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 Karen Thomas 07751 807699
Associate Priest: Revd Stella Polashek 01530 272707
Reader: Mrs Debbie Kent
Churchwarden: Mrs Pauline Bee 01530 274525
Parish Administrator and Pastoral Assistant: Judy Selby 01530 273572, selbyjudy @ talktalk.net
Letter from the Rectory
Dear All
In July, I celebrated the 20th anniversary of my ordination in 1990. I’d like to thank all who joined in the celebrations and provided the lovely spread of food, drink and a special cake. It made me feel very special.
Celebrating the anniversary also made me look back over those 20 years, and what I’d been involved in throughout those years of life ‘in the church’. It got me looking even further back to 1984, which was when I became a Christian. In my family, we’d gone to church at Christmas and for special occasions. I’d gone to Sunday School once and refused to go again. Then in my teens, I’d been confirmed because my friends were, but I never got into the way of going to church, or belonging to church. Inevitably I drifted away and in my twenties decided that I didn’t believe in God anyway.
In my early thirties, I moved house because of my job, and found myself living in a new village in East Sussex. I thought I’d go to church to meet people. So, I went back to church, creeping in rather nervously and hoping I didn’t stand out like a sore thumb as being the only person not to know what they were doing. In fact, it felt quite safe and I continued to go from time to time. Gradually I found myself talking and asking questions of the vicar. He was the first person I’d ever met who had spoken to me in a real way about Jesus Christ. He had something I wanted – a love for Jesus who meant so much to him. It clearly made such a difference to him. I was deeply moved that the folk in church cared about me and prayed for me, even though they hardly knew me.
The time came when I knew I had to decide whether I wanted to become a follower of Jesus. In the end, no answer but ‘yes’ made sense. Going Back to Church led me into the whole business of ‘doing business with God’, the most real thing I could ever have done with my life. Is there a hankering in you after something more?
Then what about coming along on Back to Church Sunday on 26 September and beginning that journey of finding out? It doesn’t (necessarily) mean you’ll end up as a vicar! Be assured of a warm welcome.
There’s a Back to Church Sunday service in St John’s Church, Donisthorpe at 11am on 26 September.
Yours
Vivien