The village is the smallest in the ARCH Benefice and one of the smallest parishes in the whole of Worcestershire, with a population little over 150, but it punches well above its weight in its innovative ideas and ability to organise itself. The community have a real sense of ownership of the building and the sacred space that it signifies.
Abbots Morton church community play a significant part in the community life and I offer three examples. At Christmas a “Carol and Gift Service” starts with a nativity play, usually written by local children, and then a most generous pile of gifts are donated to a local charity, Action for Children. In addition, usually on the following Monday, we have “Carols on the Green” at which hot soup, chocolate and hot nibbles are served while we stand and sing carols accompanied by a young guitarist. They are magical times and well supported by the community.
Mulled wine and mince pies are served after the 9.00 pm Eucharist service on Christmas Eve which draws crowds from all over the benefice.
Services have an informal style and sermons sometimes comprise conversations rather than delivery from the front.
Services of worship
When? Sundays with the following pattern:
First Sunday: 11.00 am Celtic Morning Worship,
Second Sunday: 8.30 am Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion
Third Sunday: 11.00 am Family Service or Celtic Morning Service
Fourth Sunday: 8.30 am Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion.
Does the worship leader do it all?
Usually, but there are plans and training to involve others. We do have a rota of readers and occasionally have prayer leaders.
Disability access
Not easy. There is access via a car driving up the slope to the right of the steps to the churchyard. The fence can be lifted and moved and then one carefully drives across the churchyard between the headstones to the door via the west end (tower end). The porch has two steps down to the church and once inside it is all flat.
There is no PA or loop system installed.
Toilets are yet to be installed. Kind neighbours have been known to help out in emergencies. The nearby village hall, when open, also provides toilet facilities.
Seating Capacity: 100 – about 115 if one goes into the bell tower.
Parking
In the village along the main road and around the Green. There isn't usually a problem, but for large services, such as weddings and funerals, the churchwarden who is a local farmer allows his field next door to be used for parking.