Plough Sunday

for 1 hour
St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire.
off Church Lane Fradswell Stafford, ST18 0EY, United Kingdom

Due the freezing conditions and the current state of the lanes in and around Fradswell, we have regretfully taken the decision to cancel this service. All other events in the village this weekend have also been cancelled.
Traditionally, Plough Sunday falls on the first Sunday of Epiphany, but behind this lies the much older tradition of Plough Monday dating back to Medieval times. It marked the return to work of agricultural workers after the twelve days of Christmas. The plough was very often stored in the church when not in use and so, on 'Plough Sunday' the farmers and workers would gather at church to bring the plough out and make it ready for work the following day.
In days when work was scarce in winter, Plough Sunday was a time to give thanks for the growing potential of the land, to bless the plough, the land and the crops, to bless the ploughmen and women of the community, and to pray for a good harvest.
Everyone is invited to bring a tool; whether it be agricultural, a gardening tool, a baking bowl or a craft tool. If any children have 'ride on' tractors or similar toys please bring them along. And yes.....there will be a plough!
The service will be followed by a Ploughmans Brunch of 'Savoury Plough Plait' accompanied by Fradswell Cider, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Dogs are very welcome to attend this service.
...

St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire.

The small church of St James the Less is a Grade II listed building with a chancel arch dating back to the thirteenth century. The chancel survives, but the main part of the church was rebuilt in 1764 and later enlarged in 1852. It is situated in the fairly isolated village of Fradswell, where agriculture and a strong connection with the land still plays a major role in the life of those living here. Think 'Far From the Madding Crowd'.
Our services are lay led by a local farmer on the 1st Sunday of every month at 10am, as those with cows to milk and livestock to tend find a regular time and date more convenient. Each service is followed by delicious home-made refreshments kindly donated by a member of our community. In addition, we host the Benefice 'Worship Together' Holy Communion Service every 5th month.
Our worship follows a Celtic theme and the influences of the changing seasons. Our music is full of exuberance and life and never fails to raise even the lowest of spirits; it stems from an older more traditional style which is sometimes referred to as the music the church lost.
Our worship style very much reflects our rural community; our Plough Sunday service, Mothering Sunday Service, Easter Day Dawn Service, Lambing Sunday and Harvest Festival are just a few examples.
Due to our remote location and style, Fradswell is unique within the Benefice. We are a rural community, once again becoming aware of itself; becoming aware of its spiritual identity and how important that is.
We look forward to welcoming absolutely everyone.....and their dog!

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Get in touch

Our Vicar is The Rev'd Vivienne Starkie

Associate Miniser The Rev'd Vivienne Starkie
01889 - 271046

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What's on

Plough Sunday

for 1 hour
St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire.
off Church Lane Fradswell Stafford, ST18 0EY, United Kingdom

Due the freezing conditions and the current state of the lanes in and around Fradswell, we have regretfully taken the decision to cancel this service. All other events in the village this weekend have also been cancelled.
Traditionally, Plough Sunday falls on the first Sunday of Epiphany, but behind this lies the much older tradition of Plough Monday dating back to Medieval times. It marked the return to work of agricultural workers after the twelve days of Christmas. The plough was very often stored in the church when not in use and so, on 'Plough Sunday' the farmers and workers would gather at church to bring the plough out and make it ready for work the following day.
In days when work was scarce in winter, Plough Sunday was a time to give thanks for the growing potential of the land, to bless the plough, the land and the crops, to bless the ploughmen and women of the community, and to pray for a good harvest.
Everyone is invited to bring a tool; whether it be agricultural, a gardening tool, a baking bowl or a craft tool. If any children have 'ride on' tractors or similar toys please bring them along. And yes.....there will be a plough!
The service will be followed by a Ploughmans Brunch of 'Savoury Plough Plait' accompanied by Fradswell Cider, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Dogs are very welcome to attend this service.
...

Our Team Ministry

Safeguarding

Our parish of St James the Less, Fradswell, is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Lichfield’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO, Mrs Laura McTaggart who can be contacted by phone on 07834 388140 or by email at [email protected], or alternatively, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor whose details can be found by clicking on the button below. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.

Click on this button for more usefeul information from the Diocese of Lichfield