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 22nd December
St. Mary Almeley – 3.00 pm – Carol Service.
St. Mary Brilley – 9.30 am – Holy Communion
St. Mary Magdalene Eardisley – 6.30 pm – Carol Service.
St. James Kinnersley – 9.30 am – Morning Prayer.
The Services across the benefice, including St. Mary Almeley, for the whole of the current month can be found here. And details of Christmas Carol singing, Crib services and Carol Services throughout the benefice can be found here.
Almeley Village Carol Singing at the Bell’s car park – Come and sing lots of traditional choirs with Almeley Church Choir on Saturday 21st December at 6pm in The Bells Inn Car Park by kind permission of Jason and Lisa. There will be a collection in aid of Young Lives versus Cancer, a charity we have supported for almost 15 years which helps children and families with cancer. Please come and join us and have a sing. Mince pies afterwards.
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
Our vicar Marcus’ latest thought for the month of December 2024 can be found here, where you will also find the Dean of Hereford’s letter for December 2024.
Christmas cards – The church has produced its own Christmas cards this year. They may be purchased from the back of the church and paid for either using the card machine or leaving cash in the church safe on the wall to the left as you look at the door from inside.
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
Almeley Church Carol service – Our Carol service will be held on Sunday 22nd December at 3pm. All are invited to come and share favourite carols and hear the Christmas story. See the church decorated for Chrisrtmas. Tea and cakes afterwards
Crib service – There will be a crib service at St Mary’s church on 24th December at 4.30pm. This will be a service for children and families based on the Christmas story.
Christmas Day – Holy Communion at 10.30 am. Everyone welcome
This week Bishop Richard talks about joy – the video is here. To access the previous video messsages, please use the Hereford Diocesan website here or on YouTube 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. 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. Another idea for a Christmas or birthday present, maybe? Please contact Judy Hayes 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.