Terriers Church and Parish
Our mission is to build and develop an active Christian community
sharing the gospel of Christ throughout the parish and moving our church from survival to growth
The Church
The parish church of St Francis of Assisi, Terriers, owes its existence largely to the generosity of Mrs Henrietta Frances Field. The church building was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and dedicated on 11th October 1930. You can read more about the architect on the website of St Paul Stoneycroft in Liverpool - another church that he designed.
Our church is in Amersham Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, on the north-eastern flank of the town. The style of worship is relaxedly catholic, but a warm welcome is extended to Christians of all traditions. Our normal service times are on Sunday at 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. and on Wednesday at 10.00 a.m. Full details of these and other services are on our Diary of Events.
- Family Service: The 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion service is an 'All Age' family service on the first Sunday of each month, when young people and families lead the worship.
- Club Francis: There is a Sunday Club for children aged between three and thirteen years old that meets during the 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion service, except on the first Sunday of each month. More information from the Club Francis contact.
- Young Musicians: On the first Sunday in the month a group of young musicians lead the music at the Parish Communion. They meet each Friday evening from 6.45 to 7.15 p.m. to practise, and welcome any youngsters who would like to be involved in making music at church, either by playing any instrument or by singing. Contact the Vicar or the Organist for more information.
- Choir: On the remaining Sundays the musical parts of the service are led by a robed choir, which meets in church to practise on Thursday eveningss, except during the summer holidays. The sessions normally start at 7.30 p.m., but there is a 7.00 p.m. start when a PCC meeting takes place on the same evening. This occurs on the second Thursday of the month and affects the choir from September to January and May to July. More singers are always welcome to join us - contact the Organist for more information.
- Organ: The music is accompanied by our magnificent organ, which has been developed over many years and was dedicated by the Bishop of Buckingham in 2004. You can download a leaflet about the organ including specifications.
- Prayer for Healing: A Prayer Group meets regularly to pray for those who are sick, and the members of this group are available each month (usually on the 4th Sunday) in the side chapel after the 10.00 Parish Communion to pray with anyone who requests it. On four Sundays a year we offer Prayer for Healing (including the laying on of hands or anointing for those who wish) as a regular part of the Parish Communion.
- Julian Group: For those interested in contemplative prayer there is a Julian meeting held in Church on the first Tuesday of each month at 8.00 p.m.
- Saturday Morning Prayer Group: A Prayer Group meets in Church on most Saturday mornings at 9.30. More information is available from the Reader.
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The Parish Magazine: Our Parish Magazine is published ten times a year - monthly, but with combined July/August and December/January editions. You can download current and back-numbers from the website.
The Parish
The parish serves the areas of Terriers and Totteridge, roughly between Brands Hill and King's Wood/Totteridge Common. It includes the Wellesburne Campus of Bucks New University, Highworth County Combined School, in Kingshill Road, and the Royal Grammar School, in Amersham Road.
The parish of Terriers is the only traditional Anglican parish within the boundaries of High Wycombe - the rest of the town is served by the churches of the High Wycombe Team Ministry, centred on All Saints Church in the town centre.
The Church Hall
Our hall is a modern, purpose-built resource for the whole community in Terriers and beyond. It is rented by various groups and organisations unconnected with the church, as well as being used for our own events, such as:
- Skylarks: 1.30 p.m. every Wednesday during school terms. Worship and activity for the under-fives and their parents/carers.
- Christian Aid Lunch: 12.30 - 2.00 p.m. every Friday during school terms. A simple bread-and-cheese lunch is served, with profits going to support the work of Christian Aid.
- Church Bookstall: Selling a range of books, cards and CDs, the bookstall is open after the 10.00 Parish Communion on most Sundays. It is run in collaboration with St Andrew's Bookshop, which has a branch locally at Great Missenden.
- Traidcraft stall: Tea and coffee is served at many church functions, and these come from sources which operate a 'fair trade' policy . We run a Traidcraft stall, selling fairly traded produce, after the Parish Communion.
- Whist Club: On the first and third Thursday of each month there is a 'Whist and Drop-in' social afternoon from 2.00 - 4.00 p.m. All are welcome.
The hall may be rented for public and private functions - contact the Church Hall Secretary for more information.