The Churches of St. Mary's, with St. Faith's and St. Francis

GROUPS, ACTIVITIES,

DROP-IN, & FACILITIES FOR HIRE

The churches of Alverstoke Parish have a number of activities and groups run by or supported by the staff or members of the congregations.  These are listed below, and if you would like to try one, or have any questions, please contact the Church Secretary on 023 9258 0551.

Click here to find out about the Friends Of St. Mary's; social activities and maintaining the church building.

and click here to find out about the halls and rooms that the churches have available to hire for regular or one-off events.

Groups and activities are listed under the following categories:-

Teaching Groups
Prayer Groups
Social Groups
Pastoral Care Groups
Musical Activities
For Children And Young People
Publications
Caring For The Parish Church And Contents
Daughter Churches
National/International Groups
Each group is supported by one or more of the five church management teams, as indicated by the initial letter to the right of it in the list below.
Worship
Pastoral
Outreach
Heritage
Finance & Stewardship

 

Teaching Groups
 

Alpha - The Meaning Of Life 

 

Introductory and refresher courses to the Christian faith, held throughout the year.  Click here for more information.
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Bible Study Groups

 

There are several Bible study groups, including one particularly for people in their twenties and thirties (20s/30s Group). O

Lent Study Groups 

Annual study programme organized in conjunction with other local churches.

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Prayer Groups
 
Contemplative and Meditation Prayer Groups  Group members meet regularly in each others houses. P
Healing Ministry A team provides personal prayer after services in St. Mary's and periodically there are special Healing Services in the parish. W
Prayer Ministry A list of special needs is circulated to members to share in their own private prayers. W
Social Groups
 
"Beginners" Scottish Dancers Mondays from 7.45 till 9.30 p.m. at the Parish Centre. Run for any inexperienced but enthusiastic would-be Scottish Dancers.  Great fun and excellent exercise.  The weekly programme is - first 20 to 30 minutes basic steps and movements, followed by walking through and then dancing a number of simple dances.  A coffee break follows, and then more dances.  For more information call 92619028."
 
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CHAD Drama Group Famous for the annual pantomime as well as occasional involvement in worship. O
St Francis Church Line Dancing Mondays, 12 noon till 1 p.m.
All are welcome to join this friendly low key group for gentle fitness and fun!  We are led by Pam, who is very patient and kind to us, and if you feel you cannot join in with the dancing, just come for fellowship and encouragement.
 
St Francis Church Prayer Time Mondays 1 till 1.45 p.m.
After our Line Dancing, we have a short informal time of prayer for any who would like to stay, or any who would like to join us at this point.  Some pray out loud and some pray silently as we bring the needs of our church and of the community we serve to the Lord.  This time is directly followed by a cup of soup or tea, and fellowship.  Come to all or any part of this time as your commitments allow."
 
Craft Workshop Meeting each month for those interested in handicrafts. O
Men's' Breakfast - About six times each year; lively company, good food and interesting speakers. P
Pastoral Care Groups
 
Prayer Ministry There is an emergency prayer chain and a monthly prayer list compiled from a book in which requests can be entered - it is always available in the Lady Chapel.  Prayers are said daily by a dedicated group of people in complete confidentiality. P
Baptism and Marriage Preparation  Providing support and advice for those embarking upon these important decisions.

For further details of Baptism at St. Mary's, click here.
For further details of Marriage at St. Mary's, click here.

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ARC (Accommodation Resource Centre) The churches support this organization, which brings practical help to the town's young homeless. O
Visiting the sick and housebound Co-ordinated scheme includes bringing Holy Communion to those unable to get to church. P
Musical Activities
 
St. Mary's Choir
 
Boys, girls, women and men, singing at most Sunday services in St. Mary's and performing major choral works at least twice a year.  For further information, click here. W
Music at St. Mary's
 
Regular concerts and recitals featuring St. Mary's magnificent 3 manual Hill Norman and Beard Organ and 1900’s Bechstein grand piano.  For forthcoming events, click here O
St. Mary's Bell ringers
 
Ringing the changes on Sundays and at weddings.  New members always welcome - beginners or experienced. W
For Children And Young People
 
Parent and Toddler Groups St. Mary's Parish Centre: Mondays  1.30 to 3.15 pm.
St. Faith's 'Open House':  Thursdays 1.00 to 3.00 pm.
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Baby, Bible And Biscuit
 
An informal discussion group for parents of pre-school children to explore the reality of Jesus in everyday life as the children play amongst us.  Meet alternate Thursdays in term time 9.30 - 11.00am (flexible).   Contact Libby 023 9258 4155. O
Pram Service at St Mary's

Worship and Fellowship for pre-scholars and their parents in a very relaxed atmosphere. We meet every second Friday of the month at 1.30pm in the Parish Centre. Everyone welcome!

Contact Connie Sherman 02392 602207

Monday Morning Music 

For parents and young children to share in a wide variety of musical activities. O
Junior Sailing Club For children aged 10-15, sailing tuition in Alverstoke Creek Saturdays and Sundays from April to October.  For more information click here. O
Junior Choir For children aged 7-16; rehearsals after school on Wednesdays .  For more information, click here. W
Servers Young people assisting at the altar and during services. W
Faith in Youth Group For teenagers (14 - 18 years old); meets on the first Sunday evening of the month at the Brodrick Hall at 8.0pm. O
Trailblazers Meeting during school terms on 1st , 3rd, and 5th Sunday mornings 9.45 - 11am; lots of social events, drama productions, involvement in services. O

St. Mary's Sunday School (Now called Christian Activity Time)

'Cats' for the 4 year olds and over...... 'Kittens' for the under 4's
 

Meeting in the Parish Centre at 9.45 am on Sundays and then joining in the last half hour or so of St. Mary's Parish Communion Service.  (Every 2nd Sunday of the month there is no Sunday school as there is a Family Service at the Church.).  W
St. Faith's Sunday School
 
Meets in St. Faith's at 9.30 am each Sunday and joins in the last part of the service.  W
Publications
 
Parish Magazine
 
News of parish events and other thought-provoking articles – unbeatable value at only 40p, delivered to your door every month for no extra charge if you live in the parish. P
Magazine Production And Distribution Team The team research, collate, edit, print, and distribute the magazine - nearly 1000 copies every month.  Helping hands are very welcome. P
Caring For The Parish Church And Contents
 
Friends of St. Mary's Over 150 members, meeting regularly and raising funds for the upkeep of St. Mary's.  For more information click here. F
Flower Guild Decorating St. Mary's week by week and at special Festival occasions . W
Brass Cleaners The Bluebell Girls keeping St. Mary's brass clean and bright. W
Church Watch - Volunteers make regular or occasional visits to St. Mary's for security purposes.

 

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Daughter Church Groups
 
St. Faith's Church Women's Fellowship
 
Meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month with interesting guest speakers. P
Friends of St. Francis
 
Monthly coffee morning and community suppers every six weeks or so, raising funds for the upkeep of St. Francis. H
National/International Groups
 
Mothers Union - Monthly meeting with good speakers and friendship.  For details of events, click here. P
Church Mission Society Association Supporting missionaries throughout the developing world through the CMS. O
 

This page last updated on 16/06/06