One of the great things about All Saints Church is that the building is usually open during the day. That means anyone can just drop in for a time of prayer or just some peace and quiet. 

And if you've dropped in recently, you may have noticed a few changes. First of all, it's warmer. New heating means you no longer have to come equipped for the Arctic in the winter. Even when there isn't something going on, on the architect's advice, there will be a baseline level of heating. This keeps the building from changing temperature too much which causes deterioration in the stonework. But we benefit as well by not being so cold. 

Most recently you will see the new outer door to the porch. This isn't an additional barrier to keep people out, but a means to accomplish two goals: to help keep the heat in and to help people feel more welcome. To do this we will be replacing the inner door with beautifully decorated glass doors so you can look in. Look out for the notice of when the grand unveiling will take place. 

These are just part of our efforts as a church to help people connect with each other and with God. 

God bless 

Richard 

 

A new oak door has been installed in the outer entrance to the porch. In a few months a new glass door, with engraving, will replace the inner porch timber door. This will create a much needed draught lobby, as well as introducing a fine piece of 21st century art to our beautiful building. 

All Saints’ new heating system is on, and the Church is now beautifully warm for our Services! Come and see for yourself and enjoy being warm at All Saints'. 

 

All Saints’ regularly supports the MK Food Bank, the Tearfund, and Crisis at Christmas. 

 

All Saints’ has an enthusiastic small choir, who lead the singing at Sunday Services. Choir members enjoy joining the Royal School of Church Music for some of their ‘Come and Sing’ events. The Choir is supported by the Village Embertones at Weddings and special Services. For further details please contact Hilary Proud via the Rector. 

 

There is an active band of bell ringers, who ring All Saints’ 6 bells before Services, and also practice on a Tuesday night 7.45 – 9.00pm. New recruits are very welcome. Please see the Bell Ringers’ page on this website, or contact Sheila Watts 07703 279165 for more information. 

 

The Children’s Church meets in the Institute on the 2nd Sunday each month at 11.00am under the leadership of Maddi Forrester and Judith Taylor. See the photographs for some of their activities, and please contact Maddi Forrester, 01234 714903, for more details. 

 

The Homegroup meets on alternate Monday evenings to discuss various aspects of the Christian message. The group includes people from other parishes, and new members are always welcome. Please contact Judith Taylor on 01234 240690 to find out more. 

 

All Saints’ is supported by the Friends’ group (FOAS), who are a registered charity. They work with the Parochial Church Council to preserve and protect the fabric of the Church and Churchyard and to raise funds to assist with improvements to make the building suitable for use by the community for a wide variety of activities. Please see the FOAS page on this website. 

 

It is believed that the building was constructed between 1340-1410. It is in the ‘Decorated Gothic’ style. Work began on the Chancel, with its magnificent east window and progressed through to the building of the tower. During this period, England was at war with France and the Black Death killed thousands of the population resulting in a shortage of skilled masons. This led to wages and prices soaring, which explains why the decoration becomes plainer on the west side of the Church. 

Unusually we have a portrait in brass of Reverend John Morden, who was the priest when the Church was completed. His brass records that he gave two bells, one of which had the inscription ‘In Multis Annis Resonet Campana Joannis’ (John’s bell shall sound for many a year). 

An interesting ‘rumour’, for which there is some corroborative evidence is that the remains of Sir Everard Digby, hung, drawn and quartered for his part in the Gunpowder Plot, lies buried in the Chancel. 

By the mid 19th Century, the Church was in danger of falling down. Very extensive restoration work was undertaken by the Reverend Campbell Hulton - many of his relations and descendants gave generously to the scheme and are commemorated in the mural tablets and windows which are such a dominant feature of the Church interior. Restoration and improvements continue to this day, with the recent addition of cloakroom and kitchen, as we strive to bring the building into the 21st Century. 

 

 

For up to date news: www.facebook.com/AllSaintsChurchEmberton 

Web: www.achurchnearyou.com/emberton-all-saints/