Belief, Purpose and Vision

What we believe 

At St Mary’s, we believe in the radical nature of God’s love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ. We seek to share this love with our community by being a fully inclusive place of welcome to all, whether that is in our worship services or community events. As a worshipping community we are open to reshaping ourselves through listening to each other and the wider community always humbly dependent on God’s empowering presence. We learn together through bible study courses or sessions that have been shared through are partnerships with Inclusive Church and HeartEdge.

If you would like to find out more please contact any of our ministry team or our Church Wardens.     

We understand our purpose as

    • worshipping God
    • sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ
    • welcoming all who come
    • celebrating our rich Christian and cultural heritage and handing it on
    • contributing to the flourishing of our town and region so that all might have life in all its fullness.

Our Vision is to see lives and communities transformed by God’s love.

We’ve identified 6 areas of ministry to shape our life and work at St Mary’s.

1.           Worship and spirituality

Nurturing our prayer life and helping others to encounter God. Celebrating the contribution of art and music in all their forms.

2.           Hospitality and care

welcoming and honouring all in Christ’s name, and responding to human need with loving service.

3.           Learning, nurture and formation

Encouraging and enabling people to encounter God in Christ, to grow in faith, and to discover the fullness of their God-given humanity.

4.           Outreach and engagement

Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and proclaiming the values of the Kingdom of God. Working in partnership with others for the common good of the people of the town, region, Deanery and Diocese.
Celebrating our close relationship with St Mary’s Primary School and offering the church as a place for arts and events.

5.           Heritage and building development

Working to conserve, develop and interpret the church building and its treasures, that it may be accessed, understood and enjoyed by all.

6.           Resources and stewardship

Building a sustainable financial future and providing administrative systems, to ensure the long-term ministry and mission of St Mary’s.