Our church in the community through the years

The early history of both St James's Church and its community, the village of Hampton Hill, are inextricably linked. The first vicar, Revd Fitz Wygram, saw his rôle as improving both the spiritual and social conditions of the new parish, and this included developing a wide range of organisations to benefit the community. Some of these were explicitly religious, some were secular in their activities and others bridged the gap between them. However, all were based on his sense of Christian responsibility towards fellow human beings at a time and in a place where there were no other authorities able to take on the task. In this work he was helped by his leading laymen. "They looked after peoples' human rights and dignities, keeping them safe from injustice and encouraging healthy use of leisure." 

Have a look at Our church in the community through the years which shows what happened from when records began up until 2017.

During 2017 visitors were trained and organised to offer pastoral care. The aim was to provide a link with the church for those parishioners who are unable to attend or are in need of support at a particular time. Visiting the elderly and the families of those being baptised were particular foci. These parish visitors undertook safeguarding training through the year.

St James’s, being part of the ecumenical team providing services at Laurel Dene Residential Home, offered to take extra services at festival times. So a new venture was a carol service with members of the congregation and the Hampton Hill Junior School choir supporting the carol singing. An Easter service was also held there.

Churches Together enjoyed a Songs of Praise service with favourite hymns chosen by a representative from each of the churches. It was a very special time of shared worship to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. For the Women’s World Day of Prayer the order of service was devised by women from a particular country and used throughout the world on that day. Here, the service is held in one of the CTAH churches, with active participation from all the churches. Our closest neighbour is the United Reformed Church and their lay leader was invited to preach in the autumn. We also shared the Remembrance Sunday service with them.

Derek took assemblies at the local schools, Carlisle Infants, Hampton Hill Juniors, LEH Juniors. There have been visits to the church from Hampton Hill Juniors, LEH Juniors, Jack and Jill, and the Scouts and the schools have also held their Christmas carol services in the church. He has also been to the Brownies, the Beavers, assisted the Cubs, and shown groups of Scouts round the church. 

The Film Club / Pop Up Cinema had shows on throughout the year with growing popularity within the whole community. Adult films alternated with children’s ones. 

 On the day before ‘St James’s Day’, 30 June an invitation event (Open to View) was organised for the community: an organ recital, tea and cakes, a bottle stall, a Traidcraft stall and tours of the church and the tower and a children’s film. The experiment was considered very successful as there were a good number of visitors for this the first time.

Taking a service at Laurel Dene	A community Carol Service	Taking part in Hampton Hill Fair