Our Mission Action Plan sets out how St Mary’s hopes to grow as a church family and serve Bideford in the years ahead. It’s a living plan, built from the hopes of our church family and reviewed by our Parochial Church Council (PCC), so that together we can see where we’re doing well and where there is more to do.
It sits under the same calling we share with the churches of our Mission Community: to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Our plan has three main themes.
1. Grow worship that welcomes all
We want everyone who comes through our doors to find a way of worshipping that speaks to them. That means Holy Communion and Celtic Services on Sunday mornings, a quieter Said Service on certain Sundays, Encounter, our more relaxed, smaller Service, and our monthly All Age Service, created by members of our church family aged from 8 to 80. Junior Church gives children their own place to explore faith. See our Services.
2. Build stronger community connections
St Mary’s is a community church, open well beyond Sunday mornings. Through the Friday Diner, St Mary’s Café, Messy Church, Crypt Youth and our Reflections bereavement group, we want to be a place of friendship and support for the whole town. Project Mustard Seed is making the building itself more welcoming, with a new entrance, level floors, movable chairs, a purpose-built kitchen and a meeting space for groups.
3. Deepen discipleship and outreach
Faith grows best when it’s shared. Our Home Groups, Lent and Advent Study Groups, Message of the Week and Pastoral Care team help us grow in faith and look after one another. Beyond our walls, we welcome local schools to our annual Schools Christmas Carol Concert and support partner charities close to home and around the world, including Christian Aid. Read about our mission and giving.
How you can be part of it
- Pray for our church, our town and the work of our Mission Community.
- Join in at a Service, group or event. Everyone is welcome.
- Volunteer your time and skills. Contact the Parish Office to find out more.
- Give to support our work. See all the ways to give.
