Image: Julian Comrie
Image: Julian Comrie
Image: Julian Comrie
Image: Joan Gubbin
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)
ALL CHURCH SERVICES ARE SUSPENDED FOR NOW, due to the COVID19 outbreak.
The NORTH CURRY CHURCH will remain closed until further notice.
Please click here for Services this month.
Old issues are listed below.
Unfortunately, we received no applicants for the vicar's position, but with COVID19 dominating the news and our lives, everything would seem to be on hold for now. The online version of the magazine is the text only (no adverts) as the paper version is not going to be printed for awhile.
Since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 23rd March of new sweeping restrictions to try to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, the Archbishops and Bishops have said that all Churches must be closed with immediate effect. For many of us this is a very unhappy decision, but we fully recognise its wisdom in the circumstances and we shall continue to pray, to love and to care for the vulnerable from the confinement of our own homes.
Bishop Ruth has given us a prayer to use : Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low ; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
There are also the words of Psalm 91 to bring us strength and comfort : . . . I will say unto the Lord, Thou art my hope, and my stronghold : my God, in him will I trust . . . Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night : nor for the arrow that flieth by day ; for the pestilence that walketh in darkness : nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon-day.
Events are moving so fast that my ‘Vicar’s Letter’ in the April Magazine (yet to be published) is already out of date. Apologies in advance for this. John Tyler.
to take on this varied and interesting role, please call him 01823 490234
Just in case you are not able to make it to church on Sunday, you can now keep upto date with all the events.
the latest Athelney Bulletin
The bells and frame are in a critical condition, and now will only be rung on exceptional occasions whilst a full restoration appraisal in undertaken.
Can you help in ANY way, click here for more information and how you can help save the bell tower!
Please click here for our policy and information
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.
Click the link to see a copy online: further back copies available on request
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.
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:
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:
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.