The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way.
If you are engaged to be married and looking for a church to be married in, then congratulations! A wedding is one of life's great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy.
If someone you know and love has died, a funeral led by a Church of England minister can be held in church, in a churchyard, by a graveside, or at a crematorium. The minister will be there to support you every step of the way.
Recent years have seen a resurgence in worship at St. Mary’s. All members of our diverse community are welcomed and encouraged to attend. We are blessed to have a number of young children as members of our village community, many of whom attend church regularly. Young people play an active role in services through playing instruments, reading lessons and leading prayers. The ‘family feel’ to services is further facilitated by the provision of refreshments at the end of services. In a village where the church is the only public building, this represents a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to spend time together.
Children are made very welcome at St Mary’s and take part enthusiastically in family services, such as this Nativity Play.
St. Mary’s has strong links with the Skirpenbeck Village Group. This was established to support the church and encourage engagement in communal events. Events include Easter egg trails, ‘cake and a cuppa’ events, quizzes, summer fetes and craft events. The PCC plays a significant role in organising and supporting them. Events are incredibly well supported by the community. We have been able to raise additional funds for the church and, perhaps most significantly, have been thrilled by the sense of community engendered through organisation of and attendance at these events. St. Mary’s is also used as a meeting place for groups including the Skirpenbeck Village Group and the local Parish Council. Ongoing links with a local heritage group have also been established.
Willing volunteers support the Church Warden in the maintenance of the large church yard. The PCC is aware that the building itself requires significant attention. Recent steps include completion of the QI report, inspection and report of the bells, inspection of the organ and completion of an electric survey with recommendations subsequently carried out. Fundraising and grant applications are seen as integral to next steps to improve the fabric of the building.
The congregation at St. Mary’s continues to grow. The PCC and Church Warden are keen for this to continue, and view the welcoming nature of our services and community events as central to this. St. Mary’s is a family, characterised by warmth, inclusivity and acceptance
People from the village come together for events in the church and churchyard, helping to raise funds and strengthen the community.
People from the village come together for events in the church and churchyard, helping to raise funds and strengthen the community.
