LENT AND EASTER 2026
Lent has arrived with Easter swiftly following.
Would you like to join us for a Lent courses this year? Three options start 23 February. 
All are warmly welcomed to our events for this celebratory season.
EASTER TRADITIONS – Agape Supper
The Church of England is full of relatively unknown events, often with curious names. An Agape Supper, often celebrated on Maundy Thursday is one of these curiosities.
Agape, the Greek word for love, means ‘a fellowship meal’ and is an ancient church tradition. Its aim is to strengthen bonds of community and reflects the meals Jesus shared with his disciples. There’s a particular reference to the Last Supper – hence Agape’s timing on Maundy Thursday, the day which starts the countdown to the famously momentous narrative of Easter.
Come along for the Benefice Agape Supper on Maundy Thursday, 2 April. The evening includes a shared meal, a vigil with prayer and bible readings and a shared Holy Communion, in St Stephen's Crypt. Bookings are essential, with a suggested £10 donation. Contact the parish office to reserve a place. 
FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Enjoy some fun family trails. Suitable for all the family; the dog will love it too!
The eco trails lead you from St Stephen's Church to St Mary's Charlcombe.
Beating the Bounds is an ancient custom. Dating from Anglo Saxon times, it was traditional for parish officials to beat willow wands around the parish boundaries. In the days before ordinance survey maps, this was a practical method of 'marking' boundaries to determine important concerns such as where cattle could graze, who was eligible for parish burial or care for the poor. Today, some parishes still 'beat the bounds' with a carnival atmosphere. St Stephen's Beating the Bounds is designed to be a fun treasure trail revealing the parish's unexpected quirks and revelations. 
PLEASE NOTE ALL TRAILS INVOLVE WALKING ON MAIN ROADS AND QUIET LANES. PLEASE TAKE CARE, KEEP TO THE PATHS AND WATCH CAREFULLY FOR TRAFFIC.
Eco trail junior for children 3 - 7 years.
Eco trail senior for children 7 years +
Beating the Bounds trail and map - suitable for all ages
Beating the Bounds trail answers
Flower colouring and leaf identity sheets.
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