Welcome to the Okeford Benefice
CHURCHYARD UPDATE
If you have walked through our churchyards or visited the Shillingstone Church Centre recently, you may have been aware of some changes taking place to the grounds. Our churches are all working with plans to improve the wildlife value of these areas. This means experimenting with the mowing regime in some areas. It does not mean all mowing abandoned!
These wildlife areas improve the scope for bees, butterflies and birds, as well as wild flowers. I am hugely grateful for all those who care for our churchyards and give up their time and energy to create well cared for places for our loved to rest in peace.
Just because an area is going wild does not mean that it is not cared for – it’s cared for in a different way.
Please do use our churchyards as places to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, as places of tranquillity and spiritual reflection as well as a place to remember lost loved ones.
PULPIT VIEW – THE RECTOR’S BLOG
Forward planning – by Rev’d Lydia
As I prepare for the longest holiday of my life – three weeks away at the end of September – I’m doing a lot of planning to ensure that parish life is as little disrupted as possible. (Rev Karen doesn’t know what’s hit her!)
I’ve also sat this week with a family where the deceased had written out their entire funeral wishes, even down to the music before and after.
In both these cases great comfort is gained from the planning. I know I can go away and leave things ticking over, the family can know that the funeral […]
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mighty Okes!
Coffee Morning
Walking for Health family nature walk
Pilgrimage and BBQ
Service of Remembrance – date for your diary
Okeford Benefice Quiet Day
SERVICES/EVENTS IN THE NEXT 7 DAYS
Sunday 18th
Thursday 22nd
Morning and Evening Prayer
Morning and Evening Prayer is said around the Benefice at 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Please see the calendar for day and location.
View Benefice CalendarView Liturgical Calendar
SAFEGUARDING
The Okeford Benefice takes its responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people and adults who may be at risk very seriously and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we work in accordance with best practice at all times.
Our Benefice Safeguarding Policy can be viewed here.
If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact our Benefice Safeguarding Officer Sue Chandler on 01258 861432 or 07554 425971 or by email .
Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Heather Bland on 07500 664800 or by email .