Image: Julian Comrie
Image: Julian Comrie
Image: Julian Comrie
Image: Joan Gubbin

Welcome to the church of St Peter and St Paul, North Curry in the Benefice of Athelney

The Church of St. Peter and St Paul stands in a magnificent position dominating the approach to the village across the Levels from the North.

At night when floodlit it almost seems to hang in the sky. It is one of the oldest, and certainly the most impressive, building in the community which it has served for about seven centuries. The octagonal tower is unusual, though not unique, among Somerset Churches (there are others at Stoke St. Gregory and Barrington).

Its primary function is to witness to the glory of God, and it is a powerful reminder of the centrality of the Christian Gospel in our Somerset history.

Alfred's establishment of a first English Christian Kingdom began from the Island of Athelney a couple of miles to the north east more than eleven centuries ago.

In the twenty-first century the Church is maintained and used by a loyal and dedicated congregation who enjoy a rich tradition of worship, and work hard to maintain and enhance the beauty of this remarkable building.

Please feel free to join us at worship, to explore the richness of the building in your own time, or simply to use it for a time of private peace and reflection. You are always welcome.

The front of the church (Julian Comrie)

Path to the side (Julian Comrie)

View from the back of the church, after the early March 2020 floodings (Edward Ashby)

Notices

Well, that's News to me...

NORTH CURRY CHURCH will recommence Evensong services from 12th July, 19th July and 26th July.

See the attached COVID19 guide notice HERE!

Since Monday 15th June, the church has remained open everyday for Private use.

You will see the following Notice on gates and Notice Board and in the South Porch. We have kept directives simple and would ask all to respect our decisions and use common sense.

Welcome Back to Your Church * Please visit to pray and find peace

Open daily 9am to 5pm * Please Use Sanitizer

Observe social distancing * Close doors on exit

The August magazine is HERE! (old issues are listed below).

The Weekly Benefice Bulletin is now available HERE!

Update on the bell tower

Although our bells and frame remain in poor condition, with considerable checking we are now permitted extremely limited ringing.

The Covid restrictions also are being relaxed slightly but with careful safety requirements.

Consequently, we shall soon be able to ring three bells for weddings and occasional services. This will be limited to 15 minutes only on each occasion. It may also be possible to do a temporary fix to the tenor wheel to permit tolling by the tower captain for a funeral (if required).

However, we are actively pursuing replacement options and hope in September to be able to give much more detailed update.

Safeguarding

Please click here for our policy and information

Vicar

North Curry is without a resident vicar, meaning it is currently in an Interregnum. During this period Mary Piers (01823 491434) will be the person to contact regarding church matters, but there is still access to a vicar should you need one. athelneyvicar@gmail.com, whilst still active, will be monitored on behalf of the benefice by Jane White, the Churchwarden for Stoke St Gregory. In case of query, her number is 01823 490508.

Church Magazines

Click the link to see a copy online:

February 2020 magazine

January 2020 magazine

December 2019 magazine

November 2019 magazine

October 2019 magazine

September 2019 magazine

Planned Giving

What is planned giving?

Planned Giving, by standing order, is a regular charitable payment (or pledge) to the church.

This type of giving to the church is an important and integral aspect of the church finances.

The majority of our income comes through gift donations through the planned giving scheme.

Donations pledges by standing order are easier to manager and administer, both for you and us.

Safeguarding Policy

In March 2019 , the PCC formally adopted the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy 2018. Helen Griffiths is the Safeguarding Officer on the PCC, and she can be contacted on 01823 491298. In line with the Diocesan policy we are committed to:

The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with all children, young people and all adults within our church community.
The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable.
The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide an environment where there is a culture of 'informed vigilance' as to the dangers of abuse.
We will follow safe recruitment procedure to carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the church for children, young people and vulnerable adults, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
We will respond to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, co-operating with the Police and local authority in any investigation.
We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognized good practice.

Christian communities should be places where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse. The Church is particularly called by God to support those less powerful and those without a voice in our society. The Church is working towards creating a safe and non-discriminatory environment by being aware of some of the particular situations that create vulnerability. Issues which need to be considered include both the physical environment and the attitudes of workers and volunteers. A person who might be considered vulnerable has the right to:

Be treated with respect and dignity.
Have their privacy respected.
Be able to lead as independent a life as possible.
Be able to choose how to lead their life.
Have the protection of the law.
Have their rights upheld regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexuality, impairment or disability, age, religion or cultural background.
Be able to use their chosen language or method of communication.
Be heard

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. This will involve, in particular, openness among those with a legitimate need to know, confidentiality for those not directly involved, and the sharing of information with the statutory authorities.