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 - 21st - 30th 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 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
Wednesday 26th August 8:30am – Online Prayer Meeting – more details here
Wednesday 26th August Pulloxhill Church Hall 3:00pm – Summer Fun – Bug Hotel & Baking – more details here
Wednesday 26th August Flitton, 8:00pm – Night Prayers with Rev Olivia – more details here
Thursday 27th August Silsoe, 8:00am – Morning Said Communion – informal, 30 minutes.
Friday 28th August Flitton, 10:00am – Spoken Communion – Book of Common Prayer with Rev Louise
Sunday 30th August Pulloxhill, 10:00am – United Benefice Holy Communion with Rev Anna
SPOTLIGHT
Dear Friends,
If you have built a sandcastle this summer, or in any summer past, you will know the perseverance and painstaking care that goes into filling the bucket, patting down the sand, the nervous tipping and cautious tapping on the bucket and the careful reveal. All this care goes into something that we know will not last. The tide will come in, and the masterpiece will be destroyed.
In the Gospel this week (Matthew 16:13-20), Jesus appoints Peter as the rock, the firm foundation that the church will be built on. Peter is the disciple who takes risks, who dives into the storm headfirst, and who will go onto deny Jesus. Peter doesn’t seem like the firmest foundation. But he has also recognised who Jesus is. Jesus chooses someone who longs to remain in relationship with him. Peter remains open to God’s continuing work; again, and again he allows himself to be forgiven, reshaped and sent out anew.
When the tide goes out again the fresh sand makes way for construction to begin again and new castles to be built. Perhaps the deepest foundations of faith are not unmoveable certainty but the quiet willingness to keep returning to Christ, to allow ourselves to be questioned, challenged and transformed.
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.