St Mary's Church Almondsbury

 

To know God, build up each other as Christians, and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord to our neighbours

 

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Welcome to St Mary's Church Almondsbury, a Church of England Parish Church in the Diocese of Bristol.

There has been a Christian place of worship on this site for at least eight centuries, and parts of the present church date back to the late Norman period, notably the fine entrance porch, with the priest's chamber above. The choir, chancel tower and unusual spire (of a pattern found in only two other English churches) are certainly several hundred years old. 

The church today is lively and active and remains a focus of our community life. It draws its congregation both from the parish and more widely. While perhaps between 80 and 100 people gather in St Mary's on an average Sunday, at major festivals and on other special occasions 300 people or more may be present.

We promise...

...a genuine but non-pressurising welcome;

...to accept you as you are: belief, unbelief, doubts and all;

...to encourage you in your faith journey;

...if you wish, a confidential listening ear.

Serving the whole Community

St Mary's is the parish church; the church for the whole community, not just for those who attend its services.

We are here to be of service in the major "life events" of birth, marriage and death.  All those who live in our community may ask for Baptism for their children, Weddings for couples, and Funerals for the departed. These are also available to people living outside the parish who have close links with St Mary's, or who worship with us regularly.

A much-appreciated event is the marriage preparation course, for those intending to marry during the coming year. The next date is on Saturday 12 November 2011; contact Janet Olliff (01454 618690) if you are interested in this course.

We try to provide care, comfort, encouragement and support for all who are experiencing problems, sickness or sadness, from whatever cause: "a problem shared is a problem halved". If you would find it helpful to talk things over with the Vicar, or with one of our experienced Pastoral Assistants, or if you would like someone to pray with you, or you need someone to provide a sympathetic listening ear, please do get in touch. Send an email or phone 01454 613223.

Church Rooms

The Church Rooms – situated next to the Surgery in the centre of the village – are available for hiring. Well-presented, modern, with kitchen facilities and car park; suitable for business meetings, committee meetings, get-togethers, or regular use by groups. Contact Janet Olliff (01454 618690) for details and booking.

Prayer

Our church building offers a quiet place to sit, to meditate, to pray, to be at peace. The church is always open during daylight hours: it is your church; please use it.

Prayer is a vital part of our work as a church. Through the intercessions at our services, and through our prayer meetings, we seek to bring to God the needs of individuals, of our community and nation, and of His world. We have a regular prayer meeting on Tuesdays in term time at 4.45pm in the Lady Chapel, and Prayers for the Suffering Church on the last Friday of the month at 11am in the Lady Chapel (check our notice sheet for updates)

Please let us know if there is someone or something you would like us to pray about.  There is a prayer request board in the Lady Chapel in church, with prayer request cards to fill in and pin up. Sometimes people would value personal prayer. Do let us know, so that one or two of us can pray with you.

Bible Reading

The stand at the back of the church has sample Bible Reading Fellowship booklets for you to look at and borrow if you wish. These are a great help towards daily reading of the Bible. If you would like to subscribe, or if you have any questions or comments, please contact David Ashford.

Lich Gate

Our Church and Village Magazine, The Lich Gate, is published ten times a year and is delivered free of charge to all homes in the Parish.  Copies are also available on the Church bookstall.

Giving

Giving to charitable causes is important to us.  The Parochial Church Council has agreed that we should give at least £4000 a year to various charitable agencies, both local and national.  This is done from our general collection income, through special collections for named causes, through the Christian Aid Gift Week, and through the charity bazaar held every November.

 

 

Contact the Church Office

Rev. Philip W. Rowe, Vicar of Almondsbury and Olveston with Aust
The Vicarage, 3 Sundays Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4DS
01454 613223

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