For general information about our Parish then select from the links above. To find out more about the individual churches (information, history, pictures and location) then click on the pictures below.
These pages were last updated on May 5th 2012 On that date this page was updated with the May Services, the Rector's Letter and the latest News.
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since 1st January 2008
Hodnet Parish is located in North Shropshire, in the West Midlands and is part of Lichfield Diocese.
We are three churches who together are looking to love God and serve Him in our rural area and further afield.
Have a look at our Statement of Purpose on the "About Us" section for more information.
We hope that you find what you are looking for here, if not please use the details under "Contact Us" and we will do our best to answer your query.
We are an Anglican church with three lovely historic buildings in different parts of the parish:
* St Luke's Church in Hodnet, of Norman origin, is the Parish Church
* The Chapel of St Luke at Weston under Redcastle, close to Hawkstone Park.
* The Chapel of the Epiphany at Peplow, a hamlet south of Hodnet.
We share the following Core Purposes - Mission - to bring people of every age and background into a living and growing relationship with Jesus Christ Community - to be a mutually supportive, caring community in which everyone has a part to play Worship - to offer worship to God that is wholehearted, accessible and relevant Discipleship - to enable people to grow in wholeness and Christ-likeness in their own lives and relationships God's Kingdom - to change the way the world around us goes about its business
Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
Baptism and Thanksgiving We welcome families who wish to bring their children to be baptised. A first step would be to attend a church service and introduce yourself, or to contact the Rector directly.
We will help you to understand the significance of Baptism and what part the Church can play in your child's growth in faith. In it you make a commitment to Christ and to the nurture of your child in the Christian faith. As a church we promise to grow as part of the church. If all you wish to do is to express your gratitude to God for the gift of a child then an alternative to baptism would be a service of Thanksgiving. This year, 2010 we shall be having dedicated days for baptism. At Hodnet on Sunday 20th June
and at Weston on Sunday 25th July.
Weddings
If you are planning to get married the best way to do so is in church in the presence of God. To say your vows "in the sight of God" concentrates the mind on the seriousness of the commitment and expresses your need for the strength and help of God in your marriage.
You are eligible to be married in one of our churches if either of you are resident in the parish or one of you is a member of the electoral roll of either church. For non-residents to join the electoral roll it is necessary to have attended worship regularly for at least six months. We believe in a loving and forgiving God and so Divorce is not always a barrier to being married in Church. If either of you have been divorced it's important to discuss this with the Rector, as an opportunity to learn from the past and to move on. Contact the Rector as a first step in your wedding plans.
Addendum The Church of England Marriage Measure 2008 became law in October
This new legislation, overwhelmingly passed by the General Synod, came into force on the 1st October 2008. This measure offers the Church new ways to clarify, reissue and celebrate its wider welcome, so as to meet the needs of couples requesting church weddings and to better integrate more of them into the ongoing life of the local church. It does not affect the existing right of parishioners but allows couples opportunity to marry in a church which has special significance for them, even though it is not where they live, without applying for a special licence. The changes will mean an engaged couple is welcome to be married in church in a parish if just one of the following applies:
* One of them was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish;
* One of them has ever lived in the parish for six months or more
* One of them has at any time regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more;
* One of their parents has lived in the parish for six months or more in their child's lifetime
* One of their parents has regularly attended public worship there for six months or more in their child's lifetime;
* Their parents or grandparents were married in the parish.
Confirmations Young people may be prepared for confirmation at any age from school year 6 and upwards. This is normally done in a group each year or every other year, which meets weekly for about 8 weeks. Adults may be confirmed at any age, and preparation for this may be done individually or in a group. Contact the Rector with any enquiries about confirmation.
Funerals For many people the subject of death is a very sensitive issue. When a loved one dies we are in a state of shock and bewilderment. The Funeral Director arrives to make the funeral arrangements and will ask you if you would like to go into church for the service or go straight to the Crematorium. All you need to do is tell the Funeral Director you would like a church service.
The funeral would be a service of thanksgiving with a personal tribute to the person's life. Because of time pressures at the Crematorium, I encourage you to use the church for a short service. Obviously I hope we never need to meet under sad circumstances but if we did I want you to know that your church cares very much and wants to support and comfort you.
MAY 2012 MESSAGE FROM THE OUR RECTOR
Dear Friends, The old testament reading in Church recently was the story of Moses going up the mountain to meet God and receive the Ten Commandments.
(Exodus Chapter 20) These commandments have been an important part of Hebrew scripture ever since and continue to guide our living today.
Can you improve on them for the 21st Century?
I asked this question of the congregation and have received some thoughtful responses. Here are some examples:-
1: You shall have no other gods before me Your God is your God for whoever has faith. Be true to your God and be true to your faith.
2: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
3: Try and make Sunday a special day of peace and quiet. Attend church, see family and loved ones, potter at home and leave the shops alone.
4: You shall not murder Preserve life and do not maliciously harm others either physically or emotionally. You shall not commit adultery
5: If you are in a relationship work at it. Don't be foolish and mess around with someone else. Nothing worth while comes easily. You shall not covet Instead of thinking about what you dont have appreciate what you do have that is good and share this with those who have less than you.
These were some alternatives which I received - have a go yourself and have another look at the original in Exodus 20.
Shortly we will join national celebrations for the Queen's Diamond jubilee. What an amazing person she is and what an example she sets us all. Her Christian faith is central to her life.
A new prayer to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee has been composed by the Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral "at the Queens direction" It reads:
"God of time and eternity, whose Son reigns as servant not master: we give you thanks and praise that you have blessed this Nation, the Realms and Territories with Elizabeth our beloved and glorious Queen. In this year of Jubilee, grant her your gifts of love and joy and peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you, her Lord and God and in devoted service to her lands and peoples and those of the Commonwealth, now and all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen"
Long may she rule over us!
with love - Charmian
Services for May / June 2012
Hodnet
Weston
Peplow
Sunday 6th May 4th Sunday after Easter
8.00 am Holy Communion
9.30 am Morning Prayer
-
11.00 am Morning Prayer
-
-
Sunday 13th May 5th Sunday after Easter
11.00 am Holy Communion
9.30 am Holy Communion at Hawkstone
6.30 pm Evensong
Sunday 20th May Ascension Sunday
11.00 am Holy Communion
9.30 am Holy Communion
-
Sunday 27th May Pentecost
6.30 pm Evensong
11.00 am Morning Prayer
9.30 am Holy Communion
Sunday 3rd June Trinity Sunday
8.00 am Holy Communion
9.30 am Service, Celebration for the Jubilee
-
11.00 am Service, Celebration for the Jubilee
-
-
Monthly Pattern of Services within the Parish
Hodnet
Weston
Peplow
1st Sunday
8.00 am Holy Communion BCP
9.30 am Morning Prayer
-
11.00 am Morning Prayer
-
-
2nd Sunday
11.00 am Holy Communion CW
9.30 am Holy Communion CW
6.30 pm Evensong
3rd Sunday
11.00 am Family Communion
9.30 am Morning Prayer
-
4th Sunday
6.30 pm Evensong
11.00 am Family Communion
9.30 am Holy Communion
5th Sunday
11.00 am A single Parish Service at one of the churches
Officer
Name
Tel: Number
Parish Rector
Rev. Charmian Beech
01630 685491
Hodnet Church Wardens
Mrs Janice Parker
01630 685531
Mr Tim Preston
01630 685315
Weston Church Wardens
Mr Arthur Fox
01630 685180
Mr Brian Harper
01939 200636
Parish News & Dates for your diary
Hodnet News Sunday June 3rd Hodnet's Party in the Park. Cake Competition: Chocolate Cake. Men Only
Victoria Sponge. Fruit Pie. Jubilee decorated cup cake. Under 16s only.
Loaf of home made bread. Entries to be at the park at 12 noon.
12noon-5pm. Climbing wall, Caving, Craft Stalls, Bouncy Castle, Assault Course.
2pm. Judging of the cakes etc.
4-30pm Winner Announced.
5pm. Picnic. Bring your own picnic. Gazebo, Candles. Chairs
5pm-7pm. Open Mic.Session.
8pm. Music in the Park
For regular updates please look on the website: www.hodnet.org.uk.
Weston News Quiz Night: Friday, May 18th. 7-30pm prompt.
Teams of up to 6 people. 5 per head including supper.
phone Gill or David Brierley. 01939 200358 Or email Gillian,brierley@yahoo.co.uk
Beautiful Bluebell Walk: Sunday, May 5th. 2012. 11-30am
Start from The Citadel. Approx.3 miles. 5 per person. To include soup and a crusty roll.
Dogs on leads welcome. In aid of the Chapel of St. Luke. Weston.
Further info. From Sylvia Griffiths. 01630 685204 or Daphne Evans 01939 200261
Weston village Diamond Jubilee Party:
Weston village is celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee by having an outdoor party
on Sunday, June 3rd.
There will be a BBQ, drinks, history of the village and various entertainment
including a visit from the King. (Elvis)
For information about all activities within the Parish, services, weddings, baptisms, funerals etc. please contact the Rector:
