St Andrew’s Church
The very attractive galletted flint 13th Century Parish Church of St. Andrew’s sits in the very heart of the village. Its wooden shingle spire topped by a golden cockerel stands conspicuously above the surrounding flat countryside. It was founded when Richard was Bishop of Chichester. The exterior looks much as it did in 1220 but the interior was restored extensively in the 1860’s and seats approximately 150. The church terrier comprises the building itself surrounded by a churchyard set above the approach road, Church Lane, and a separate graveyard 200 metres to the north. Services are held every Sunday at 11:00. Having actively defeated a threat of closure five years ago, the Church serves the wider community by providing a welcoming venue for secular activities including a lending library and toddler group and is used for occasional concerts.
St. Andrew’s Church Oving – Services and Details
Family-orientated Eucharists are held on the second; third and fourth Sundays of each month where a number of children act as servers. On the second Sunday there is a 10-strong robed choir, including some new junior members, and on the third Sunday a “Kids’ Church”. Lesson and Intercessions are delivered by lay members of the congregation. In addition to hymns taken from the New English Hymnal, the average congregation of 40 currently sings the Propers; Responses; Psalms and other parts of the service.
The first Sunday of each month is celebrated with a less formal “Young-at-Heart” (Y@H) service, when the congregation often exceeds 40. Music, led by a dedicated and enthusiastic organist and choirmaster, forms an important element of this and other services. A growing band of instrumentalists of all ages supports The Y@H service. An informal “Not the Community Choir” group practice before the third Sunday service. Coffee is available after each Sunday service.
A Said Mass, attended by up to 10 Communicants, is celebrated every Wednesday at 1000. The very well-attended candle-lit Christmas Carol concert, joint Patronal Festival and Palm Sunday procession across the airfield are key features in the calendar.
