
The Abingdon Baptist Scout’s Jumble Sale began with a queue at the door at 9am, and by the time I got there at 10:30 a lot of the best things had gone.

There were still some interesting books – such as an old edition of the The Book of Woodcraft and Indian Lore by Ernest Thompson Seton written in 1912 and full of illustrations.

The church’s redevelopment project is still being planned but they are not allowed to expand by removing or moving some of their existing walls. The classical facade, that most of us see, was added decades after the original building, which has red and blue brick on a rubble base – whose craftsmanship is of historical interest.

In the cafe at 35 Ock Street, adjoining the church, there is an exhibition of photographs by retired professional photographer Derek Banister.

At 35 Ock Street, there is also an outpost of the St Andrews Christian bookshop – based in St Clements, Oxford and run by the son of the Revd Michael Hambleton – a previous minister at the Baptist church. If you want to pay by card they connect you over the phone to the main shop and take your card details.
Category Archives: religion
Church in Abingdon Quiz 2015

The annual Church in Abingdon Quiz was held at Peachcroft Christian Centre this evening. There were only 7 church teams this year – not the usual 11 or 12. So I cannot explain that.
All of the teams, apart from St Michael’s, struggled with the bible questions this year.
None of us did too well on local knowledge either … Could you do any better?

What is this Abingdon Road and when was the picture taken?
Teams did better at Geography, Science, Music (TV signature tunes), and general knowledge (who was murdered in the Cluedo Game?).
St Michael’s won the quiz this year.
All Saints are next year’s hosts. As winners of the picture round – identifying British Cities – they were told afterwards that made them next year’s hosts.

It has been a busy week for the Church in Abingdon. Throughout the week different ministers have led prayers at St Nicolas’ Church.
There is a collective meeting for worship at Christchurch on Sunday 3pm.
And the Church in Abingdon is running a number of Alpha Courses.
Fourth Candle Sunday

This morning the fourth candle on the Advent crown was lit at Trinity, Abingdon.

There was a very moving baptism, followed by a nativity tableau.

Revd Ian Griffiths, the new minister of both All Saints Church, Abingdon, and Trinity Church, Abingdon, led the service.

In the evening there was a carol service with traditional carols and readings.
Many people go to church at Christmas to re-experience the wonder of Christmas and sing the traditional carols, who don’t go at other times.
Five Years of Trinity Learning
This evening at Trinity Church there was a look back at Trinity Learning – a project with the aim of finding ways in which the church can use its time, talents and space to enhance the quality of life those working in local schools – both students and staff.

One of the more visible results of this has been the ‘Hello Abingdon’ community magazines produced by children from local schools for the last 5 years. The Oxford Health NHS trust magazine ‘Insight’ recently featured some of the reporters from Thameside School who came to report on Abingdon Community Hospital.
Trinity Learning recognises the pressure schools are under and seeks to provide a place of calm and reflection for students and teachers with projects such as Experience Easter and Prayer Spaces.
They also give work experience to students, help boost students’ confidence in planning and producing assemblies, help with the R.E curriculum, and have produced a lot of resources that can be used in and beyond Abingdon.
To find out more visit Trinity Learning.