
We have two churches with two distinct, but equally valued, styles of worship. St Thomas à Becket, Church Street, offers traditional services on a Sunday morning, at 8am twice a month and 10.30am every Sunday. St Matt’s, Widcombe Hill, offers contemporary worship on Sunday evenings at 5pm. There is some overlap between the congregations and one Parochial Church Council, which helps to shape the life of the churches.
We are a parish that seeks to bring people to faith and welcomes those who already have faith or who are on a journey to faith. The only qualification for being part of this community is that you wish to join us. We believe that God offers love unconditionally, and it is not our place to set conditions on belonging. This is not a policy that we have set down, but it is the way we act. In this spirit we don’t judge people’s uncertainty and hesitancy, and we recognise that life throws up doubt and questions that may have no easy answer.

Loves church pioneering, family, guitars, Macs, Jeeps and Jesus, not necessarily in that order...
Revd Tim Buckley
Vicar of St Matts and St Thomas

So what exactly is a ‘Benefice’?
It’s more than one parish joined together under the care of one Vicar or Rector. In our case, it’s because we are made up of the combined parishes of Widcombe and Lyncombe. But actually both St Thomas à Becket and St Matt’s happen to be in Widcombe Parish… yes, it is a bit complicated!
However, what that means in practice is that Widcombe covers quite a large area.
We have one Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the whole Benefice which looks after both churches. The members are all volunteers and give very generously of their time to managing the finances, the buildings, organising services as well as supporting Tim.
Electoral Roll Officer
If you would like to join the Electoral Roll of the Parish of Widcombe, there are forms in the church itself for you to complete and hand to the warden on duty, or you can follow this link and download a form, which after completion should be sent to:
Mr Jonathan Potter, c/o the Church Office (see address below), tel: 01225 465065
Safeguarding Officer
This church takes the protection of children and vulnerable adults seriously. Please see our Safeguarding page for more information on how to report any issues.
Safeguarding in the Parish
Read our Safeguarding policy and find out who to contact should you have any concerns.