Our Church

Parts of St Michael's church building date back to the 13th century, the tower is 18th century, and there was a major rebuild in 1855.   In 1993 an extension to the north side of the church provided a large meeting room and kitchen, toilets, a parish office, a new vestry and some smaller rooms, all built round a cloister garden.

Both the church and the extension have easy wheelchair access. We have baby changing facilities and accessible toilets.  Guide dogs and Emotional Support dogs are welcome.

As well as our regular services, St Michael's is frequently used for baptisms and weddings.  We are happy to offer the Church of England’s Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples within our regular church services.  We welcome all who come to us, from every background and whether church is familiar to them or not.

Ours is an active church with choir, Wednesday lunches, courses, house groups, Mothers' Union, activities for toddlers and older children, and many social activities.  In our ministry to the bereaved, we offer a monthly gathering and also the opportunity to join The Bereavement Journey course.
From time to time the church is used as a venue for musical or other community events.
We are the proud possessors of an Eco-Church bronze award, working towards silver:  Caring for Creation as we seek to address the challenges of Climate Change.

An extensive renovation of the church interior was undertaken between 2008 and 2015, with new lighting and a sound system with hearing loop.  The church roof was re-tiled.

The church is noted for its stained glass, in particular a window attributed to William Morris, and for the colourful Vanlore tomb.  Additions in recent years include an ikon of St Michael, a set of stations of the cross which extend into the cloisters, and a nativity painting of church members shown gathered round the crib.  There is a ring of eight bells, and an enthusiastic team of ringers.

The church and old churchyard surrounding it lie within the St Michael's Conservation Area of Reading.  There is a larger churchyard across the road, with an attractive lychgate.

Everyone is welcome at our services on Sunday and Wednesday.  Anyone just wanting to look around the church can do so during Parish Office hours (10:00-12:00 on Mon/Tues/Thu/Fri mornings) or at other times by arrangement.

St Michael's Church Hall is some 100 metres from the church with two main rooms, which are used for a wide range of community activities, including a pre-school group, theatre group and uniformed organisations.