WELCOME
to the Benefice of Flitton, Pulloxhill and Silsoe
in Central Bedfordshire - part of the Diocese of St Albans.
Our historic churches are situated in the heart of their communities, and we seek to be a living heartbeat of faith here. We follow Jesus and we want to share the good news of his love with all.
If you live in Flitton, Greenfield, Pulloxhill, Silsoe, Wardhedges and the surrounding areas, we are your local church, and we are here for you. We also extend a warm welcome to visitors from further afield.
We provide regular services of worship and prayer, and we offer opportunities to learn about and practice the Christian faith. We welcome people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Our local schools are very important to us and we are blessed to work closely with the teachers, staff and children.
The website is packed full of useful information from Sunday Services, activities and events, and helpful advice for those seeking baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Whether you are new or a regular member of the churches or community, we are glad that you are here, and we hope that you find what you are looking for.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance.
Rev Simon and Rev Louise Moore, Vicars
01525 643478 RevSimon@3churches.uk RevLouise@3churches.uk
Around the Benefice - 15th - 23rd August 2026
From the Pulpit – What is our Good News? – Rev Olivia
Here’s an opportunity to listen to Rev Olivia’s sermon ‘What is our Good News’ preached in Flitton on 9th August 2026. Bible readings for the day: Romans 10:5-15 and Matthew 14:22-33
Sunday 16th August
Silsoe 9:30am – Holy Communion with Rev Louise and Rev Anna
Flitton 10:30am – Cafe Church with Rev Olivia
Pulloxhill 6:00pm – Summer Evening Praise with Rev Louise and Lay Leader of Worship Liz Coulson (outside, weather permitting)
Wednesday 19th August 8:30am – Online Prayer Meeting – more details here
Wednesday 19th August Flitton Church Hall 3:00pm – Summer Fun – Console Challenges & Crafts – more details here
Wednesday 19th August Pulloxhill, 8:00pm – Night Prayers with Lay Leader of Worship Maggie Jeeves – more details here
Thursday 20th August Silsoe, 8:00am – Morning Said Communion – informal, 30 minutes.
Sunday 23rd August
Silsoe 9:30am – Holy Communion with Rev Olivia
Flitton 10:30am – Morning Worship with Rev Louise
Pulloxhill 11:00am – Morning Worship with Lay Leader of Worship Liz Coulson
SPOTLIGHT
Dear Friends,
During these hot days, the churches in this benefice offer a welcome and cooling sanctuary to passersby. I am delighted that the churches are open every day, and grateful to the team of volunteers who make this possible.
In the reading from Isaiah this week (Isaiah 56:1,6-8), the prophet declares that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples. We see something of this promise being lived out in the Gospel reading (Matthew 15:21-28), when Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman who asks for her daughter to be healed.
The promise of God’s loving mercy extending beyond the people of Israel was difficult for many to imagine, yet Jesus came to reveal the breadth of God’s love and the possibilities of a different way of living together. The encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman is not a simple one, reminding us that conversations across differences of culture, faith and experience can sometimes be uncomfortable and challenging. Yet the woman’s courage and persistence open up a new possibility. I admire her refusal to give up hope, and the humility and faith with which she continues to speak. She and Jesus offer us an example of how we might live well together:
* listening to one another,
* making space for difficult conversations, and
* extending hospitality to all, particularly to those with whom we may see things differently.
May our churches continue to be places where everyone can find a welcome, a listening ear and a space to pray, reflecting God’s promise that his house shall be a house of prayer for all people
Love and prayers,
Rev Olivia
A Message from Rev Simon
Dear Friends,
I am writing to you to outline the details of my forthcoming study leave. It is a great privilege to be able to step away from ministry and day-to-day parish life and spend time reflecting on my Christian journey so far. From the 20th of July to the 20th of September, I will not be in day-to-day parish ministry. During this time Louise and Olivia and the wider church ministry team will be covering for me which I really appreciate. I will also be having time away from my Diocesan role as the lay ministry officer.
My time will have three distinct components. Firstly, I will be on an 8-day silent retreat at Saint Buenos the Jesuit Spirituality centre in North Wales. The longest I have been on a silent retreat up to now, has been three days! This will give me time to reflect, read, stop and pray. It will not be straight forward for me, but I am sure it will be incredibly good. Secondly, I will be travelling to Hyderabad in India, which I last visited in 2019 to deliver some teaching and training with Indian pastors. Since that time, I have been keeping a connection, by running monthly online Bible studies. Finally, Louise and I will be on a road trip holiday.
My last study leave was in 2014 and I will not get another before I retire. It is a great gift to have time away from my Diocesan and parish work but not time away from God or family. Please pray for me that this gift would be something I build on and grow in. Please also pray and support Louise and Olivia especially during my time away.
With thanks for your understanding and ongoing prayers.
Simon
A 60 Second Sermon for 15th July 2026 – Translation and a Pause
This is the last 60 Second Sermon for a couple of months as Rev Simon is on study leave until September.
Want to find out more about us?
The common shared vision of the Benefice is
“Living Our Faith, Loving Our Communities”
and this supported by a set of values across all three churches:
Christ centred Prayerful Worshipful Hospitable Community focused United
Each of the three Churches has their own specific opportunities and challenges but by working together and offering an appropriate range of worship options, the Benefice is able to deliver its vision and values and meet the needs of its congregations.