St Matthew’s Church - Northampton

27/06/2026

This glorious weather is set to last a little longer. What better way to enjoy it than by coming to St Matthew's Summer Fete next Saturday 4th July 1-4pm. We have The Raggle Taggle Folk group joining us along with the talented dancers from SLT Academy of Irish Dance. The Northampton & District Model Railway will be showing their displays. Fun for all the family. See you there!

19/06/2026

Responding to the Church of England apology for its role in historic adoption practices Bishop Debbie said: "It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the harm inflicted on those who suffered pain, trauma and stigma because of historic adoption practices carried out in homes affiliated to the Church of England and within St Saviours Home in Northampton in particular.

"We know this took place in a society which was not compassionate to the needs of mothers and children and within Christian communities who did not always care as they should have done, and for that we are truly sorry."

Father Oliver Coss, Rural Dean of Northampton, and the Revd Sue Faulkner, Vicar of St Mary Dallington and St James Northampton where the St Saviours Mother and Baby home was based said:

“As the Church of England issues a national apology today for the adoption practices that caused so much harm to mothers and babies, we know that the work of this apology is only just beginning today.

“It is now the responsibility of the local church to substantiate the sense of sorrow and regret we feel as we have discovered more about St Saviour’s Home, and of the apology itself, through our actions. Our parishes and clergy, present in every community, are there and prepared to support individuals or families who wish to come forward, or who seek the truth about their childhood, or who seek to create a living memorial to all who suffered in an uncaring past.

"We are committed to ensuring that any culture of shaming or silencing is no longer allowed to go unchallenged, so that the voices of those harmed by abuses of power, whether spiritual or secular, may be heard clearly and with the dignity they deserve.

“We are deeply ashamed that this absence of compassion took root in our town, and this will continue to motivate our desire to better serve human dignity and flourishing. I am profoundly grateful to all who have initiated this process, but especially to those who have bravely stepped forward to share their stories.”

For more information and support please visit www.churchofengland.org/adoption

10/06/2026

Our Summer Fete is fast approaching. Saturday 4th July 1-4pm. Put it in your diaries. Come and join us fun for all the family, lots of stalls, games and entertainment.

19/05/2026

19/05/2026

Day 6 - The Spirit and the Still Small Voice ✨

Today, let us pray that the Holy Spirit would meet our Five in the stillness and help them hear the gentle whisper of God.

When the heart is hard and parched up,
come upon me with a shower of mercy.
When grace is lost from life,
come with a burst of song.
When tumultuous work raises its din on all sides shutting me out from beyond,
come to me, my lord of silence, with Thy peace and rest.
When my beggarly heart sits crouched, shut up in a corner, break open the door, my king, and come with the ceremony of a king.
When desire blinds the mind with delusion and dust, O Thou Holy One, Thou Wakeful, come with Thy light and Thy thunder.

Amen 🙏

[Rabindranath Tagore - 1861 –1941]

18/05/2026

We are pleased to advertise a number of post choral evensong organ recitals between now and summer, as we start to celebrate 20 years since the rebuild of the 1895 Walker here at St Matthew's. The organ has given excellent service since then, and we are hoping to welcome many to these recitals between now and July. We also hope this may increase numbers at our choral evensong services. The choir and the organ here deserve to be heard!
Free entry, retiring collection, and drinks served after each organ recital

17/05/2026

Have you prayed using the audio version of today's prayer?

Go to cofe.io/TodaysPrayer to learn more.

15/05/2026

Day 2 - The Spirit Broods over Creation ✨

Today, let us pray that the Holy Spirit would move over the lives of our Five, bringing light and life where they need it most.

Eternal God, eternal Trinity,
You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more I find, and the more I find the more I search for You. But I can never be satisfied; what I receive will ever leave me desiring more. When You fill my soul, I have an ever-greater hunger, and I grow more famished for Your light. I desire above all to see You, the true light, as You really are.

Amen 🙏

[St Catherine of Siena 1347-80]

14/05/2026

Today marks Day 1 of Thy Kingdom Come 2026. ✨

As this year’s global wave of prayer begins, we invite you to join us over the next 11 days in praying, ‘Come Holy Spirit’, asking God to renew us by His Spirit and help us share His love with the Five people we are holding in prayer.

Let us pray that the Spirit will make us effective witnesses to our Five loved ones. 🙏

Oh Lord, never suffer us to think that we can stand by ourselves and not need You.
In Jesus name,
Amen.