Welcome to our new Children and Families Minister, Lesley Tate, who was welcomed in our services on Sunday 11th January.

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Lesley Tate, Children and Families Minister

Play Cafe

Play Cafe

Every Tuesday in term time for parents, grandparents, carers and toddlers from 9.30am to 11am. Soft play, crafts, songs, story and refreshments with a special area for babies. We have a maximum of 40 parents with children, and it is first come first served and we are always full, so do come early!

“Went to this today and my son absolutely loved it! He didn’t want to leave! Thank you so much, it was so well planned and organised. Great to meet other local mums as well.”

Messy Church

 

Free fun, games, faith and food for all the family - children must be accompanied by an adult and there is enough food for everyone! Messy Church is free but donations are welcome and it helps us with catering if you book your places in advance.

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Primary School Children

Schools Ministry

St. Mary’s has a close link with our local Church of England primary school in Longwick (Longwick C of E Combined School). Our clergy term work closely with the Senior Leadership Team at the school and lead the weekly assembly of collective worship. We are also involved in supporting the RE curriculum and focus on embedding the school’s Christian vision across all aspects of school life.

The children from Longwick are regular visitors to St Mary’s, which hosts Christmas, Easter and Harvest celebrations and other occasional performances and activities.

We love to host visits from all our local schools and our Clergy Team take assemblies at Princes Risborough Primary school too. During Risborough Festival Week in the summer, we are delighted to host lunchtime concerts from local primary schools.

Many of the children we get to know in school then enjoy Lighthouse, the Christian summer holiday camp held in the summer holidays (lighthouse.org).

Regular Giving

Aiming to support God's work through the Church by giving of our Time, using our Skills and giving our Money.

Children and Youth

Here at St Mary’s we want children and young people to grow in their faith and find that this journey is fun and exciting. Join us for Kids Church on Sunday morning during our 11.15 am Live @St Marys.

  • Tot Spot – for children 0-3 years old (during Live @ St Mary’s)
  • Gems – for children 3-5 years old (during Live @ St Mary’s)
  • Stepping stones 5-13+ year olds

If you would like to know more information about any of the groups contact the Parish Office.

Continuing to develop our provision for children and young people is St Mary’s priority. Our aim is to enable children and young people in our community to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

Safeguarding our children and young people is an essential part of our duty of care. All our groups are run by volunteers who have had a DBS check. Our Safeguarding Policy may be viewed at the link below and our Safeguarding Officer is Tony Eccleston who can be contacted at: safeguarding@stmarysrisborough.org.uk.

St Mary's Approved Safeguarding Policy

Lighthouse 2026

Lighthouse is a non-residential week long holiday club for children run by Christians from local churches working together, bringing churches and communities together around children. We are passionate about seeing children from all walks of life and abilities encountering God in a fun-filled week with teaching, sport, craft, performing arts and music.
Many people describe Lighthouse as 'the best week of the summer holidays'. We welcome children of school age from 5 to 11 (Reception to Year 6). We also run a half day programme for 4 years olds. Lighthouse is staffed and run entirely by volunteers.

The dates for 2026 are:

  • Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July

Read more at the Lighthouse website

Lighthouse

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Latest News

Tea for All, Sunday 26 July, 2.30pm in the Chapter House

Posted on by Parish Office

A delicious afternoon tea, friendly company and sometimes a quiz! All are welcome to come along and meet new friends...

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Lighthouse Launch, Sunday 26 July, 6pm in the Big Top

Posted on by Parish Office

Join us for this celebration service at the start of Lighthouse Week. This year’s theme is ‘Community’ and we will...

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Nominations for Charity Awards in 2026

Posted on by Parish Office

For many years St Mary’s Church has given 20% of its annual income to nominated charities. Currently we have given...

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