We are named after the ‘Alfred Jewel’, a unique, priceless artefact, commissioned by King Alfred and found in 1693 in a North Petherton field. Made from many precious metals, in segments, then combined to form the handle of a pointer, its purpose to aid the reading of the Scriptures.

Our benefice too, made up of sections, uniting to point the way to a loving forgiving God.

The Alfred Jewel Benefice is made up of:

• St Mary’s Church, North Petherton
• St Peter’s and St Michael Church, North Newton
• St Peter’s and St John, Northmoor Green (Moorland)
• St Giles, Thurloxton
• St John the Baptist, Durston

Our church buildings provide sacred space for the local communities – a haven for peace and prayer in an often difficult and demanding world. But church is more than buildings,it is also the people

The Christian community here is living and active and behind the faces of all those you see is the face of Jesus Christ whom we worship.

Jesus is God’s face, turned towards the world. Those who saw him in the flesh saw love in that face, love which enveloped them even when – perhaps especially when – their life left them feeling unwanted and unloved. We call ourselves Christians because we have come to know that face and its importance in our lives. We know that face of love in our worship, in the pages of the Bible, in our receiving of Holy Communion, and in each other. The face of Jesus Christ, God’s face of love, turned towards the world, is something we know through our life in the Church, through our fellow-believers, and through all that we do together to honour God and learn God’s way of love

Whatever your background, situation or age you are assured of a warm, friendly welcome from these communities of people who have discovered the reality of a loving God who gives meaning to our lives. We pray that, whatever your background, situation or age you will experience, with us, God’s love and peace.