The United Benefice of
St Mary's, Henlow, and St Andrew's, Langford
Welcome to St Mary's
Church Open: In addition to our regular services (please see the Services & Events page for details), the church is usually open for visitors as follows:
- May to Oct, every Saturday:
10am - 4pm - Nov to Apr, 1st & 3rd Saturday:
10am - 12 noon
Opening is subject to the availability of volunteers from the congregation: please contact us to check before travelling, especially if you are coming a long way.
Children's Corner: There is a Children's Corner at the back of the church which may be used by parents and children whenever the church is open. We also have a separate upstairs room where parents and children can withdraw from Sunday services if they wish (the service can still be seen and heard).
Sunday Club: Our Sunday Club for children of all ages was launched in 2009. After meeting in church for the start of the service at 11.00am, the Club move upstairs for singing, stories and activities, then return in time for a blessing at the Communion rail. Sunday Club meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month (even in August!) and is supervised by a team of leaders, Tracey Whitby, Sally Amner and Jackie Painter.
Henlow Hippos: On the first Wednesday of each month at 2.15pm, young children bring their parents, grandparents and child minders to St Mary's for a story, to sing and play musical instruments and then have a drink and biscuit. We finish at about 3pm.
Wednesday Morning Coffee: Please join us and others for coffee and cakes from 10.30am on any Wednesday morning at The Gardens in Arlesey Road. Served by adults with learning difficulties from Biggleswade Adult Training Centre, the coffee, cakes and service are all excellent: not to be missed!
The very attractive church of St Mary the Virgin stands at the heart of Henlow, with its tower visible from all approaches. The congregation are warm and friendly and our main service, normally with Holy Communion, is held at 11am each Sunday. We would love to see you and look forward to welcoming you.
Regular Monthly Service Schedule
- 1st Sunday: All Age Worship / Family Service, followed by refreshments then Said Communion.
- 2nd & 3rd Sunday: Parish Eucharist (Holy Communion).
- 4th Sunday: Parish Eucharist with incense.
- 5th Sunday: Benefice Service: Joint service with St Andrew's, held alternately either here or at St Andrew's.
American Connections
St Mary's is in regular contact with the Pilgrim John Howland Society of America. John Howland married Elizabeth Tilley of Henlow and both sailed from Plymouth on the Mayflower with the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620: to find out more, visit pilgrimjohnhowlandsociety.org.
We are also in contact with the Pilgrim Henry Samson Kindred that was formed in September 2005. Henry Samson sailed on the Mayflower at the age of 16. He was the son of James and Martha (Cooper) Samson who were married in St Mary's on 20 May 1599. Henry was baptised in St Mary's on 15 January 1604: to find out more, visit pilgrimhenrysamsonkindred.org
Churchwardens
- Mrs Pat Tomlinson
- Ms Hilary Woods
Photo Gallery
WELCOME to the St Mary's photo gallery. If you have photographs of St Mary's, old or new, of people or events such as baptisms or weddings, that you'd like to see featured here, please contact Phil Groom, our webmaster, at the Vicarage in Langford or online via his blog, facebook or twitter. If your photo includes children, please ensure that you have parental or guardian permission for the picture to be used here. Thank you.
Easter Day 2010
Easter Garden |
Refreshments after the service |
Easter flowers |
Looking Around...
There's more: Inside | Outside
View of the Nave, facing East |
The Lady Chapel |
Churchyard Extension
Our churchyard extension, consecrated by the Rt Revd Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford on 5th September 2007, was made possible by a generous local benefactor. More recently (2010 - 2011), a small but dedicated team of volunteers have been working very hard to tidy up the rest of the churchyard and the Garden of Rest: see our before and after gallery to find out more...
Churchyard Extension |
Consecration with the Bishop of Bedford (in the centre, seated) |
Tower Restoration
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| Tower Restoration: Work in Progress... | |||
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| Tower Restoration: Work Complete! | |||
St Mary's, Henlow, and St Andrew's, Langford :: Diocese of St Albans :: Church of England
© 2011 - 2012, The United Benefice of St Mary's, Henlow, and St Andrew's, Langford
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CROWDS GATHER FOR HENLOW FETE
Saturday, 11 June, 2011
Shefford Majorettes
Congratulations and thanks to everyone who took part in the Henlow Fete held at Henlow Middle School this afternoon, which raised a grand total of £1,700 (as of Thursday, 16 June, 2011: watch this space for further updates). The fete was opened by our Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Sue Groom, followed by a series of superbly performed routines by the Shefford Majorettes, pictured lining up ready for action.
The Cake Stall
The church was open for a craft exhibition whilst crowds of visitors kept more than a dozen stallholders busy in the school grounds providing food, fun and games during the afternoon, which closed with the Grand Prize Draw being called with a 1st prize of £100 cash. Other prizes included a flight for two in a light aeroplane, a meal for two at The Five Bells and a Langford Garden Centre gift voucher.