"Enlisting the people of earth for the purposes of heaven"

Welcome to St Mary the Virgin, Hambleden

The parish has a number of well established groups

Flower arrangers

At Easter you can ‘buy lilies’ in memory of someone, and they will be incorporated into a lovely floral arrangement in the sanctuary.

Group Executive Committee

This group co-ordinates the PCCs of the five parishes including Hambleden and Frieth that make up the Hambleden Valley Group of churches. 

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These are secretive and wonderful people who come and go unseen and too often unthanked.  Both churches always need one or two more such clandestine helpers to take on a given area in church just to maintain (in their own time) the  traditionally very high standards. Churchwardens will introduce you to this closed society.

Childrens Groups

Hambleden Sunday School meets in the village hall at 11am on the second Sunday in the month and joins church worship before the taking of Communion. The very same children also take control of the all-age Eucharist in Hambleden on the first Sunday in the month, with adults present to try to limit the destruction of the fabric of the church.  Leader is Mrs Pam Macnaughton, at the Rectory, Hambleden, 01491 571231.

Community Group (Hambleden)

Not really a church group, but has strong personal links to Hambleden church as well as to the lay Parish Council of the village. Watches over the elderly and provides instant practical help. It is first into any situation where a little community tender loving care goes a long way. Organises a huge November 5^th firework party to finance its operations. Needs helpers for November 5^th, for organising Christmas hampers and sometimes for gentle help round and about during the year.

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An enthusiastic group of bellringers meets at church for a practice on Friday evenings on their way to the Stag and Huntsman. The valley resounds to the fabulous sound of parish church bells regularly on Sundays and for weddings and the quality of our bells attracts visiting bands of ringers. Two bells are said to have been won from Fingest church in a high stakes card game between the Rectors (last century!) New bellringers welcome and taught.

Retired Churchwardens Group Hambleden

Both members meet at the bar of Hambleden Sports Club on Friday evenings.

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An Anglican-led organisation who’s purpose is to be specially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life. Members bring a variety of practical help and support to the church and community.  It provides real home made marmalade which makes the W.I. offering look pitiful. Sadly the Hambleden branch is dormant but the MU banner stands proud in church awaiting a reopening of this redoubtable and essential parish activity.

Lent lunches group - Hambleden and Frieth

Hambleden and Frieth churches support Christian Aid financially through a series of friendly Lent lunches. In ten years over £14,000 has been raised. A group of volunteer dinner makers always needs good cooks.  The group is supported by appreciative hungry visitors on Saturday lunch times in Lent.

Church Teas Group -Hambleden

On Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays a group of volunteers offer tea and cake to visitors to Hambleden church. This is welcomed by walkers especially, who are naturally mean and yet regard £1 as not too much. There is valued income for church maintenance from this hospitable activity.  The leaders have a roster in the porch where you can join a Sunday group serving teas and cake.

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The orderly reading of scripture is at the heart of Christian worship. The revised common Lectionary in NRSV is used. 

Save our Churches Fund

Physical deterioration affects all rural churches.  A Group has been established drawing in many talented people, all generous with their time but by no means all churchgoers, to raise money in a separate capacity, to be invested against major structural repairs which inevitably will be needed.

Hambleden and Frieth Parochial Church Council

Not strictly a Group, more a requisite element of every parish structure. The PCC is made up of active members of the two churches who do act as a group to give cohesion and forward momentum to the spiritual, financial and administrative life of our two churches. Membership of the PCC is by nomination and election.