Welcome to The Ridgeway Benefice

Welcome

Welcome to the Ridgeway Benefice website, for news and events about the Church of England parishes of Holy Cross Chiseldon with Draycot Foliat, Ogbourne St Andrew with Rockley and Ogbourne St George. The Ridgeway Benefice is in the Marlborough Deanery in the Diocese of Salisbury, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Services in The Ridgeway Benefice:

Mid-week services: There is a said service of Holy Communion at Chiseldon Church Hall on Wednesday at 10.00am.

Ascension Day – Deanery Service at St Mary’s Marlborough with Bishop Stephen on Thursday 18^th May at 7.30pm.

‘Thy Kingdom Come’ (be inspired by prayer stations inside) St Mary’s Marlborough, open 9am to 5pm daily, 18th-29th May. 24 hours of prayer from 9am Tuesday 23^rd May in 30 minute slots, including an hour of Prayer and Praise at 7.30pm. The Ridgeway Benefice has produced one of the prayer stations.

Sunday 21^st May 2023, Easter 7:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.30am, Zoom Service

Readings: Acts 1: 6-14; Psalm 68: 1-10, 32-end; 1 Peter 4: 12-14, 5: 6-11; John 17: 1-11

Collect: O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 28^th May 2023, Day of Pentecost:

10.30am Cafe Church, St Andrew
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross
6.00pm, Evensong (BCP), St George

Readings: Acts 2: 1-21; Psalm 104: 26-36, 37b; 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13; John 20: 19-23 or John 7: 37-39

Collect: God, who as at this time taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 4^th June 2023, Trinity Sunday:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.00am, Cafe Church, St George
10.30am, Morning Worship, Holy Cross
11.00am, Parish Communion, St Andrew

Readings: Isaiah 40: 12-17, 27-end; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13: 11-end; Matthew 28: 16-end

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity: keep us steadfast in this faith, that we may evermore be defended from all adversities; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 11^th June 2023, Trinity 1:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), St George
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross

Readings: Hosea 5: 15-6:6; Psalm 50: 7-15; Romans 4: 13-end; Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26

Collect: O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 18^th June 2023, Trinity 2:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.30am, Zoom Service

Readings: Exodus 19: 2-8a; Psalm 100; Romans 5: 1-8; Matthew 9: 35-10:8 [9-23]

Collect: Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 25^th June 2023, Trinity 3:

10.30am, Cafe Church, St Andrew
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross
6.00pm, Evensong (BCP), St George

Readings: Jeremiah 20: 7-13; Psalm 69: 8-11 [12-17]; Romans 6: 1b-11; Matthew 10: 24-39

Collect: Almighty God, you have broken the tyranny of sin and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts whereby we call you Father: give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that we and all creation may be brought to the glorious liberty of the children of God; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 2^nd July 2023, Trinity 4:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.00am, Cafe Church, St George
10.30am, Morning Worship, Holy Cross
11.00am, Parish Communion, St Andrew

Readings: Jeremiah 28: 5-9; Psalm 89: 1-4, 15-18; Romans 6: 12-end; Matthew 10: 40-end

Collect: O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 9^th July 2023, Trinity 5:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), St George
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross

Readings: Zechariah 9: 9-12; Psalm 145: 8-15; Romans 7: 15-25a; Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-end

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 16^th July 2023, Trinity 6:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.30am, Zoom Service

Readings: Isaiah 55: 10-13; Psalm 65; Romans 8: 1-11; Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23

Collect: Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 23^rd July 2023, Trinity 7:

10.30am, Cafe Church, St Andrew
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross
6.00pm, Evensong (BCP), St George

Readings: Wisdom 12: 13, 16-19; Psalm 86: 11-end; Romans 8: 12-25; Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43

Collect: Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 30^th July 2023, Trinity 8:

10.30am Benefice Communion, Holy Cross

No early service today

Readings: 1 Kings 3: 5-12; Psalm 119: 129-136; Romans 8: 26-end; Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52

Collect: Almighty Lord and everlasting God, we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 6^th August 2023, The Transfiguration:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.30am, Morning Worship, Holy Cross
11.00am, Parish Communion, St Andrew

Readings: Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1: 16-19; Luke 9: 28-36

Collect: Father in heaven, whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain, and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem: give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross that in the world to come we may see him as he is; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 13^th August 2023, Trinity 10:

10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross

No early service today

Readings: 1 Kings 19: 9-18; Psalm 86: 8-13; Romans 10: 5-15; Matthew 14: 22-33

Collect: Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 20^th August 2023, Trinity 11:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.00am, Parish Communion, St George

Readings: Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15: [10-20] 21-28

Collect: O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 27^th August 2023, Trinity 12:

10.30am, Morning Worship, St Andrew
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross
6.00pm, Evensong (BCP), St George

Readings: Isaiah 51: 1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12: 1-8; Matthew 16: 13-20

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than either we desire or deserve: pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 3^rd September 2023, Trinity 13:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.00am, Cafe Church, St George
10.30am, Morning Worship, Holy Cross
11.00am, Parish Communion, St Andrew

Readings: Jeremiah 15: 15-21; Psalm 26: 1-8; Romans 12: 9-end; Matthew 16: 21-end

Collect: Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 10^th September 2023, Trinity 14, celebrating Holy Cross Day:

8.30am Holy Communion (BCP), St George
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross

Readings: Ezekiel 33: 7-11; Psalm 119: 33-40; Romans 13: 8-end; Matthew 18: 15-20; Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 22: 23-28; Philippians 2: 6-11; John 3: 13-17

Collect: Almighty God, whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence: give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Almighty God, who in the passion of your blessed Son made an instrument of painful death to be for us the means of life and peace: grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer for his sake; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 17^th September 2023, Trinity 15:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.30am, Zoom Service

Readings: Genesis 50: 15-21; Psalm 103: 1-13; Romans 14: 1-12; Matthew 18: 21-35

Collect: God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit upon your Church in the burning fire of your love: grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel that, always abiding in you, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 24^th September 2023, Trinity 16:

10.30am, Cafe Church, St Andrew
10.30am, Parish Communion, Holy Cross
6.00pm, Evensong (BCP), St George

Readings: Jonah 3: 10-end of 4; Psalm 145: 1-8; Philippians 1: 21-end; Matthew 20: 1-16

Collect: O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday 1^st October 2023, celebrating Harvest Festival:

8.30am, Holy Communion (BCP), Holy Cross
10.00am, Harvest Festival, St George
10.30am, Harvest Festival, Holy Cross
11.00am, Parish Communion for Harvest, St Andrew

Readings: Deuteronomy 8: 7-18; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 9: 6-end; Luke 12: 16-30

Collect: Eternal God, you crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season: grant that we may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Mid-week services: There is a said service of Holy Communion at Chiseldon Church Hall on Wednesday at 10.00am.

Church Access

Church opening for private/individual prayer:

·St George: Wednesdays and Sundays, 9.00am-5.00pm

·St Andrew and Holy Cross can be opened on request either to the Rector or the Churchwardens.

Giving On-Line

When on-line services available, the three churches in the Ridgeway Benefice saw a considerable reduction in income as we could take collections, therefore we created the ability for people to donate on-line. If you could donate a one off amount, or even a regular amount by standing order, please see details for each parish here: St Andrew, St George, Holy Cross

Help and Resources

‘Daily Hope’ phone line 0800 804 8044: This is a CofE initiative to provide access to worship, prayer and reflections. The line runs for 24 hours a day and is free to call.

Online church resources: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online

A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The Ridgeway Benefice publishes a short Weekly Newsletter with information about coming services and other news.

Sign-up or cancel your subscription to our Weekly Newsletter

Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy: The Ridgeway 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 Parish/Benefice Safeguarding Policy (which is that of the Diocese of Salisbury and the National Church) can be viewed and downloaded here.

If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact our Benefice Safeguarding Officer, Linda Sutcliffe on telephone number: 07493914285 or contact her via email with this form.

Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers, Jem Carter on 07469 857888 or Suzy Futcher 07500 664800 and email Safeguarding Salisbury.

Our Pastoral Team

Meet our Clergy Team here.

The Friends of Holy Cross

We are a group of people – churchgoers and non-churchgoers – who wish to ensure that The Church of The Holy Cross in the village of Chiseldon is preserved and maintained for present and future generations.

Our aims are to:

Help preserve and maintain the fabric and furnishings of Holy Cross Church for the benefit of the community, and in support of the Parochial Church Council.
Raise funds to achieve those objectives.
Stimulate an interest in the building and its contents.

Find out how you can become involved and what events we have on at the Friends of Holy Cross website:www.friendsohc.org.uk

Diocesan Links

The Diocesan e-bulletin: if you would like to receive the e-bulletin please subscribe using the following here.
Diocesan Grapevine: if you would like to receive this bulletin, please subscribe here.

To contact us regarding any errata or new content that you want to be added about groups and events within the Benefice, links to other web sites etc. click here.