Mission Community

We are the United Benefice of Bradworthy, a collection of parishes nestled in the beautiful rural landscape of North Devon. Our benefice includes the communities of Abbots Bickington, Bradford with Cookbury, Bradworthy, Bulkworthy, Milton Damerel, Putford, Sutcombe, and Thornbury. Together, we are a welcoming and supportive community, embracing the rich heritage of our ancient church buildings while seeking to serve God in fresh, relevant ways.

Our benefice is part of the larger Holsworthy Mission Community, where we collaborate with neighbouring parishes to deepen our faith, reach out to others, and serve our community. With a deep respect for tradition and an openness to innovation, we strive to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in our worship, our relationships, and our care for the environment.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to grow in faith and love for God while serving the people of North Devon with joy. As part of the Diocese of Exeter’s vision, we focus on three key priorities:

• Growing in Prayer: We aim to develop a deeper relationship with God through regular worship, prayer, and reflection, opening our hearts to God’s transformative grace.
• Making New Disciples: In a world where the Christian story is less known, we seek new ways to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds into our community of faith.
• Serving with Joy: We are committed to making a positive difference in our local communities, offering support to those in need and working together to care for the environment, promote justice, and spread joy.

We are passionate about connecting with people in our parishes and fostering relationships with schools, families, and local organizations. Whether through traditional services, fresh expressions of church like Saturday Church, or community events, we look for creative ways to live out the Gospel in everyday life.

The United Benefice of Bradworthy draws from a rich tapestry of Christian history, with our churches and communities deeply rooted in centuries of worship and service. Our church buildings, some dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, stand as enduring symbols of faith in North Devon. Churches like St. John the Baptist in Bradworthy, with its origins in Norman times, and St. Stephen in Putford, with its ancient Norman font and medieval tiles, have been places of worship for generations.

While our buildings hold great historical significance, it is the people who have shaped our story. Our benefice was formally created just four years ago, when the parishes of Bradford with Cookbury and Thornbury joined the Bradworthy Benefice as part of a reorganization within the Holsworthy Deanery. Though we are a relatively new benefice, our individual parishes have long traditions of worship and community life, deeply connected to the agricultural heritage of this region.

From bell-ringing to hosting community events, we’ve adapted to the changing needs of our communities over the years. We’ve expanded our mission by forming fresh expressions of church, like Saturday Church, which speaks to our desire to remain relevant and welcoming to all. The history of our benefice is one of resilience, faith, and community spirit—qualities that continue to shape our identity today.