East Leake

The present Rector is the Revd Glynis Hetherington who works with a team of ministers to provide pastoral care to the five parishes. East Leake is by far the largest village, and St. Mary’s Church has around seventy people attending its main morning service, as well as many people taking part in other activities for all ages including children, young people and older folk.

The other five churches have small yet loyal congregations. Services are usually held each Sunday in East Leake, and on three Sundays every month in each of the other parish churches. On those occasions when there is not a service in their own church, parishioners are encouraged to worship at one of the other benefice churches where they will be assured of a warm welcome. On fifth Sundays of the month and on other special occasions a special service is held when people can come together from the whole benefice. On these occasions the singing is usually led by a combined benefice choir.

Special services and events in the smaller parishes include a Nativity Play at Stanford in December, a Parade and Service with a donkey on Palm Sunday in one of the parishes, and a service of Passiontide music on Palm Sunday evening. There are harvest festivals and harvest suppers, Christmas carol services and concerts, fundraising and social events.
All our churches are available for weddings, baptisms and funerals by arrangement with the Rector.

St. Mary’s, East Leake is usually open from about 9am until about 4pm for those who wish to look around, or to pray or just sit quietly. Stanford Chuch is usually open from 12 noon until 2pm on the first Saturday of the month. We would love to keep all the churches open for visitors, but sadly this is not possible. However, arrangements may be made for anyone who wishes to visit.

Looking after our church buildings and churchyards and getting everything ready for Sunday worship and other services depends on the hard work and commitment of a group of dedicated volunteers. We are always very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to help, and from those who wish to make a financial contribution to ensure that our parish churches may continue to be a focus for the Christian faith in our communities. Most of all we love to welcome new people to our services, meetings and events.