8am Holy Communion

A quiet, reflective service, using traditional language, with a short address.

10.30am Parish Eucharist

The Eucharist is the heart of our life at St Mary's. Our worship is enriched by good music, colour and ceremonial, with a sermon that is reflective and relevant. Christians of all denominations are welcome to receive holy communion. During the Eucharist our large and thriving Sunday School meets (term-time only). We also have a vibrant youth group (beginning at 10.00am). The children and young people join the congregation either at the Peace or in time for communion. Twice a term, we celebrate an All-age Eucharist. After the service, which lasts an hour and ten minutes, there is an opportunity to meet and talk over coffee.

6pm Evening Service

The pattern of evening worship varies, but all the services (apart from Compline) last about forty-five minutes. A schedule is published monthly and may include the following:

Choral Evensong

This traditional service from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer has been sung at St Mary's for over a hundred years, and forms a central part of our musical tradition. It is an undemanding, gentle service in which the choir takes the leading role in singing the psalms and evening canticles of the Church, enabling us to pause and worship God.

Contemplative Prayer

These evenings are opportunities to contemplate in the company of fellow travellers, and are an antidote to the stress of modern day living. Following the pattern of Julian meetings (named after St Julian of Norwich, a medieval mystic) the core of the evening is thirty minutes of silence, which is introduced by a short reading and music, and closes with an opportunity for intercession

Taizé Music and Prayers

The ecumenical community of Taizé in France has given its name to a style of worship which is both informal and reflective, using a meditative style of chant which enables us to be still and open to God.

Alternative Worship

These services are informal in style, using a variety of contemporary music and imagery in worship. The services have a relaxed format and attract a slightly younger crowd, but are open to people of all ages.

Compline

This ancient form of evening prayer is said by monks before they retire for the night. It is quiet and meditative and lasts about twenty minutes.