A Place for the Community.
St Andrews is a special place to many people, and is used regularly for Sunday services, as well as for baptisms, weddings and funerals for the local community.
It is also used by the Swaledale Festival and other groups for concerts and art events.
We regularly welcome groups from our local schools to use the building to learn about the Christian faith. One infant group brought their doll for a “baptism”, and the whole class dressed up as members of the family for the occasion! Other groups come to look at the signs and symbols, and at Christmas the three schools join together for an end of term Christingle service.
A Place for Prayer.
The building is kept open all day, and there is a prayer corner opposite the main door with comfortable chairs, candles and prayer resources.
A Place of History.
St Andrews is well-used by the local people and by the many visitors to the Dale, some of whom come to find out about their family history from our church registers or to visit family graves. Others come simply to soak up the atmosphere of this ancient and peaceful place.
A Place for the Future.
We are working on making this building a more welcoming place for all. We have recently installed a toilet and kitchen in the the base of the tower and these are being well used. They will be in use early in the New Year. We are continuing to raise funds for this work.
We have some small tables and chairs at the back of the church, with some toys and suitable for children. You are invited to use this space during services and at other times. We understand that children may need to walk around, so please do not feel under any pressure to keep them at your pew at all times. If they cry during service, and you need to take them out for a while, please feel welcome to bring them back into the service when you are ready.
We are also working on improving physical access to the church, and providing ways to help visitors to pray and to discover more of God. We often have a table at the back of the church with a “prayer station” which you are invited to make use of. and providing ways to help visitors to pray and to discover more of God.
We invite you to worship with us, and to support the ministry in this place, to help us to keep this church alive for future generations
