St. James, Weethley

Description

St James is down a single track leafy lane where the branches meet to form a green corridor, a small rural church which is a spiritual haven of peace and quiet prayerful contemplation. Entering this space is an opportunity that we don’t normally have—to slow down, to pause, to look with fresh eyes, to recover a sense of wonder about the world. St James offers that experience, of being a ‘thin place’.

The current church was rebuilt in 1857. However, there has been a place of worship here since mediaeval times, with evidence of a mediaeval settlement close by. Visitors often comment upon the deep, spiritual peace they feel and its serenity, likely from the centuries of people coming to pray and worship and be still. The walls seem to echo the prayerful contemplation of thousands of voices from the past. The closeness of the surrounding beautiful landscape adds to the feeling of being at one with the natural and the spiritual world.

Within the churchyard six plaques have been placed with the verses of Psalm 23, to enable visitors to connect with the comforting promise of God to be with us always. Each plaque is situated appropriately for the words of each verse. For example, looking over the pond are the words: “He leads me by the still waters”.

The church remains open at all times. There is a service of worship on the third Sunday of each month at 9am. We hold ‘Breathing Space’ on the first Sunday of each month at 2pm for conversation over coffee followed by mindful meditation to music. It promotes wellbeing and taking time out to be still with God. Everyone is very welcome at either/both of these events.

Weethley's 'Walk Talk and Pray' are seasonal walks with a Celtic-style evening service - the first of which took place on July 6th (see article in 'Recent Items' on the main menu). The Autumn walk will be on Sunday 28th September at 4.30 pm - contact the hospitaller for details.

Location

Evesham Road, Weethley, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5NA, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: SP 05 55
By car: Off B4088 Evesham Road from Redditch.

By public transport (rail/bus) The nearest train stations are Redditch or Stratford upon Avon.

On foot: There are numerous public footpaths in and around the church and its surrounding fields.

Facilities

Suitable for wheelchair access, although the path to the church has a slight incline, and extra help may be required. In the churchyard behind the church, there is a steep incline, as the grass slopes downwards towards the bottom of the hedge boundary.

There are no toilet facilities on site. The hospitallers’ house is 200 yards from the church, where toilet facilities can be accessed if we are at home. Toilet facilities are available at Hillers farm shop and café just a mile down the road.

The churchyard is beautifully maintained by devoted volunteers and well worth a visit. There are garden seats behind the church to rest awhile. Please be aware that behind the church there is a slope.

There are various walks and footpaths in and around Weethley. Seating is provided at the back of the church to sit and be still as you gaze across the rolling landscape. There are stunning views for miles across the Warwickshire and Worcestershire countryside, and the Malvern and Client hills are visible on a clear day. Perfect for a picnic.

Delicious refreshments are available from Hillers Farm Shop and Café Dunnington Heath Farm Alcester B49 5PD. As you leave the church, turn right onto Evesham Road B4088. Hillers is on the left, 1.2miles down the road. Accommodation is available at Travelodge Oversley Mill Roundabout, A435 Birmingham Rd Alcester B49 6PQ

Suitable for quiet mornings/afternoons for individuals or group. Tea and coffee can be provided but no toilet facilities are available.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Jane Cornwall

Mob: 07903 321718

Email:

Web Link

https://www.alcesterminster.org/church-locations/wee...

Web Link

https://www.facebook.com/AlcesterMinster/?locale=en_GB

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