Regular Services
Our church services are community-focused and open to all. You don’t need to be a member to join in. Everyone is invited and we hope you’ll feel at home at any of our services, wherever you’re coming from and whatever you bring on your heart or mind. But,it is not only about Sundays... we meet regularly throughout the week to pray for the needs of each other, our communities and our world, and to listen to what God might be saying to us. You don't need to be an expert pray-er or pillar of faith to join in; maybe you just want to be present and soak up the atmosphere while others do the talking. Wherever you're coming from, and whatever you bring, you'll be welcome.
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Church for all
Week by week, across our three villages, you’ll find a variety of expressions/styles of worship but they are all underpinned by some key principles which are common to all:
Community: we’re all different but we need each other; everyone has something of value to offer and our worship is shaped by who we are
Encounter: worship is not a static or passive affair but an opportunity to meet with the living God in life-giving and life-changing ways
Creativity: sights, sounds and silence; art and craft, movement and stillness, food and fun; outdoors or in: how will you experience God today?
Joy: not the same as happiness, but an abiding assurance of God’s love that is able to hold and encompass the whole of our lives with all their ups and downs
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We meet weekly on:
Tuesdays - 9.15am Morning Prayer at Flax Bourton Church and via Zoom using the Church of England format available here
Thursdays - 6.00pm informal evening prayers via Zoom
Fridays - 10.30am Holy Communion at Keedwell Church, Long Ashton followed by coffee, cake and chat.
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We meet monthly on :
Wednesdays - 9.30am: Community Blessing prayers in Barrow Gurney. An opportunity to pray for the life and livelihoods of our village. Contact Jan for details of venue.
2nd Thursday of the month - 11.30am: Silent Meditation at Flax Bourton Church. A short introduction followed by a time of silent listening and reflection.
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Sundays at 10.00am - Morning Worship for all ages
Our main Sunday services include a selection of hymns and songs (both modern and traditional), Bible readings, prayers and a talk (sermon). Communion (Eucharist) is celebrated most weeks. The service typically lasts just over an hour. We worship together as a family of all ages, growing together and learning from one another. Children are fully included and there are resources available within the service to help them engage with what’s happening in creative ways. After the service, there’s a chance to catch up with friends old and new over refreshments: we serve Fairtrade Kingdom coffee, tea and squash and it’s not uncommon to find some home-made cake or biscuits on offer! Where? - every week at All Saints, Long Ashton - even dated Sundays (e.g. 14th, 28th) at Barrow Gurney - odd dated Sundays (e.g. 7th, 21st) at Flax Bourton Special occasions - sometimes we get together for a joint service of all three churches in one place; sometimes we hold our service at Keedwell Church in Long Ashton. Check this month’s calendar for any special details or exceptions.
Breakfast @ 9
​On the third Sunday of each month, we gather at 9.00am at Keedwell Church, Long Ashton for a cafe-style service, beginning with bacon rolls, pastries, tea/coffee and juice. Music, discussion and prayers are informal and interactive as we face the challenges and joys of life and faith together. We aim to finish by 9.45am to allow for the rest of the day’s activities.
Sundays at 8.00am
Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer. This is a quiet, reflective service held in the choir of All Saints, Long Ashton using the traditional language of the BCP. The service lasts approx. 30 minutes including a short homily. Coffee is often served afterwards. [NB: no service on third Sunday of the month]
Fridays at 10.30am
A friendly Communion service held at Keedwell Church, Long Ashton, with the opportunity to pray for friends and neighbours, followed by home-made cake and coffee and the opportunity to chat with friends old and new.