ABOUT LODDON REACH BENEFICE
The churches of Beech Hill, Shinfield, Spencers Wood & Swallowfield serving the community
The Loddon Reach Benefice is a group of Anglican churches within the Deanery of Reading and Diocese of Oxford, which was formed in 2005 and continues to flourish through teamwork across the four churches. The ministry team (see below), together with churchwardens, parochial church councils (PCCs) and a whole host of willing volunteers, share the work in the eight villages of Beech Hill, Farley Hill, Grazeley, Shinfield, Riseley, Spencers Wood, Swallowfield and Three Mile Cross.
We engage closely with all the schools in the Benefice, and are closely connected with our Church of England schools. Our thriving churches play a large part in our local community life.
Various regular activities and many events are held through the year: you can hear the latest news on our churches' Facebook pages. Follow the links to the individual churches in the menu above.
We welcome everyone to join in our journey of faith and enjoy our services, receive our welcome at baptisms, weddings and funerals, and to be there for you when you need prayer. Our ministry team and congregations welcome you all.
The Ministry Team
The Ministry Team comprises the Team Rector Revd Nigel Beer, our Team Vicar Revd David Little, a part time SSM Revd Cath Spence, a PTO Rev Chris Leslie, our Licensed Lay Minister Janet Beer and the Benefice Administrator Karen Eaves.
They share the various responsibilities of this diverse Benefice, collaborating and supporting each other in their service to God, the Church and the communities that they serve. The Ministry Team enjoy tremendous support from churchwardens, church council members, Team Council and congregations as well as numerous volunteers in the community, without which maintaining the church presence and life would be impossible.
Life Events
There are times in our lives when a special service is required: the Baptism (also known as Christening) of a baby, child or adult; Confirmation; a wedding or marriage blessing; a funeral or memorial service. At these times you will need to speak to the Benefice Office at office@loddonreach.org.uk or 01189 885923 who will be able to help, advise & book the event in consultation with the Clergy. Then direct you to the right Clergy to help you in your preparations and may be able to tailor the service to your personal requirements.
