How We See Ourselves
We aim to be open and inclusive. The church building is unlocked during daylight hours, offering a space of quietness and safety. Children are accepted as children, and we hope everyone feels encouraged to be themselves. Our ambition is always to be welcoming.
The core of our faith is well expressed in 1 John 4: 16
Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them
We see ourselves as being here to respond to the needs of individuals and groups within the parish and the town. We've been told we're good at baptisms, weddings and funerals, and are always pleased to be asked to host school and civic events. Through the Open Door Project we offer our building and resources freely to local charitable organisations and at cost price to non-profit and educational groups. We try to support people at times of need, and are delighted to share with them at times of celebration.
Many members of our congregation are involved in public service and charitable organisations. In our church life we seek to provide spiritual nourishment and personal support for life at home, at work and in the voluntary sector.
Most of our services centre round the Eucharist. While our use of servers, incense and vestments all come from the catholic tradition, the general atmosphere is pretty relaxed. Music is mainly old-fashioned hymns, accompanied by organ. A small robed choir sings during school term time. Most weeks we're fortunate to include people of all ages from 0 to 90 in our congregation.
The Open Door Project, which opened in 2011, is an expression of our wish to align ourselves alongside other local organisations involved in what we call community enrichment in Alsager. Other expressions of this wish are our involvement with the St Luke's Hospice outreach project and the Listening Post at the Health Centre. We are in partnership with local youth services and with Alsager Festivals, and are developing St Mary's into a major concert venue and a regular exhibition space.
St Mary's is an active member of Churches Together in Alsager, who signed a covenant in 2000.
Churches together in Alsager Maudy Thursday Fellowship Meal