, on Wednesdays from 12:30 at the Reading Room in Weston. There is a small charge for a hot two-course lunch.

Wellbeing Hub – Weston
This runs weekly in the Reading Room from 1:30 until 3:30 on Fridays.
Each session contains seated exercise, refreshments, and an activity or time to chat. A friendly and welcoming group – new folk always welcome.

Safeguarding

The people below can be contacted by anyone who has a safeguarding concern, or who requires further support. The Rector (Sarah Richardson 07734 815 929) can also be contacted. If there is an immediate risk of harm, please call 999. Contact details of the safeguarding leads at our church are also displayed on the church noticeboard, along with other information about places to seek help.

The number for Local Authority Social Services (Hertfordshire) is 0300 123 4043 (for concerns about children) and 0300 123 4042 (for concerns about adults).

Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are Pam Blackburn (01462 790536) (Clothall, Wallington and Weston) and Margaret Auld (01763 288377) (Rushden and Sandon).

St Albans Diocese Safeguarding Team can be contacted on 01727 818 107 or 01727 818 104 or safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org. Their website is clickable below:

More information on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding can be found here: The Church of England – Safeguarding

More information about Safeguarding in the Diocese of St. Albans can be found here: The Diocese of St Albans – Safeguarding

The parishes of Clothall, Rushden, Sandon, Wallington and Weston are 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 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.

Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play. The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practise fully and positively Christ’s ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

The Kingswood Benefice is part of the Diocese of St Albans, and the Church of England.