01993 779 492

I’M NEW

Here is some information about our benefice and its constituent churches, designed for those who are new to our community.

The Benefice of Witney

  • What is the Benefice of Witney? We are six Church of England churches, some large and some small, serving the town of Witney and the villages round about.
  • What is the difference between a parish and a benefice? A parish is a specific geographical area with its own church community. A benefice is is the name given to a group of parishes led by a Team Vicar. The Benefice of Witney is led by Team Rector Hester Jones and is made up the Parish of Witney and the Parish of Minster Lovell
  • What is your vision and mission? Our vision is to be a community of mercy and kindness.  We aim to grow deeper in God
  • What are you core values? We have four key pillars of our common life together: the Eucharist and Daily Office, which sustain all that we are, and inclusivity and hospitality, which shape all that we do.

Individual Churches

Where are benefice churches located?

  • St Mary’s stands at the end of Church Green and is the main Anglican and civic church for Witney
  • Holy Trinity is on the edge of Woodgreen and serves the community of east Witney
  • Saint John the Evangelist church is in the middle of the village of Hailey, 2 miles north of Witney
  • Windrush Church is new church set up to support families in Windrush Place and Colwell Green
  • St John the Baptist is a small church in the village of Curbridge
  • St Kenelm’s is a medieval church set in front of Minster Lovell Hall ruins, beside the river Windrush.

How do I find out more about each church? The webpage of each church has sections on

  • About us: the identity and values of each church
  • Services: detailing service times, lenght of service, worship styles and tea and coffee details
  • Children: setting out activities and programs for children during services
  • Parking details and a Find Us map
  • Accessibility Access details

Do any of the churches have mid-week events or study groups? We offer over 20 groups for fellowship and spiritual growth, including book circles, social events, choirs, bell ringing, prayer groups, retreats, and more. See Witney Benefice Groups & Activities

Is there a welcome or newcomers’ program? Each church has its own system of making newcomers welcome.  As part of our efforts to get to know you better, we host special drinks and supper evenings, which you will be warmly invited to attend.

Do I need to be a member to attend services regularly? Not at all. All are welcome to attend any service.

Are there Bible study groups, prayer meetings, or retreats? We run a monthly Talking Theology and Nurture discussion groups. The next retreat takes place at St Mary’ Convent Wantage on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd April 2025. The Daily Office at St Marys is an opportunity to pray at 09:30 am and 5:30 pm every week day. 

General Enquiries

  • Who can I contact if I have further questions? Please email the Parish Administrator Michelle on 01993 779 492 or email the office
  • How can I keep updated on events and services across the benefice? Visit the News page on this website or subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter The Bulletin

Be in the Know

Details of upcoming festivals, performances, events and special services are published each week in the Benefice Bulletin: click here to subscribe