Services

Regular Sunday Services

8am Holy Communion

A quiet and reflective service following the Book of Common Prayer (BCP).   Breakfast is served after this service on the last Sunday of the month.

10am Parish Communion

Our main service of the week when all ages come together to worship God in words and music. Refreshments are served after the service.

11.45am Baptism Service

Takes place once a month and is a short informal service for families with young children and includes baptisms

6pm Evensong (said)

Every week except monthly Healing & Wholeness service, and occasional Choral Evensongs.   See calendar.

Gluten free wafers are available at communion services.  
This is on request to the steward at the entrance on arrival at the service.

Weekday Services

Morning Prayer (said)

From 9am to 9.30am, Monday to Friday, using the Common Worship prayer book

Weekday Holy Communion (said)

Noon on Thursday using Common Worship liturgy (twice per month) and the Book of Common Prayer liturgy (twice per month) preceded by Quiet Time at 11.15am.

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Courses

Lent Course 2023

Lent with George Herbert

George Herbert (1593-1633) is probably the best loved of British poets writing on religious themes. Highly talented and from a privileged background he had the world before him but after a struggle decided to become ordained and vicar of a tiny parish, Bemerton, near Salisbury.  Here he set out the standard model of a good priest in ‘The Country Parson’. Just before he died, after only 3 years in the parish, he sent his poems to a friend. Some of them have become amongst our best loved hymns.

The Lent course will begin on Ash Wednesday 22nd February and will continue on subsequent Wednesdays, 4pm-5.15pm in the church.

This will be an informal group led by Richard Harries. He will distribute a few poems by George Herbert before each session and these will be discussed together. There is a sign up sheet for the Lent Course 2023 near the main entrance to church.

Start Course 2023

If you’re looking for answers then maybe it’s time to make a Start. Normally run in groups of about 6 to 10 people, each session involves video clips, exercises, group discussion and time for reflection. Each session lasts about an hour and is free to attend.

What’s life all about and where are we going?

Does God exist and what is He like?

Why is the world in such a mess?

Who was Jesus and is He relevant?

How far can I go forward with God in my life?

Start will help you discover more about God, Jesus and the journey of life. Six week free course running on Wednesday evenings starting 11th January 2023

7.30pm coffee & tea, 7.45-9.15pm in the Ellerton Room

The course is led by Revd James Hutchings, with support from others at St Mary’s.

To find out more & sign up contact [email protected]

First Communion

In 2006 the Church of England approved the process of admitting children into Communion before they have been confirmed. The Diocese of Southwark requires all parishes to have a policy on children and Holy Communion and St Mary’s approved the practice of welcoming children to receive Communion some years ago. I am very pleased to follow this practice too as I believe that it more clearly demonstrates our unity in Christ. It also enables children to experience the joy and the power of the Eucharist at an age where they are very receptive and when they are keen to be included.
Children to be welcomed into Communion need to have been baptised. They also need to have been regular worshippers in church for at least six months and must be at least seven years old. There is a series of 4 classes for children to attend in preparation for them being welcomed into Communion at our 10am service (plus a rehearsal to help the service run smoothly). These will help the children to explore the meaning of the Eucharist and what it means to them. It is very important that parents make a priority of these classes to enable their child to attend every session.

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Sermons & Writings

Listen to recent sermons & services

Click here to take you to our SoundCloud archive.

Read a selection of recent sermons

Click to view a selected archive of sermons and other writings.

2016 and earlier: sermons & writings:

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Faith in Action

Serving others

The church exists not for itself but to serve others. We strive to contribute to a more just and compassionate world. We are committed to serving the needs of people locally, nationally and internationally by supporting groups and organisations, financially and with our time.
St Mary’s is currently supporting the following charities with prayer, funds and practical support:

Under Tree Schools

Under Tree Schools has built, and provides the funding to run, a school for 350 girls in South Sudan. Children aged 6-15 are given primary education and it also provides a nursery for younger siblings. St Mary’s has been a key donor to this project from its earliest days, and has helped to fund the building of classrooms and a kitchen/dining hall, installation of solar electricity and the farm.

Voice for the persecuted

Christian Solidarity Worldwide seek to persuade governments and international organisations to end the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.  They have wide-ranging contacts, including consultative status on the UN Economic and Social Council, thus giving them access to the Human Rights Council.

Zimbabwe Diocesan Link

St Mary’s area of Southwark diocese is linked with the Anglican diocese of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe. The link can inspire both dioceses as we deal with our different challenges. We can learn from their faith, hope and love as they work in poor suburbs and rural parishes. We can send funds that help support clergy in their 40 poor suburban and rural parishes, and build wells for farming in their arid countryside.

Christian Aid

Christian Aid is an international development charity, supported by the churches in Britain and Ireland, that insists that the world can and must be swiftly changed to one where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. It works globally for eradication of the causes of poverty, striving to achieve equality, dignity and freedom for all, regardless of faith or nationality.

FiSH

FiSH stands for friendship, independence, support and help. It is a voluntary community care scheme offering help with practical tasks, support and friendship to anyone in need in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen. It provides a helpline; transport door to door for hospital and GP visits, weekly shopping trips and outings; and a befriending and social listening service.

Castelnau Community Centre

The Castelnau Community Centre aims to promote a vibrant, self sustaining community in the Castelnau area of North Barnes. The Project manages a large programme of community development projects
from a playgroup through after-school clubs and substantial provision for teenagers, to training for adults; and including social activities for all ages.

Age UK Barnes Green Centre

The Barnes Green Centre has nearly 400 members who always receive a warm welcome from the staff and volunteers. There is a wide range of activities on offer. Members meet new people, take up a hobby or just have a cup of coffee, learn new subjects, maintain or improve their fitness, have a delicious lunch and become part of the Barnes community through events or volunteering.

Glass Door

Glass Door relieves poverty among homeless people by providing accommodation, advice and support. It provides London’s largest winter night shelter, with 35 to 70 bed spaces every night between November and April, provided by churches of different denominations. All year round it offers day time services including laundry, clothing and washing facilities from its base in Chelsea, as well as advice, advocacy and practical support.

North Barnes Foodbank

This is based at the Castelnau Centre in Stillingfleet Road and serves local families in need.  St Mary’s congregation provides supplies to the Foodbank.

You can check what is most needed here

We welcome donations of the appropriate sorts of food. You can leave them in church in the box near the front door and we will transport them to the Foodbank.

Home Groups

Intercessory Group

This group meets in the church after morning prayer on the first Monday of every month. Prayers are said for those in particular need and those who request them. Anyone is welcome to join or to request special prayers. There is also a black book at the back of the church where requests for intercessory prayer may be put. Contact Fiona Barnett 020 8878 6975.

Bible Study Home Group

Meets on Wednesday mornings from 10.30-11.45am. New participants very welcome. Email Fiona here for details of venue.

Exploring the way

A home group which is studying the Gospel of Mark on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm. For details of venue contact Christabel or Lucy or email here.