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.
Married to Sarah with three children, Ellie, Sam and Joey.
Loves church pioneering, family, guitars, Macs, Jeeps and Jesus, not necessarily in that order...
Revd Tim Buckley
Vicar of St Matts and St Thomas
God is continually extending a welcome to all those who are seeking spiritual refreshment: Isaiah 55v1a (‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!’)
We encourage members to make being part of the family a weekly priority. It’s a fantastic place to join your voice with other Christians in sung worship (and indeed churches around the world, and heaven itself), to learn from the sermon as the preacher teaches from the Bible, to receive prayer ministry, to build relationships and friendship, and to be challenged, inspired, and equipped as your next week commences.
St Matt’s is a growing community, with around 100 people attending each Sunday. St Thomas à Becket equally has a vibrant and strong community of some 50 members. But Church is so much more than a service and there are lots of ways to connect with the church community outside of a Sunday.
Each week St Matt’s meets in Life Hubs or the Pastorate in various locations around the parish. We work through what it means to be community; to learn more about God, to pray, to worship, laugh and live. Real people living out real faith, in a real world, together.
Pastorate and the Life Hubs are at the heart of our church community, and as St Matt’s grows, they help you not to get lost in the crowd.
On a Wednesday morning, several members of both congregations meet for coffee, and midweek prayer and bible groups are also offered for those who prefer a more traditional form of service.
On Tuesday mornings, a group meets from 8-8.30am at St Matt’s for early morning prayer.
If you have any questions regarding any community meetings, do not hesitate to get in touch.
This involves both the financial and the practical. It’s good to begin by remembering that God is a gracious and generous God, and that every good and perfect gift comes from Him.
The most generous, perfect, and good gift was when he ‘gave His only Son’. Regarding financial contribution. the Bible teaches to give ‘in keeping with your income’.
We want to recognise that different members of the parish are in different financial situations, and if you want any advice or further information on giving please contact us.
You can also give practically. Serving is so important in any community, and we should all do our part. There are so many ways that we can think of for you to serve at our churches, but we want to draw on your strengths, passions and gifts.
So if there is any way in which you think you can serve, please get in touch.
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.