St Augustine’s has supported the local community since it was built in 1898 to serve as a school, a church and community building. It is a Church of England church, part of the Parish of the Ascension, Cambridge and a member of Church At Castle – an informal grouping of churches from a variety of Christian traditions. Services are open to all and are held every Sunday at 9.30 am (see below for exceptions).
While we have eased the restrictions introduced during Covid-19 lockdowns, services are now generally hybrid, in person, in church with simultaneous Zoom. Zoom details may be obtained from Rev Janet Bunker (see parish team for details). Those attending in person are welcome to wear a mask whilst inside the building according to personal preferences and medical needs.
After substantial restoration in 2012-2016, the building now also offers excellent facilities for events from small groups up to 120 people – and many local groups and organisations use the building.
We are grateful to the support of Cambridge City Council, who have provided several Community Grants, and to many other donors and sponsors who made these renovations possible.
Services
Sunday 9.30am – Hybrid (in person in church and on Zoom). Check the calendar for details. Resources for services, worship at home and the parish magazine are available from the Church At Castle website or by contacting the Parish Office on 01223 315000 Email: officeatcastle@btinternet.com
On the Sundays after Christmas, Easter and the August Bank holiday, and sometimes on other occasions, an ecumenical service is held that may be at a different church in the Church At Castle group and additional services are held at Christmas and Easter – check the calendar for details.
On the first Sunday of each month the service is usually followed by the open Community Lunch club.
We welcome, without exception, all who want to explore the possibility of faith in their lives. We aim to be an inclusive community, proclaiming Christ’s gospel of love. All the churches in the parish are part of the Inclusive Church network. You can check if you live in our parish by visiting Achurchnearyou website and putting in your postcode.
Choirs
St Augustine’s hosts two choirs.
- Community Choir – performs at Christmas and Easter, rehearsing after Sunday services
- St Augustine’s Singers – performs at some services and at an extensive programme of events across Cambridge.
Policies
Safeguarding – Caring for children and vulnerable adults.
The Parish of the Ascension in all its churches is committed to safeguarding all those who attend the worship and other activities that we offer. Safeguarding promotes the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and includes all actions to protect them from harm.
• The Parish of the Ascension follows recommended safeguarding practice in recruiting, training and supporting our ordained and lay ministers, our employees and our volunteers.
• We follow the House of Bishops’ Policy statement, ‘Promoting a safer church‘ (2017) and guidelines from the Diocese of Ely.
• The Parish of the Ascension’s Safeguarding Policy for children and vulnerable adults is available to download from homepage of the Parish’s website http://www.churchatcastle.org/
Any concerns can be discussed in confidence with our safeguarding officer. Please see https://www.churchatcastle.org/safeguarding/ for further details.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is Rebecca Boswell 01353 652731
The Local Authority Children’s Social Care contact numbers are 0345 045 5203 (8-6pm Monday to Friday) 01733 234 724 (out of hours)
The Local Authority Adult Social Care contact numbers are 0345 045 5202 8am to 6pm weekdays, 9am to 1pm Saturday
If someone is in danger and unable to protect themselves, or cannot remain in the community without immediate intervention, telephone: 01733 234 724
Please visit the Church At Castle website for details of the parish’s policies in areas such as environment, equal opportunities and health and safety. Links may be found here.