Still haven't found what you are looking for?
Come and search with us
The speed at which people live today is overwhelming. It's been termed an accelerated culture, where the only constant is change. Our lives are crammed with so much information and so many choices that we hardly find time to think deeply. This easily leads to an instinctive and unreflective way of living. Yet the funny thing is, despite our affluence, when we stop to think about our lives, we are often plagued with an aching unease. What is the purpose of my life? Where does it all lead? We ask ourselves.
The truth we suppress in our busyness is that everyone has been made with an instinct to worship. This instinct finds its unconscious outlet in many ways: celebrity, sport, success, therapy, wealth, appearance - but none of these bring lasting happiness, and can even have a nasty sting in the tail. This instinct is meant to lead us to the one who put it there in the first place.
At St. Mary's, we want to give you the chance to pick up this search. We take seriously the claim of Jesus to be the way, the truth and the life. As we are on the way, we know we have not yet arrived in our faith, but nevertheless have a sense of direction which we share together. Believing Jesus to be the truth, we find personal significance in developing a relationship with him. Knowing we share his life gives us a deep sense of community.
Come and try us out
We promise to make you welcome, and to provide a space where you can ask those awkward questions: we may not be able to answer all of them, but we will not shirk responsibility for addressing them. We like to think of ourselves as Christians who are working at understanding what the Gospel means for our generation.
On this website you will get a feel for what we are offering, and some practical indications about how you can join us. A famous Jewish leader once approached Jesus at night to speak privately with him because he was afraid of what others would think if he was seen with him. His name was Nicodemus. It's possible this website will provide you with the privacy you need to begin a conversation with Jesus.
If you want to take your enquiries further you can speak to me, Alan Keeler, on 020 8460 1827.
Even better, come and introduce yourself by day! Our main service is at 10.30am each Sunday.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
We will be a learning, growing and caring church
To this end we will
- be prayerful
- deepen our understanding of the faith and the world
- worship with a sense of wonder and anticipation
- think of how others will benefit from our presence on Sunday
- invite and welcome newcomers
- get to know all regular attenders
- accept that growth in one part means the whole body must change
- strive to be representative of the parish in age, gender and ethnicity without discrimination
- take risks when they are called for
overcoming the hindrances of
- apathy
- resistance
- short-sightedness
- doing too much
and resolving to put our
- trust in the grace of God in our Lord Jesus Christ
- money where the mission lies
- hands where the work is
A PRAYER FOR ST MARY'S
Heavenly Father, we ask for your help in fulfilling our mission statement: in becoming a learning, growing and caring church.
We ask for the gift of prayerfulness, so that all our activities, plans and decisions are initiated and led by your Holy Spirit. Inspire in us joyful willingness to give our gifts, time and money to address the present needs and future vision of St Mary's.
May we worship you with a renewed and enlightened sense of reverence, anticipation and wonder, which draws us and others closer to you.
Make each of us whom you intend us to be. Give us courage to take risks where they are called for by our faith. And bring us closer together in active unity, one strong, joyful Christian body for your service in this parish.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Newcomers are very welcome here
St. Mary's is a worshipping community which gives people space to think about faith and commitment without putting pressure on them immediately to declare their hand. However, we also want to welcome newcomers and not make them feel out of place. If you want to make yourself known, please speak to one of the people who hand out the service books, or to a member of the clergy, after a service has happened. We have a form which you can fill out with your details. This way we can stay in touch. Many new people try out St. Mary's each month - so you won't be alone.
Children are very welcome here
Benefit from our young family groups - a newcomer's guide
Living with a young family is an exciting experience, one that absorbs a lot of energy and emotion. Many families in our congregation are well aware of the needs of young families. It is a joyful time, but also for some can be a vulnerable time. Many parents find it helpful to talk with other people in the same situation. Also finding space for spiritual renewal and personal recreation is not easy when facing the relentless demands of young children. Yet it is in the middle of stress that God sometimes meets most deeply with us.
We offer a wide range of activities that parents and children can enjoy, allowing new friends and the development of the spiritual side which we have all been given.
