Views from the bell tower of St Mary Magdalene, Newport Road, MK15 9AA - click for larger view - taken by Brad
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Welcome
Our ecumenical Christian church of St Mary Magdalene, in Willen, was designed by Robert Hooke, after the Great Fire of London, and completed in 1680.
It is a living, breathing church, often dubbed the jewel of Milton Keynes. Hooke's only complete building outside London and still in regular use almost 350 years later.
Next door is our much loved Willen Hospice, founded with the help of our Sacred Mission (SSM) who used to reside nearby. The hospice choir practice in our church and the hospice help us with mowing the grass and making toilets available for our Sunday services.
Weekly Services plus Events, Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals, Interments of Ashes
Mothering Sunday Service
A Historic Tradition in the UK
9.30am 15th March
Mothering Sunday, celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, has deep roots in British Christian tradition. Beginning in the 16th century, it was a day when people returned to their “mother church” — the main church or cathedral of their area — for a special service. This homecoming often became a rare opportunity for families to gather during Lent, and over time it also became a day to honour mothers with small tokens such as flowers or freshly baked simnel cake.
How It Differs from American Mother’s Day
While the American Mother’s Day, established in the early 20th century, by Anna Jarvis, focuses primarily on celebrating motherhood, Mothering Sunday in the UK has a much older and distinctly spiritual origin. Though both now share themes of gratitude and appreciation, the British observance remains tied to the Lenten season and its heritage of returning to one’s spiritual “mother.”
A Day of Gratitude and Reflection
As we mark Mothering Sunday, we give thanks not only for mothers and carers, but also for the guiding presence of our church family. It is a moment to celebrate love, nurture, and the bonds that shape us in faith and in life.
Ash Wednesday
At the nearby Cross and Stable, MK14 7RZ
Wednesday 18th February at 12.30pm
Holy Communion Service - led by Bishop Dave
directly after the Chatterbox coffee morning (10.30am to 12.30pm)
All welcome
We have a box in the church entrance for
suggestions, questions, comments and ideas.
Thank you to all who contribute.
We pray for peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Russia, Palestine, Lebanon, Israel and all the war-torn countries of our world
Hooke Heritage Project
2026 remains a time of renewed progress with the church and community.
We still give huge thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others for their support.
. 
The Oxford Heritage Partnership report on the importance of this church can be downloaded here.
Churchyard & Volunteers
A big thank you to everyone who helps do such a good job of looking after the church grounds.
Another big thank you to all the volunteers working inside too.
The church operates as a true team effort, inside and out -
entirely by unpaid volunteers, ministers included.
