St Agatha's and St James' Churches

Founded in 1153 on the site of an earlier church, St Agatha’s has been at the centre of Brightwell’s Christianity for almost 900 years. Some traces of the original building are still visible and a walk round the interior, using the printed guide available inside the church, will reveal many fascinating facts about the building itself and some of the people who have worshipped here over the centuries from the Normans to the present day. We hope you will feel able to visit St Agatha’s, – the church is usually kept open – find time to explore inside and outside its ancient walls, and get a sense of its history. The worn down stones in the porch may cause you to think of the villagers and visitors who, down the ages, have trodden this way before you; but be aware also that the Church’s ministry is still ongoing. St Agatha’s remains as ever, at the heart of the village, ready to welcome anyone who seeks comfort within its walls.

The little church of St James’, in Sotwell, is built in the form of a chapel on a site first recorded in 1158. The present church was rebuilt in the Victorian era. Because of its small intimate nature, St James’ is entirely suited to the quiet Communion Service held there most Sundays.

If you have a new baby, you might want to consider a thanksgiving for a safe arrival- or alternatively having the baby christened.Click here for a explanation of what's involved in having a child baptised.

                     Church Services over the next year at St Agatha's and St James' Churches

Sunday 29 June: TEAM SERVICE at St Agatha’s Church at 10.00am with Rev’d Janice Chilton   All churches in the Church of England Wallingford beneficetogether, so Wallingford, Crowmarsh Gifford and Brightwell cum Sotwell.

Sunday 6 July: PET SERVICE at St Agatha’s Church at 9.30am with Rev'd Janice Chilton.  Outside in the churchyard if weather permits!  Pet Service at St Agatha's - bring your pets and enjoy a service with them remembering the joy they bring us and thanking God for creating the whole animal kingdom.

Sunday 20 July: PATRONAL SERVICE at St Mary Magdalene at 11.00am with Rev'd Sarah Nesbitt.  A service to celebrate the Saint for whom the church is named:  BCS joins Crowmarsh Gifford for the service to celebrate St Mary Magdalene, the church named for her in Crowmarsh Gifford at 11:00. Celebrant: Rev'd SarahNesbitt. No service in BCS that day.

Sunday 27 July: PATRONAL SERVICE at St James Sotwell at 09.30am  A service to celebrate the Saint for whom the church is named.  Crowmarsh Gifford joins BCS for the service to celebrate James the Great, the Apostle.

Sunday 3 August: PICNIC PRAYER SERVICE at 11.00am with Rev'd Janice Chilton.  Local venue in Brightwell cum Sotwell to be determined. A service with a picnic.

Sunday 7 September: WATER SERVICE at Wellsprings at 9.30am with Rev'd Janice Chilton.  An outdoors family service at Wellsprings Brightwell cum Sotwell to celebrate creation and our natural world.

Sunday 5 October: HARVEST FESTIVAL FAMILY SERVICE at 9.30am at St Agatha's with Rev'd Janice Chilton.  A service to celebrate the harvest and the goodness of the land which surrounds us, and to thank the farmers who maintain us with the food they produce.

Sunday 9 November: REMEMBRANCE DAY at Brightwell War Memorial and afterwards in St Agatha's. 10.30am with Archdeacon David Tyler  80 years since the end of the Second World War and remembering those who served then and in the Great War, and who have served since.

Sunday 21 December: CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE at St Agatha's at 4.30pm

Wednesday 24 December: MIDNIGHT COMMUNION: St James's Sotwell at 11.30pm

Thursday 25 December: CHRISTMAS DAY FAMILY COMMUNION: St Agatha's BCS at 9.30.am

See also the Wallingford Team ministry pages for St Agatha's and St James's.

Our churches share a Facebook site with the rest of the Wallingford Team: www.facebook.com/wallingfordcofe/

Coffee and homemade cakes are served in the Church Room every Wednesday morning between 10 and 12 am. All are welcome!