ShaftesburyCofE

31/08/2026

29/08/2026

Motcombe church fair. Release the ducks!
We start at 1.30. Both inside and outside St Mary’s church

28/08/2026

Still happening and will be lots of fun, inside or out. Make sure your Teddy wears a raincoat
And cream teas will be lovely.
Come and support your local church and help it raise money at the fair so the church can do more to support our local community 🙏🌈❤️

Good morning! Tomorrow is St Mary’s Church Fair. We seem blighted by the weather forecast but we’re still up for it! We’ll take a decision in the morning whether to be inside or out, so do still come and support us!! 1.30-4.30pm, cream teas served from 3-4.30pm. Teddy flights may be delayed due to weather - but will go ahead in between showers - we hope!

23/08/2026

Third one of our fishy themed Breakfast Church events at St Peter’s Shaftesbury. Everyone welcome
10-11. Come a bit early to get the best of the breakfast.
Always good fun
Puppets performing

18/08/2026

Hope to see you there. Rev Donna and Rev Humberto fromTeam Shaftesbury and the villages will be there on Thursday

Join the Benefices of Gillingham, Stour Vale and Shaftesbury tomorrow for a warm welcome, refreshments (homemade cake!) and a seat for everyone at the Church Tent at this year's Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Show, SP7 9PL.

14/08/2026

If anyone spots risks in our churchyard a please let us know. Many thanks. Rev Donna, Team Rector

Please check your churchyards for fire risks during the hot weather.

With the hot, dry weather and the fire risk that it brings, we ask all churchwardens and those caring for churchyards to keep an eye out for any grave ornaments or items around graves that could unintentionally create a fire risk – particularly glass, mirrors or shiny ornaments.

Sunlight reflected from these kinds of items can concentrate heat and create small flames, which can then quickly spread to the surrounding dry grass.

Pictured is Minchinhampton churchyard, where a fire broke out earlier this week.

While the cause of this fire is unknown, we’re encouraging churches to take extra care in the heat with anything that may be a fire risk placed on graves and any glass surrounding the churchyard.

Please take time to have a quick look around and, where appropriate, remove or reposition anything that could potentially cause a problem.

It’s a precaution, but a worthwhile one while conditions are hot and dry.

09/08/2026

Hymns with no Pimms for me but what a fantastic service at St Thomas’ church Melbury Abbas. Well actually we were all outside. And we learnt a bit more about each other through sharing a bit about our favourite hymns

We will be doing this again. Part of our Out Here ministry.
With blessings ,
Rev Donna and all at Melbury Abbas and Team Shaftesbury Benefice

01/08/2026

Pleasure to welcome bellringers from far and wide and especially the newer explorers.
Joyful sounds, strong friendship and wonderful hospitality at St James’ Shaftesbury
If you want to come to church and want to ask a bit more contact Team Rector Rev Donna Gibbs by sending a message or comment here

Many services happening tomorrow

27/07/2026

Come and join us on Saturday 1st August for coffee cake and lots of chat

26/07/2026

The Kindom of Heaven is what happens when…..

If you are thinking about going to church today there are many different types of services in Team Shaftesbury Benefice

9.30 St Peter’s Celebration of the Word with Communion at the end

9.30 communion service at St Mary’s Motcombe

11.15 morning prayer at St John’s Enmore Green

11.15 Communion at Melbury Abbas

11.15 worship at West Orchard

18.00 Reflective Communion at St James Shaftesbury

There is room for everyone ❤️🙏🌈🐣