Our Community
Almeley Parish is situated in the English County of Herefordshire, approximately 15 miles North West of Hereford in the beautiful rural Marches border country between England and Wales. We are at the centre of a thriving farming community. Part of our charm is that we are off the beaten track in a relatively remote area, not on a direct route to anywhere, and comprising Almeley Village and the hamlets of Almeley Wootton, Woonton, and Logaston.
We are part of the Eardisley Benefice of six parishes (Almeley, Brilley & Michaelchurch, Eardisley, Kinnersley, Whitney, and Winforton) in the Deanery of Kington and Weobley in the Diocese of Hereford. Ever wondered what goes on in Hereford Diocese? Have a look here.
Services across the benefice on Sunday 19th January 2025
St. Mary Almeley – 11.00 am – Holy Communion.
St. Mary Magdalene Eardisley – 9.30 am – Morning Prayer.
St. James Kinnersley – 9.30 am – Holy Communion.
St. Michael Michaelchurch – 3.00 pm – Family Service.
The Services across the benefice, including St. Mary Almeley, for the whole of the current month can be found here.
Our vicar Marcus’ latest thought for the month of January 2025 can be found here, where you will also find the Archdeacon of Ludlow’s letter for January 2025.
Sox For Soles
At the back of church is a box labelled ‘Sox for Soles’. Please place any good socks in the box which will be taken to the Salvation Army to be distributed to the homeless in February.
Please also remember the Community Larder kept in the porch of Almeley Church. The offerings are taken to Kington where they are distributed to those in need in our area.
Study Group – Reverend Katie Smith will be leading a study group looking at the book of Romans. This will start on Thursday 16th January at 7pm and will be every first and third Thursday thereafter. It will be located in Almeley. For further information, please email Katie: – revkatiemsmith@gmail.com
Diocesan Services – An online service every Sunday from the Diocese, this will be broadcast at 10.00 on the diocesan Facebook page.
Church of England – Church of England services can be joined at any time here or here
Further afield – The Taize community in France livestream their prayers everyday at 7.30 here and beautifully from across the world, here
Night Prayer (Compline)
Night Prayer is a traditional short time of prayers at the end of the day. Wednesdays here at 7.30 pm
Bishop Richard has left us some videos which will go out weekly while he is away. In this week’s video, Bishop Richard begins to look at the five marks of mission that will provide the framework for our Year of Engagement in 2025 – the video is here. To access the previous video messsages, please use the Hereford Diocesan website here or on YouTube here.
Year of Engagement 2025: we can join Bishop Richard with Revd. Stephen Hollinghurst – Mision Enabler, Environment and the Bishop’s former chaplain Nicol Kinrade in a video conversation here.
Furher articles by members of the diocese can be found on St. Ethelbert’s blog on the Diocesan website here.
Church website – Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are, again, looking for someone to manage our website and keep it updated. If you, or someone you know, are interested in more information about what is involved and feel that you have the appropriate skill and, of course. time, please contact Judy Hayes (07914 812 509). Thanks in advance.
Recipe Book
St Mary’s church has ‘gone to print’ with a new recipe book. This has tried and tested family favourites and is on sale (£5) in church. Please contact Judy Hayes (07914 812 509) if you wish to purchase but cannot get to church.
Almeley Church Choir – How about taking up singing. Almeley Church Choir are looking for new members, adults and children. At the moment we have 4 children and would love to have some more. The children are only expected to attend 2 services a month. Our choir practices are on a Friday night at 6.30 pm – 7.30pm in church. It doesn’t matter if you can’t read music you will soon pick things up. Enquiries to Di Brain 01544 327396 or stuartbrainuk@btinternet.com
What is the Archbishop of Canterbury saying
Archbishop Justin is often misquoted or quoted out of context. It’s good to know what our archbishop is saying in his sermons and in his speeches and it’s easy to do!
Click here for his sermons
Click here for his speeches
What about Christening?
Birthdays always mark a new year in our lives and so does baptism – christening – whether for children or adults. If this is something you would welcome for you family or children, please do be in touch with Revd. Marcus Small
Visit our Baptism and Christening page here.
What about getting married?
We have a number of couples tying the knot at St Mary’s this year and there’s plenty of room for more. If this might be you, please do be in touch with Revd. Marcus Small
Visit our wedding page for more details here.
Upcoming events
For up to the minute news of events in the parish go to:
St Mary’s Almeley facebook
For village news in general:
Almeley Parish Council website
Eardisley Group of Parishes Facebook page can be found here
The award winning Bells Inn – Hereford Times Best Pub 2022, and runner up CAMRA Herefordshire pub of the year for two consecutive years – well done!
Open Wednesday to Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday – for opening hours and other details check out their website www.thebellsinnalmeley.com
Jason and Lisa: Telephone: 01544 327216.
Facebook: Almeley Market & Deli.
Email: thebellsinnalmeley@gmail.co.uk
Safeguarding
St Mary’s church ensures that safeguarding policies are fully implemented and give the highest priority to promoting the safety and welfare of all including that of children, young people, and vulnerable. The full details of our policy, procedures and contact details can be found here.