St Thomas’, Simpson
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| St Thomas’ Church |
Serving the areas
of: | Please address all correspondence to the Partnership Office | |
Service
times |
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Welcome to St Thomas’, Simpson
Our Sunday services normally start at 11:15 am (prompt – many people arrive around 11:00) and last about an hour. Please note the service timing changed in 2024 so you may still spot older information around showing an earlier start time.
Holy Communion is usually celebrated twice a month. On other weeks we have either a service of the Word, a more interactive all-age service, or a more informal “café-style” service with people sitting round tables and plenty of opportunity for refreshments. The church diary and weekly notice sheet gives details of the services planned for the next few weeks.
Typically we see 25–40 people on a Sunday, of all ages from infants to centenarians. Visitors and newcomers find a friendly welcome and a family atmosphere. After the service finishes, everyone is welcome to stay for a drink and biscuits (gluten-free always available) – or sometimes cake.
After the service on one Sunday of the month, we usually invite people to stay for “Soup and Soul” – a light lunch and group Bible study, finishing around 2 pm. Check the diary page for when the next one is scheduled.
What’s on?
The church has a busy social calendar, with quizzes, concerts, Bible studies and other events happening in church. Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to be a church member to come along! Details of what’s coming up are on the church diary.
Finding us
The church is in the corner between Simpson Road, Simpson Drive and Hanmer Road (MK6 3AD). There’s a little parking available near the entrance from Hanmer Road (please avoid blocking anyone’s drive), and more in the laybys just across Simpson Road or the larger Parks Trust car park on Simpson Drive.
Accessibility
There is level access into the building. The church has a hearing loop. There are two toilets (through the door to the left of the pulpit and turn left), one of which is wheelchair-accessible and also has a baby changing table. Large print versions of hymn books and service books are available – please ask if they aren’t obvious.
At Holy Communion services, people are normally invited to go to the front (on the level) to received Communion, but if you need it brought to you, just let someone know when you arrive. Similarly if you need gluten-free bread or alcohol-free wine, please let someone know when you arrive – they are always available. We normally have both a shared chalice and individual glasses available for the wine.
The building and churchyard
The church building dates from the early thirteenth century. You can read more about its architecture and history here.
As with most mediaeval buildings, there is always work to do! Recently (autumn 2024) work has recently been completed to repair part of the flashing of the roof of the north transept. However we still have some significant cracks in the walls around the chancel. These are the result of very dry weather in the summers of 2021 and 2022, worsened by the nearby trees having grown too large. We have been advised that pollarding the trees over the next few years (to reduce their water demands) should correct the problem gradually.
We continue actively fundraising to meet the costs involved in maintaining this beautiful building. All contributions, large or small, are very welcome.
The churchyard is a beautiful
and peaceful “God’s acre” in the heart of Simpson
village. It is a haven for wildlife of all kinds, and it is still open for burials (including burial of ashes – more details here). You can read more about what can be seen here. There is a list of burials and ashes interred in the churchyard here.
WEP charity no. 1172298