“God will never forsake his people”
In 2012 Nick and Rachel Jones with Antonia and Hugo Codrington having been blessed spiritually by being very much part of Burford Church felt God calling them back to their village and surrounding community to be part of ASW in the Burford Benefice.
They joined the small congregation of less than a dozen every Sunday and boosted the minimal heating by handing out hot water bottles and taking a couple of thermos of coffee and homemade cake! It seemed somewhat of an uphill struggle with no new regulars, but kept optimistic throughout and praying that God would open the door.
At a PCC Meeting in April 2017 is was discussed that Burford church was full to bursting so the idea was suggested that some from Burford might like to join Swinbrook to swell the congregation. At the May PCC the idea was formalised, which was announced in Burford Church when the whole congregation was asked to think and pray as to whether this would be a calling for them. The understanding being, that they would not just attend but be involved in the running of the church. Prayer was answered and 25 people signed up, with several others committing to praying regularly for the new venture.
Alex Ross committed to leading a weekly service at Swinbrook 11 - 12, combining ancient and modern, and sermons no longer than 12 minutes! Blessed with Hilary Tadman Robins as organist, and David Hunt on the guitar - and most importantly a weekly Monday prayer meeting being the boiler house underlying the whole vision.
So it was decided it would begin in October 2017, in the summer preceding, a barbecue was held one evening in the churchyard for everybody to meet.
Postcards were put through all the Swinbrook and Asthall doors, inviting everybody to the new Swinbrook@11 service.
The first service began, with the mini graft from Burford, and the congregation was on average 30 -35 each week. Gradually the numbers grew to the present congregation of approximately 65 - 70 each week, which includes many new locals and some who have travelled to join the venture, most are signed up for some roll or other in the church - intercessions, car parking, cleaning, flowers, reading, prayer ministry, welcomers, pastoral care, lifts to church etc etc.
In May 2018 we heard the tragic news that our hugely loved Church Warden and encourager Nick died suddenly in Wales at Pentecost. Our little church family and the villagers were completely devastated and shocked, it seemed like an unsurmountable loss for everybody who knew and loved him and Rachel.
Nick and his legacy, of prayer, encouragement, and love will never be forgotten by those who knew him, but he would have been the first to encourage us to trust God and keep going.
Hugo stepped up and took over as churchwarden, and everybody supported each other through this difficult time
We have since had socials in the churchyard, breakfasts, lunches, barbecues, walks and Annie Hughes gave a wonderful talk on listening to God and prayer. There are now five Home Groups and over a dozen meet to pray every Monday evening to worship, give thanks to God and for His guidance for the future.