We are a friendly and faithful church community here at St James, with between 25 and 35 congregation members at a service. Although some of us are more mature in years, we are young at heart and lively in spirit. Everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome, whatever your belief, whether friend and stranger, the church door always remains open. St James never closes, so come and take a look for yourself.
St James Church is a small, rural church nestling in the Warwickshire countryside. The church and churchyard are beautifully maintained by a team of devoted volunteers. People who enter St James sense God’s presence along with a spiritual, calm and peacefulness that the church and its surroundings radiate. The seasons of Easter, Harvest and Christmas are celebrated with special floral displays and are well worth a visit. We would love you to come and join us for whatever you need. Welcome!
Weethley’s Walk, Talk and Pray
The Weethley seasonal walks came from an idea to help people reconnect with their spirituality and with each other amidst the countryside and embrace God’s creation in His outdoors church. Our first walk on 6 July started at St James on a warm summer’s evening. Kelvin kept the ‘home fires burning,’ ably assisted by Mike Newey at the firepit, whilst we intrepid adventurers, ably led by Rob, marched forth. It was brilliant to meet several new people, who soon became friends as we chatted, as well as a few familiar faces. As we trod the straight path through a field of barley swaying and rippling in the wind, someone commented that we felt like the Israelites passing through the Red Sea. When we reached halfway, we paused to enter the wood with its emerald, leafy canopy enclosing us in stillness.
Such a contrast, from all the busy sounds of birds and folk chattering alike, to find ourselves in calm quietness, as we stood in silence with our thoughts. We then strode onwards and upwards, with the church in view and the thought of marshmallows and hot chocolate around the firepit beckoning us home. We encircled the firepit and the conversations continued to flow. We paused for a while to consider and write down any worries or concerns we might be holding, and to place them in the fire, releasing them into God’s care.
There was a strong feeling of togetherness among us, through walking and sharing conversations. As the glowing embers and the setting sun gradually faded, we all gathered in the church for a short, reflective Celtic-style evening prayer. The gentle sounds of ‘The Lord bless you and keep you’ as we departed seemed a fitting and comforting end to a wonderful evening of walking, talking and praying. People said: “Can we do this again?” So, our Autumn walk around the fields of Weethley will be held on Sunday 28 September at 4.30pm. The walking is purely voluntary; you are very welcome to sit and chat around the firepit whilst our more active folk venture into the wilderness and then join in the service after refreshments. Do come along and bring a friend!
Breathing Spaces on the Pilgrim Journey
These are places all over the UK are listed for the purpose of encouraging solitude, providing focus points, making space. Each place has a beauty and uniqueness of it's own.
We are SO pleased to announce that St James' church, Weethley is now a member and listed as a place to visit. Please do visit the website and have a look around, maybe there is somewhere nearby a holiday destination you'll be going this year.
20th April 2025
We wish you a joyous Easter! This year we have done something slightly different in decorating the church of St James for Easter (please see the attached photograph). Do come and view our floral picture gallery; each bloom symbolises an aspect of the Easter story.
The church is always open, so take a moment to pop up and visit.
With kindest regards and best wishes to you
Jane
(Churchwarden of Weethley)
Eco Church recognition
Well done to St James Church, Weethley for achieving Bronze Award certificate for their efforts in becoming an Eco Church and caring for God's earth by their level of
Worship & Teaching
Management of Buildings and land
Community & Global Engagement
Lifestyle
We hope you can join us in congratulating the effort the Weethley team have undertaken to achieve this but also continue to support all efforts to maintain the Eco lifestyle of the church, the community play their part too so it's thanks to the community and congregation as well!
Third Sunday of the month at 9am - alternating between Morning Worship and Holy Communion.
Conversation and friendship, along with tea, coffee and biscuits are served after every service.
For additional seasonal services or any changes to this pattern, please see the Minster Services page.
Breathing Space
Saturday 6th September at St James' Church
Relax and enjoy a peaceful moment of mindful meditation with music and reflection.
Read reviews from those who've been, in our October 2024 issue of Around the Minster, found HERE.
Seasonal Walks
Next Walk: Autumn Walk
Sunday 28th September
4.30pm
A walk around the fields of Weethley before returning to a fire pit for refreshments and then join us for a quick service in the church afterwards.
If you visit our churchyard, you will find the 23rd Psalm laid out on a series of six plaques. At each station, you can read, meditate, or simply take in the beautiful views of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire countryside.
The words of Psalm 23 are as relevant today as when they were written. David, the writer, who was King of Israel in 1000BC, drew upon his earlier experiences as a shepherd devoted to minding his sheep to describe how we are nurtured and protected by a compassionate and caring God who only wants what’s best for His children.
Centuries later, God’s promise to His people in Psalm 23 was fulfilled by the gift of His son, Jesus Christ, who, like the devoted shepherd, guides and minsters to His flock tenderly. Everyone is precious in Jesus’ eyes and sought after, no matter how far they may stray.
These words offer comfort and security and inner peace to whoever receives them. They bring solace in grief and hope and joy from knowing that Jesus and His heavenly Father are with us always, an abiding love like no other.
An accompanying leaflet is available inside the building.
The church is open at all times. Please turn the handle and push open the door, as, like some of us, it is a little stiff in the damp or cold weather. There is ample car parking spaces but no toilet facilities. We have seats behind the church. Do come and bring a picnic and sit awhile and enjoy the tranquillity away from the busyness of life in the churchyard. The views across the fields and hills are truly spectacular, whatever the weather.
