Services
To find out more about our services, including our 9:30am Sunday Worship, you are warmly invited to discover what takes place at St Mary’s throughout the week. Whether you are new to church, returning after some time away, or a regular member of our congregation, there is always a place for you. Visit our services page.
About Us
St Mary’s is the Parish Church of Bideford and offers all who enter through its doors the warmest of welcomes. It is a place where people can come together in worship, prayer, friendship and community, whether you are a regular member of the church or simply visiting and curious to discover more. Come as you are. Read more about St Mary’s
St Mary’s Monthly Cafe
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, for free tea, coffee, cake and good company. Our coffee mornings are relaxed and friendly — a chance to meet others, catch up with friends, make new connections and enjoy a chat in a welcoming community setting. The mornings are held to raise money for charity, so while refreshments are free, donations are always gratefully welcomed. More about St Mary’s Café.
Community Groups
As the Parish Church, St Mary’s is deeply entwined with the community it serves. We seek to be a place where everyone feels welcome and valued, offering worship, friendship, support and opportunities to come together, while playing an active part in the life and wellbeing of Bideford and its people. Find out more about its work here.
Church Family
We are blessed with a truly diverse church family, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. With a rich variety of worship styles and a host of activities, groups and clubs, there are many ways to connect, get involved, build friendships and find your place within the life of St Mary’s. Learn more about our church family.
Donate
If you would like to support the work of St Mary’s, your generosity can make a real difference. Your donations help us continue our worship, outreach and ministry, care for our church family and serve the wider Bideford community. Every gift, large or small, is greatly appreciated. Find out how to donate.
Christenings
Are you thinking about a Christening at St Mary’s? Whether you are celebrating the arrival of a new baby or taking an important step in your family’s faith journey, you will be warmly welcomed. We would love to share in your special day and help make it a meaningful and joyful occasion for you and your family.
Weddings
Are you thinking about tying the knot with the person of your dreams? St Mary’s is a beautiful, spiritual and special place to begin your married life together. We would love to share in your joy, help you prepare for your wedding day and celebrate with you as you make this wonderful commitment to one another.
Funerals
In the saddest of times, St Mary’s is here to offer you and your loved ones care, compassion and support. We will listen to your needs with sensitivity and understanding, walking alongside you and your family as you remember, grieve and celebrate the life of someone special. Read about funerals at St Mary’s.
- Joint Concert: Appledore Singers & Croesyceiliog Male Choir — Saturday 3 October
An evening of music at St Mary’s on Saturday 3 October, with the Appledore Singers and the Croesyceiliog Male Choir. 7.00 pm, doors 6.15 pm. Tickets £10 at the door, in aid of North Devon Hospice. - Harvest Service & Lunch — Sunday 4 October
Join us for our Harvest Service at 10.30 am on Sunday 4 October, followed by a bring-and-share Harvest Lunch from 12 noon to 1.30 pm. Donations of tins and packets for the Foodbank and Harbour are warmly welcome. - Quiz Night — Saturday 19 September
Come along, have fun and test your knowledge! Join us for a fun-filled Quiz Night at St Mary’s Church, Bideford. Event details Date: Saturday 19… Read more: Quiz Night — Saturday 19 September - 🕊️ A Small Box. A Safe Home. A Future in Flight. 🕊️
High above us, in the bell tower of St Mary’s Church, something rather special has taken place. Nest boxes have now been installed to provide… Read more: 🕊️ A Small Box. A Safe Home. A Future in Flight. 🕊️ - 🔔 Could You Be Our Next Bell Ringer? 🔔
The sound of church bells has called people to worship for centuries — and we’re looking for new ringers to help keep that tradition alive… Read more: 🔔 Could You Be Our Next Bell Ringer? 🔔 - ✨ One link. All our church online. ✨
We’ve brought everything together in one place to make it easier for you to stay connected with what’s happening in our church family. Through our… Read more: ✨ One link. All our church online. ✨ - 🌿 St Mary’s Charity Shop – Online
Did you know you can support St Mary’s Church simply by shopping online? We sell donated items through Vinted and eBay, turning pre-loved treasures into… Read more: 🌿 St Mary’s Charity Shop – Online - 🌿 Reflections – A Gentle Space for Those Who Are Grieving 🌿
Losing someone we love can leave a space in our lives that feels very quiet and sometimes overwhelming. Grief is different for everyone. For some… Read more: 🌿 Reflections – A Gentle Space for Those Who Are Grieving 🌿 - 🍽️✨ Friday Diner – Everyone Welcome ✨🍽️Every Friday | 11:15am–1:00pm📍 St Mary’s Church, Bideford
Looking for a warm, friendly place to enjoy a meal and good company? Our Friday Diner is open every week — a relaxed community lunch… Read more: 🍽️✨ Friday Diner – Everyone Welcome ✨🍽️Every Friday | 11:15am–1:00pm📍 St Mary’s Church, Bideford
- Crypt Youth (11–16s)
🔥🎮 Crypt Youth (Ages 11–16) 🎶✨Every Thursday | 5:30–7:30 pm📍 St Mary’s Church, Bideford A brilliant space for young people to hang out, switch off… Read more: Crypt Youth (11–16s) - Crypt Youth (7–11s)
🎮✨ Crypt Youth (Ages 7–11) ✨🎨Every Thursday | 4:00–5:30 pm📍 St Mary’s Church, Bideford A fun, friendly space for children to chill out, make friends,… Read more: Crypt Youth (7–11s) - Messy Church at St Mary’s, Bideford 🌟
Messy Church is back at St Mary’s! Join us on the 4th Wednesday of every month for a fresh new way of experiencing church together… Read more: Messy Church at St Mary’s, Bideford 🌟
- Stories From Our Church Family: Rachel
“I rebelled big time against all things Christian. That was at age 14.” Rachel on finding her way back, and why Encounter matters so much to her. - Finding My Way Home: My Journey to St Mary’s
I grew up with the Church, though it took the long way round to bring me all the way here. Looking back, I can trace… Read more: Finding My Way Home: My Journey to St Mary’s - “I just knew God existed”
“I just knew God existed” Our Family Story: Reverend Claire Part of our Church Family Stories series at St Mary’s, Bideford Ask Reverend Claire when… Read more: “I just knew God existed” - From Cambodia to the Classroom: How One St Mary’s Family Is Changing Lives
Chris Turner has spent nearly three decades doing something quietly extraordinary — helping some of the world’s most vulnerable children find their way to school.… Read more: From Cambodia to the Classroom: How One St Mary’s Family Is Changing Lives - ✝️ Vera’s Journey Through Faith ✝️
This month we’re finishing with something special — a series sharing the faith journeys of our St Mary’s family. These are the lives, the prayers… Read more: ✝️ Vera’s Journey Through Faith ✝️ - Stories from our Church Family
Faith journeys are rarely straightforward. For many people, they are shaped through struggle, loss, questions, and moments of unexpected grace. Sometimes faith can feel distant… Read more: Stories from our Church Family - Answering the Call: Charles’ Story of Faith
We’re always encouraged by the different journeys of faith within our church family, and how God continues to work in people’s lives in quiet and… Read more: Answering the Call: Charles’ Story of Faith - Shared Faith at St Mary’s
The Story of Michael Johns and Karen Johns St Mary’s Church in Bideford is far more than a historic building of stone and stained glass.… Read more: Shared Faith at St Mary’s - Betty Thompson’s Story
PART ONE I Came Here in 1946 “OK… you know who I am, don’t you?” Betty says it with a playful glint, her eyes bright… Read more: Betty Thompson’s Story - Shane Bengey’s Story
Meet Shane – One of Our Newest Members at St Mary’s Church, Bideford Shane’s story is a beautiful reminder that no matter how lost you… Read more: Shane Bengey’s Story
Thank you for visiting the website of St Mary’s Church. A very warm welcome to you!
At the heart of who we are is Jesus, ‘who came to bring life in all its fullness’. (John 10:10) This is a life of freedom, joy, and loving service. I feel honoured to be the Team leader of St Marys Church and this Mission Community where our vision is to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ (Matthew 6:33)
Whatever brings you to St Mary’s, whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are very welcome. Do come and ‘say hello’!
Every blessing, Reverend Claire Rose-Casemore (Team Rector)
OUR APPEAL EQUIPPING ST MARY’S FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
St Mary’s are embarking on an ambitious plan to make the church fit for the 21st century with a new accessible entrance, a flexible worship space and a new kitchen to name just a few items on our wish list. Find out more…
✨ Message of the Week
- Message of the Week — Ordinary Time
The church calendar calls this long stretch of the year Ordinary Time, which sounds like an insult and isn’t. Most of life is Ordinary Time — and you don’t have to wait for it to become significant.
Safeguarding
St Mary’s takes the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults seriously and follows the Church of England’s national safeguarding policy. Sally Strutt, a Church Warden, is our Parish Safeguarding Representative and can be contacted in confidence at sally.strutt@stmaryschurchbideford.org.
