St Michael and All Angels' Church
Appleby's parish church dates back to the early 14th century, although it is likely that there was a church on this site from Saxon times.
Inside is the tomb of Sir Edmund de Appleby and his wife Lady Joan, who lived at the Moat House around the time of the church's construction. Sir Edmund fought at the Battle of Crecy with King Edward III, and his family continued to occupy the Moat House until 1560.
Socially and geographically, the church is the centre of the village. As Appleby nestles in its valley, its tall spire is visible from every direction.
Church Contacts
Woodfield Team
Rector: Revd. Canon Vivien Elphick 01530 270354
Appleby
Team Vicar: Revd. Sue Bradley 01530 271327
Lay Reader: Mrs Debbie Kent
Churchwarden: Vacant
Parish Administrator: Daphne Robinson 01530 271565
Pastoral Assistant: Judy Selby 01530 273572, selbyjudy @ talktalk.net
From the Rectory
Dear All,
It doesn’t seem possible that it’s over 6 ½ years since I moved to Measham to become Team Rector of the Woodfield Team. Where does the time go?
If you’re not sure, the Woodfield Team is made up of 8 churches and their parishes: Appleby Magna, Donisthorpe with Oakthorpe and Moira, Measham, Normanton, Norton-juxta-Twycross, Packington, Snarestone and Swepstone.
The idea of churches being in a Team is something I believe in passionately, particularly when they are smaller churches situated in village communities as ours are. They can draw strength from being part of something larger; they can do things together which they wouldn’t be big enough to do on their own, whilst at the same time being able to do ‘local delivery’ to each village as we seek to share the love of Jesus in whatever way we can.
Supporting the Team are the church wardens, members of church councils and every member of the congregations. They are also formally licensed ministers. I’m the one where you might say ‘the buck stops’ but all are ministering faithfully to this area. In total there are another 5 clergy, 6 lay readers (and one in training), 2 pastoral assistants and 2 evangelists. All have a local base but operate in addition across the whole area (not just for Sunday and Wednesday services, but also for weddings, baptisms and funerals and other aspects of church and village life).
We’re going to be interviewing ministry team members over the coming months so that you can get to know a bit more about them.
However, we’re now getting ready to welcome a new addition: Revd Sue Bradley who is joining us as Team Vicar based at Appleby. I’m not sure of her exact starting date but it will be in the autumn. She was the successful candidate following our interviews in May. She is currently the curate at Glenfield Church. We’re looking forward to welcoming her and all that she will bring with her – as the person she is, with many gifts and a real love of Jesus, and a desire to share that love more deeply with others – to help us all grow in our faith and love of Him.
Please do be in prayer for Sue as she ends her time at Glenfield and goes through the whole process of moving home and starting a new job. I believe she will be a great asset to the villages and to the Team
Vivien Elphick (Team Rector)