What to expect

Whether you're coming to church for the first time or are a regular churchgoer, and regardless of whether you have a faith or not, you're very welcome to join us. Please do feel free to ask if there's anything you are not sure about.

Children are a big part of St Mary's life. We have dedicated activities for them at Outdoor Church, and involve them as much as we can at Communion. We understand that sometimes kids are noisy, excited or out of sorts - we welcome them just as they are.

We always have free refreshments! After Holy Communion, we stay around for tea, coffee and cakes or biscuits, and at Outdoor Church there is breakfast with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, pastries and plenty of marshmallows. It's helpful if you can let us know in advance of any dietary requirements.

This depends on which service you attend. Communion is a little more traditional. The vicar may be in robes, and we usually follow the regular Church of England form of words or something like a Celtic service. The music is usually a mix of traditional hymns and modern worship songs.

At Meditation the person leading the session says a few short prayers and then we sit in silence - there is no music.

At Outdoor Church we usually sing two or three modern worship songs.

We don't have a collection during our services and our refreshments are free (including breakfast). If you'd like to make a donation we won't turn it away, but we really don't expect you to bring money or give to the church, especially if you're not a regular.

St Mary's is a place to explore ideas. Bring all your questions, ideas and things you're wrestling with - we won't judge you for asking or tell you what to think.

There's no dress code - wear whatever you feel comfortable in, whether that's jeans or smart clothes. It can be chilly in the winter, both indoors and outdoors, so be sure to wrap up in colder weather.

You're welcome to bring your dog to Outdoor Church, and even to bring it into the church so long as it's reasonably well behaved!

If you've been confirmed in the Church of England or are baptised and take communion in another denomination, you can take communion. Anyone, of any faith or none, is welcome to come forward for a blessing.