New to Church?
BLESSED MARY, A SMALL VILLAGE CHURCH WITH A BIG HEART
The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect. The church is open every day during daylight hours and you are always welcome to come in to sit quietly or pray. We have lots of events and groups during the week, but the main times we all get together are on a Sunday morning.
Where and When
Our main service happens every week at 11am on a Sunday at Blessed Mary, Upham. Someone will meet you on the door when you arrive and make you feel welcome.
After the service we have a tea or a coffee, feel free to stay afterwards for a chat.
Parking
The easiest place to park when visiting Blessed Mary is at the Village pond, there is also parking at the Recreation Ground – or even better, walk or cycle if you are able!
Accessibility
There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. There is a disabled friendly toilet.
Service Details
1st Sunday
in the month
11am Parish Communion
2nd Sunday
in the month
11am Sunday Funday
3rd Sunday
in the month
11am Parish Communion
4th Sunday
in the month
11am Informal Service
5th Sunday
in the month
11am Matins
See more details for these and other midweek services.
Our Services
Communion Service
This service is a traditional Church of England service with communion. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by the welcome team and given a hymn book and a service sheet that have all the words you’ll need if you want to join in with the congregational parts. There is a mix of spoken words, a sermon and prayers (some by the vicar, some you can join in with) and traditional hymns played on the organ and usually accompanied by the robed choir. Free refreshments are served at the end of the service so please do stay and chat over a coffee.
Family Service
This service is our ‘Sunday Funday’. From 10-11am we have family activities with refreshments and something to eat! The kids activities vary depending on the age but usually there’s a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and free play. This is then followed by a short Sunday Focus from 11-11:30am. The time is ‘informal’ in style with opportunity to contribute and interact with each other.
Informal Service
The service is a time of sung worship, led by a band or recorded music. We typically have 2 or 3 songs lasting approximately 20 minutes. All the words you need appear on the screen if you want to join in, but don’t feel you have to! The service will usually include notices, prayers, a reading from the bible and some other songs. One of our leaders will give a talk that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song.
Matins
This is a quiet, said service, with no singing, using traditional words from the 1984 Church of England Book of Common Prayer (BCP). When you arrive you’ll be greeted by the welcome team and given a prayer book that has all the words you’ll need if you want to join in with the congregational parts, but you’re welcome to just sit quietly. The services all follow the same format of wording each week, interspersed with prayers, a short talk and finishing with shared communion.
What about kids?
There is a kids area at one side of the church that your children are always welcome to use during any service.
Any Questions?
If you would like more information please do get in touch please do give me a call on 01489 892 618 or 07570 042 916 or e-mail stpbm.rector@gmail.com.
Revd James Hunt
Rector of The Blessed Mary Church,
Upham & St Peter’s, Bishop’s Waltham