Welcome to the parish church of St. James the Great in Cradley. The Village of Cradley is blessed with a splendid historic church situated in the heart of the village surounded by beautiful rural English countryside. Black and white timbered cottages vie with up to the minute eco friendly housing. The history of the church is a fascinating one, however, the life of the church today is focused on forward looking worship and remaining relevant to the village population of today ... while the active bell-ringing group ensure that the village is still able to enjoy the sound of the church bells. The church is open from 8.00 am – 5.00 pm in the winter and 8.00 am – 7.00 pm during the summer.
Why not support the work of the church and its maintenance by joining the Cradley Church 100 Club? Joining forms are now available.
During the first half of 2019 a significant programme of repairs was carried out at Cradley church, part of which was funded from a grant from the National churches Trust.
RESOURCES
Are you looking for different ways in which you can pray at home (especially if you are social distancing or self isolating)? Here are some ideas:
BBC Radio 4 Long Wave - Daily Service at 09.45 a.m. See detals online
BBC Radio 4 - Sunday Service at 08.10 a.m. - See detals online
Prayer and reflection for healing and well-being - A resource produced by Hereford Cathedral - details online
Ways to pray from home - A resource produced by Wakefield Cathedral - download
The Revd Robert Ward's ministry covers the parishes of Mathon, Cradley and Storridge, in addition to this he is also Rural Dean for the Ledbury Deanary.
The Rectory,
Rectory Lane
Cradley
Herefordshire
WR13 5LQ
01886 880438
robert.ward776@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR (updated 9 August 2020)
At this time of particular concern and national anxiety, the Church in our parishes and communities has a unique and important part to play.
Public Worship: A celebration of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is currently being offered at one church in each benefice in the deanery for further detail please see services page of this website which will be updated as and when details are available, along with details of how to join live-streams of some of our services. Please note: From Sunday 9 August it is mandatory that face coverings be worn by everyone in church buildings for public worship and whenever there are others present (face coverings should only be removed to receive Holy Communion).
Up-dates will be published here, on church notice boards and elsewhere, as appropriate. You may also want to keep an eye on our facebook page. We continue to be a community of hope, of prayer, and of service to one another, and to God.
Private prayer: Following Government and Church guidelines from 15 June 2020 Cradley church is open for private prayer between 9.00am and 5.00pm, with particular restrictions in place to comply with safety requirements. The church will be cleaned each evening after closing. For this reason, opening times may be more restricted than they were before. Please read and follow the guidelines for visitors displayed at the church.
As a result of the major outbreak of Covid 19 at Rook Row Farm, Mathon Church will be closed until at least Monday 27 July. The Rector and the Churchwardens will then review the situation and would hope thereafter to be able to consider re-opening the church during the week for private prayer.
A huge thank you to the many people who have helped maintain the quality of life in our villages during the disruption caused by Covid-19. The continuing commitment of our shopkeepers, school staff, health workers and volunteers of many kinds, especially those wo have given their time to the support scheme co-ordinated, among others, by Bruce and Sarah Herriot, have helped make these villages a very good place to be, if we have to go through these weeks, anywhere at all...on behalf of our three churches, and, if I may, on behalf our village communities - thank you all, very much indeed!
In words often sung with gusto, especially to west of here, and to the the tune Cwm Rhondda - may the God of hope, who travels with us and blesses us even through these wilderness times, 'land us safe on Canaan's shore.' And God be with you.
Your Rector,
Robert Ward
Help for those isolating or shielding
Are you in Cradley, Mathon or Storridge and self isolating, shielding, in quarantine after travel, clinically vulnerable, or just feel vulnerable and want to reduce your risk? Would you like help with food and supplies, prescription delivery or social support via telephone? The community support volunteers are still happy to help you. Please use them protect yourselves, your family and our community. For more details please download the latest information sheet.
AUGUST ISSUE now available on line
Do you normal read the “Cradley, Mathon and Storridge Newsletter”? If so, please note that in light of the covid-19 restrictions imposed by the Diocese on the distribution of printed material including Parish Magazines, issues of the Newsletter will only be published on its website. Readers will be notified when the Newsletter recommences in print. If any reader is unable to access this online edition please write to the Editor c/o Robert Colledge, Barratts Cottage Cradley WR13 5NF and we will endeavour to resolve this issue.
Sign up to get our weekly news update emailed directly to you inbox (if you change your mind you can opt out again at any time).
