Forthcoming Events
Information on services and events is now available on this website.
Church Appeal
Please help us reach our appeal target to cover the cost of our new kitchen, toilet facilities, drainage and heating.
About the Church
St. Mararet’s Church
The first church … the original church, or so the story goes, was built in the thirteenth century by Sir William Keynal. It is said that Sir William built the church as a thanks offering for his safe return from the Crusades. This explains the unusual dedication to St Margaret of Antioch.
St. Margaret’s is part of the By Brook Benefice, a group of nine rural parishes and is served by a team ministry comprising a team rector, a team vicar, one non stipendiary priest and Lay Ministers (Readers). The Team Rector, the Rev’d Jonathan Philpott, is based at The Rectory, Yatton Keynell.
There is a wide range of services both across the benefice and within parishes, including BCP, Common Worship, services of the Word, and all age family worship. When a fifth Sunday occurs within a month there is a joint service held in one of the parishes. Two parishes have weekday services. Also, the Edward Bear Club meets in some parishes for mothers and toddlers. A Café church is held at St. Margaret’s every Tuesday morning. Not a service, but a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee, a cake and a chat with other villagers.
The Sunday services at St. Margaret’s are supported, according to preference, by a regular congregation, however, special and seasonal services receive much wider support and participation. For example, the carol service has also become a popular social occasion of traditional carols mixed with items presented by village organisations such as the WI, ending with mulled wine and mince pies. Our popular Christmas Market takes place at the beginning of December.
St Margaret’s church also has a bell tower with four bells. These are rung most Sundays before services and during the communion service. Bell ringing practice takes place on a Thursday evening and if you are interested in becoming a campanologist, please contact Mike King, 01249 782580.
Services are notified on the notice boards in the churchyard and church porch and also in the Honeycomb magazine. There is also a monthly newsletter, covering all churches in the Benefice, which you can receive by email if you contact the Benefice.
Arrangements for marriages, baptisms and funerals can be made at The Rectory by telephone 01249 782704 or email: bybrook.parishoffice@btopenworld.com. The office is open between 9.00am and 12.00pm, Monday to Friday. You can also visit www.bybrook.org.uk
