Welcome to St Mary's

Welcome! Whether you are thinking of visiting St Mary's or just browsing this website, we are pleased to welcome you and we hope you will find the information you are looking for.  We would be delighted to see you at one of our services or events; you will find map links on the contact page. This page gives answers to the questions that people ask most often.  Follow the links to find out more about the things that interest you.

Please get in touch with us via the Parish Office. They will make sure your query is passed on to the Clergy or one of the churchwardens as appropriate. You can telephone 01844 273300 or email via this website.

When are the services?

We have 3 services on Sunday mornings. If you like a traditional church service, then at 8am there is a said service of Holy Communion and at 9.30am there is the Parish Communion service with robed choir and organ.

If you prefer a service that is more informal then at 11.15am there is TGIS - Thank God It's Sunday - our informal Family Service. Coffee is served from 10.45am before TGIS. Parents with small children are welcome at Nursery Service, a time of Praise and Play for the under 5's, held at 2.00 pm in the Church on Friday afternoons - tea and toys afterwards.  For more information on all our services see our services page .

How can I get involved and find out more about the Christian faith?

There are plenty of opportunities to join in with others who are learning together. In 2012, we plan to run an Alpha course, open to people wanting to discover more about Christianity. We have several House Groups which meet regularly for times of discussion or bible study. Each year people from our Church attend the annual Spring Harvest and New Wine events.

How can I find out about having my baby baptised?

We welcome enquiries about baptism.  You will find more information on the Baptisms page of this web site.  This explains what happens during the service and give you details of who to get in touch with.

Can I get married in St Mary's?

Yes, if you live within the parish, but even if you don't live in the parish, it may still be possible to be married in St Mary's. On 1st October 2008, a new law came into force making it easier to get married in the church of your choice. There is more information about this on the Marriage page on this web site.

I know someone who is very lonely.  Can the church help?

Yes, we have a number of pastoral visitors who provide support after a bereavement, during illness or at other times of need.  There is more information on our pastoral support page.  We also hold the Open Door Tea on the first Sunday of the month in the Chapter House, where anyone needing company is very welcome.  The Chapter House is also open for coffee on Thursday mornings from 10.30 am until 12 noon. Anyone is free to call in for a chat. The Pop-In Centre, run by St Mary's volunteers, is open on Friday mornings at the Red Cross Centre in Clifford Road from 10am until 12 noon for older people who would like to pop in for a coffee and a chat.

Can I look round the church?

Yes. We welcome visitors to the church and if the church is open you are very welcome to come in and look round. St Mary's has recently been refurbished.

I can't find the answer to my question on this page!

There is a lot more information on this web site, accessed through the A-Z index in the Site Guide on the left hand side of this page.  If you can't find what you are looking for,  just send us an email via this website - we are always pleased to help. Contact the Parish Office via the website or by telephone on 01844 273300.