St Mary's Church Upton
Making a difference, wherever we are, as we share Faith For Life in Christ
Midweek at St Mary’s
What happens on the other six days of the week?
There are groups and activities for every age and stage of life.
We aim to encourage everyone to make a difference wherever they are and whatever they are doing: as parents or children; as people working at home with the family or out and about; as people simply praying and relating to God or regularly relating to others in the ‘marketplace’.
Our midweek activities aim to strengthen and encourage the sharing of our faith. Here’s a snapshot…
Small groups
Small groups are big in our church. They’re at the heart of our church family life; everyone is invited to join one.
Joining a small group is a great way to learn to apply your faith and the Bible in everyday life, and an opportunity to share our faith journey with others. You’ll learn about prayer and Bible reading and get to know a few more people.
Small groups provide support and encouragement to one another; and they’re a means for everyone to be involved in church life.
What do they do?
The groups roughly follow and discuss a series of notes linked to Sunday sermons.
Some meet during the day, others meet in the evenings. The groups cover most days of the week between them. Many groups arrange socials too!
How to join a group
Joining a group doesn’t mean you’re ‘locked in forever’… You can join in for just a few meetings if you feel more comfortable with that. And you can change groups if you find that another day or venue would work better.
Contact the office for more details about small groups.
Midweek Holy Communion
Our Midweek Holy Communion Service happens on Wednesdays at 11am in the Parish Church Rooms, followed by lunch together.
For a good number of those who come, Wednesday is their one service of the week. One regular said: “It’s an oasis in the middle of the week!”
All are welcome.
Forget-me-not cafe
Forget-me-not café is open each Monday, 11am at St Mary’s. The café offers support and companionship particularly for those suffering with loss and bereavement.
Elderbranch
Elderbranch gathers fortnightly on Thursdays from 1:30pm until 3pm in the church hall, for refreshments and a presentation or entertainment by an invited guest or guests. The afternoon concludes with an epilogue.
There’s a warm welcome for everyone, whether or not you’ve been before, and whether you go to this church, another church or no church at all.
Upcoming dates can be found on our calendar, please come and join us.
Monday Makers
Monday Makers is a group of ladies who meet for a cuppa, munchies, lots of chat and lots of making, between 1pm and 3pm. We sew, crochet, knit and make crafts for causes including: blankets for St John’s Hospice, Claire House and Ronald McDonald House, hats for the Premature Baby Unit APH, hats and scarves for Charles Thompson Mission and Christmas Shoeboxes, and twiddle muffs for the Care Homes in Upton. Over the course of 2018 we made over 1000 poppies for the display outside St Mary’s Church commemorating the First World War Centenary.
We are grateful for donations of wool, no matter how small; and we have a waiting list for ladies who would like to join us as we currently can’t fit more people in our room!
Groups for Children, Young People, and their Grown Ups
Alpha
The Alpha Course is an excellent way to explore the Christian Faith and how to live as a Christian in today’s world.
It gives an opportunity to people who are exploring their faith to ask questions and to hear about the basic beliefs…
- Who is Jesus?
- Did he rise from the dead?
- How do I read The Bible?
- How do I pray?
- What is faith?
Please contact the Church Office or look at the Church Calendar for details of the next course.
“Alpha is an unqualified triumph.”
The Daily Telegraph, London
“Alpha makes Christianity relevant to modern life.”
The Express, London
“What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions – life and death and their meaning.”
The Guardian, London
“What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings – that, and its astonishing success.”
The Times, London
“Many claim Alpha has changed their lives and appear genuinely happier for the experience.”
Time Magazine