We have a wide range of activities for parents, carers, children and young people.
4 O’clock Church
This is an all age service held on the second Sunday of the month. This service is slightly shorter and children take an active part in the worship. Together, we join together in fun activities and song.
Baptism
If you are interested in baptism for any member of the family come and see the clergy on Saturday mornings in church from 10.00-11.00. Tea and coffee available.
St Mary’s Parent and Toddlers Group
Parent and Toddler Group. Babies welcome. Tuesdays (term time) 1.30-3.00 pm in the Church Hall Lots of toys, crafts and singing. Come along for a warm welcome and a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Meet other parents and carers with Pre-school children. Activities, games and music to suit children from babies to age four.
Children Together
Children aged 4-10 have their own activity time during the main service in the narthex. Children aged 3 are welcome to join them but must be accompanied by a parent.
Youth Club
Fridays 6.00-7.00 pm (term time) in the Church Hall. Supervised games and activities ranging from craft to cookery for children aged from 6-12 years. Outdoor Summer activities and local walks. Annual weekend residential trip to the Far Forest.
Choir
Music plays an important part in the life of our Church. In 1995 the organ was completely renovated. There are always a number of pupils learning the organ at St Mary’s and many members of the choir play musical instruments (as indeed do other members of the congregation). The dedication of our large choir and their choirmaster reflects the high standard of music they create. The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and all junior choristers are trained for the Dean’s and Bishop’s awards. The choir sings on Sundays at most 10.00 am services and all 6.30 pm services including a full Choral Evensong once a month. When required it provides music and anthems at weddings and other special services. New junior choristers are accepted at any time from the age of 8 and enquiries from adult singers are always welcome for the alto, tenor and bass parts. Rehearsals take place on Friday evenings in church. For details please contact the director of music.
Mothers’ Union
The Mothers’ Union meets once a month at 2.15pm on the second Tuesday of the month in the Coach House. They are an international organisation which actively supports family life.
We also have strong associations with the following local schools and colleges. You can click on the links below to access their websites:
- Old Swinford CE Primary School
- Old Swinford Hospital
- King Edward VI College
- Pedmore High School
- Ham Dingle Primary
- Red Hill School
The Rector regularly visits schools within the parish to take assemblies and we host several services during the year including carol services at Christmas, Charter and Founders’ Day services and Leavers’ services.
We also welcome visits to the church by groups of students from schools to use the church as a learning resource. Topics studied could be local history, art, geography, maths, RE and citizenship. We have trained teachers on the staff at St Mary’s who are CRB cleared and who would be willing to work with staff in schools to prepare a visit based upon a specific learning objective.
Contact the Parish Administrator on 01384 441003 or e mail office@stmaryos.org.uk if you would like to know more about bringing a group of children to the church.
Please note that all our youth workers have been DBS checked.