St John the Baptist Church is a family church that is seeking to reach out to the community of Aston Cantlow and surrounding Parish with a clear relevant gospel message for today’s generation ‘love thy neighbour’.
Events
Services – We meet for morning worship every Sunday at 11.00.a.m.
Usual Service Programme
- 1st Sunday of the month Morning Prayer
- 2nd Sunday of the month Morning Praise (an informal service with refreshments afterwards)
- 3rd Sunday of the month Morning Praise
- 4th Sunday of the month Holy Communion
Although the regular congregation is not large, people are very friendly and we welcome everyone who wishes to join us. Our worship is led either by ordained clergy, when we have a full service of Holy Communion, or by our Reader, when we have a service of Holy Communion by Extension or Morning Prayer.
We have a carpeted area and toys are available for the youngest members of the congregation, if they wish to use it. It is by the font, at the back of the church, which allows them and any adult they take with them to still feel included in the service as they play. The octagonal font dates from the 15th century and is used for baptisms. It is almost certain that it would have been used for the baptism of Mary Arden, Shakepeare’s mother.
St John the Baptist Church fulfils the same function today as it did when it was first founded, standing as a meeting place for the worship of God and a witness to the active presence of the love of God. A small number of people collaborate to ensure that the doors of the Church are open to both visitor and pilgrim. We continue to thank all those who give their time freely, to labour so willingly and enthusiastically to promote the life and work of our church within the community. The Church is maintained by everyone who enters this building to give of their talents, their time and their prayers; it is the people who meet here to give thanks to God in times of joy and comfort in times of sorrow who constitute the Church. St John the Baptist Church, although a beautiful historical building, is not a museum but a living church whose walls provide shelter to all who enter.
The church is open during the day from Easter to the end of October. Do come in to look round and admire the beautiful structure, the stained glass windows, to say a prayer, or just sit for a quiet moment, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings. If you would rather sit in the open air to meditate there are benches strategically placed around the church yard and these provide a tranquil setting where people can just sit and feel close to their departed loved ones, or just enjoy listening to the birds.
If you are not used to attending church it can be most daunting and you may have some misconceptions about the church, its services and the congregation. The best way to get to know us is to come along to one of the church services or activities.
If you want to come to a church where you can be sure of a very warm welcome. Why not come along this Sunday.
For Young People The young people and families with young children are important members of our congregation; they are in a real sense the future of the church.
Activities for young people include: – Minnows Toddlers’ Group every Monday morning (except Bank holiday) 10am to 11.30 in Wilmcote village hall. Organised by the churches of St Andrews, Wilmcote and St John the Baptist, Aston Cantlow (see further details below). – ‘Messy Church’ on Good Friday.
Home groups These small groups meet in people’s homes in various parts of the community, on different days of the week both in the day and in the evening. Groups normally range from 6 to 10 people. Meeting in one’s home creates a relaxed atmosphere where people can genuinely get to know one another while studying the Bible together.
Prayers: If you would like to have someone included on the list to be remembered on an appropriate anniversary, please contact one of the churchwardens.
In a similar way if you are aware of anyone in the parish who is unwell and either they and/or you would like them mentioned in our prayers then please contact one of the churchwardens.
Home visits If you, or you know of someone who would like to have Holy Communion but are unable to attend church due to illness or mobility we would be happy to come to your home. Alternatively you may not wish to have communion but would like a home visit from the vicar or a member of the congregation to share a time of prayer. Please let us know by contacting the church wardens.
Baptisms / Weddings / Funerals Please contact one of the churchwardens.
The Minister in Charge is the Rev. Alison Hampton Tel : 01564 792988 Email address is churchesofardenrev@gmail.com
Church Wardens: Sue Kershaw The Old Forge Aston Cantlow B95 6HY Tel: 01789 488493 Sandra Williams 23 Aston Cantlow Road, Wilmcote CV37 9XN. Tel: 01789 204409.
Location
The entrance to St John the Baptist Church is in Church Lane , Aston Cantlow, opposite the entrance to the rear car park of The Kings Head. Sat nav users should use the B95 6JB post code to get directed to Church Lane.
What is a Church? A place of hospitality: where faith is nurtured, where people can meet, where there is spiritual refreshment. A place of prayer: where we offer our life, where we offer our concerns, where we find support. A place of community: we pray that people may be drawn by hospitality to find friendship, care and support. A place of Worship.
What does the Church offer you? A warm welcome, spiritual worship, an open Church, and support : for bereaved people, for people at work, for people at hospital, and for children at school.
