Upper Kennet Benefice

The Rev. Maria Shepherdson, Rector

Upper Kennet Churches

Maria Shepherdson is an ordained Anglican ( Church of England) priest currently Rector of the Upper Kennet Churches in the Diocese of Salisbury. One of the parishes happens to be Avebury, a neolithic World Heritage Site on a par with Stonehenge. This area attracts a wide range of people of varying faith traditions - Pagan (Wiccan, Heathen, Druid, etc.) Buddhist, Hindu and also Agnostic/Atheist and Humanists. for the last decade St James Church community at Avebury have offered Christian hospitality, prayer and listening, healing station, practical help and creative liturgy and music at specific times of the year related to the Pagan festivals. Summer Solstice attracts thousands of seekers- we aim to meet them where they are and walk with them without judgement, in the love of Christ. In 2015, we were able to bring a share of the Hiroshima peace flame to the church. As a community we have managed to keep the flame lit perpetually day and night for over 6 years, 40,000 prayer hearts have been hung on the Peace Tree and we have recently begun to host visits from our nearest Interfaith Community in Swindon.

Maria is a Chaplain to the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Community and assists as a Lecturer with the Pagan Seminary in Christianity and Vocation