There has been a church on this site for hundreds of years. In that time the world has changed beyond recognition but the need to proclaim and share the Good News of God’s love in Jesus is still as important as ever.
Through our worship and witness, we at St Mary’s are committed to glorifying God and to making a difference to the people we serve in this community and beyond. We welcome people of all ages and of all backgrounds, whether exploring faith for the very first time or seasoned believers.
With two Sunday morning services, a varied church programme and a God-given vision to be a united parish with St Winifred’s and All Saints’ (our sister churches in Chigwell and Chigwell Row), there’s a lot of good things happening here. So, please get in touch or come and join us!
Children were a priority to Jesus and rightly are to us at St Mary’s. We have two Sunday morning groups – Kingdom Kidz, for primary age children which meets weekly and St Mary’s Youth for children of 11+ which meets twice monthly during communion services.
Find out more
Prayer is very much at the heart of all we are and do and we have worked hard over the past few years to encourage people to pray individually and corporately.
Find out moreFellowship is about coming together and enjoying what we share in common. As well as the Sunday services, we have a number of other groups and activities you might like to plug into.
Jesus called us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28: 19) and St Mary’s is keen to play its part in that commission.
Home Groups are another means by which people can grow and flourish in their faith. These are small groups of church members who gather on a regular basis to study the bible, pray and offer support. Members have often found these groups a real boon to their faith and enjoy the quality of relationships formed in these smaller settings.
If you would like more information please contact us or speak to Ben or Paula direct.
At 3pm on the third Friday of every month in the church rooms (opposite the church next to the car park), there is a chance to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and listen to a Christian speaker sharing a little about their own journey of faith with Jesus. The spread provided by some of our ladies is undoubtedly a big draw but guests also welcome the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of our speakers. There are invitations at the back of church with forward dates. They can also be found in the Unity magazine.
Please view our events page or contact us if you’d like to find out more.
A key strand to our unity vision is relationship building. At 3pm on the first Sunday of every month from March to November, we go for a leisurely 90 minute stroll through a different part of the countryside, usually in the parish or just outside and then come together at the end for tea and cake.. It’s been a great way of bringing people together and of deepening the relationships we share.
Please view our events page or contact us if you’d like to find out more
On the first Sunday of every month, we host a fellowship lunch in St Mary’s church rooms. This begins at 12.45pm so friends from All Saints’ and St Winifred’s can also join us. It’s always a delicious spread and is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new people too.
There’s no need to sign up in advance. Please just bowl up on the day. You’d be very welcome.
There are three care homes in Chigwell and Chigwell Row and a group of people go into each one on a monthly basis to lead a short act of worship and to spend time with the residents. It’s a low-key way of bringing church and community together and a wonderful way of serving some of the most needy and vulnerable adults in our area.
If you would like more information please contact us or speak to Ben or Paula direct.
St Mary’s has a church run nursery which had a Good rating at its last Ofsted report. Term time mornings are offered for 2 years upwards and two afternoon sessions allow older children, when ready, to have more consolidated learning in order to prepare them for school. Average numbers are 30 and we work on a higher child to adult ratio than required.
We are a strong supporter of the Children’s Society Charity and a voluntary team arranges various fund raising events throughout the year. From visits to historic buildings, spring and autumn fairs to dinner dances! Dates are on the events page, on the CS board in church and in the Unity magazine.
Chigwell Bell Ringing Centre is sited at St Mary’s and was set up in 2011 and uses a simulator, which allows teaching, coaching and facilitation sessions to prospect Campanologists. More information can be found at: chigwellringingcentre.droppage.co.uk
The Flower Arranging Group meets fortnightly about 12 times a year from October to May when skills that are learnt are used to make arrangements for our Spring Festival. It is a friendly group and complete novices are welcome. £3 per session to cover oasis and refreshments.
If you would like more information please contact us.
9:15 (Traditional)
10:45 (Family Service)
St Mary’s Church,
High Road
Chigwell, IG7 6QE