News and Events
Christian Aid Market: Saturday 17th May
The annual Christian Aid Market, run by Churches Together in Marshalswick, is back on Saturday 17th May from 10am to 1.30pm. Drop into our stalls outside the church and come into the hall for delicious home cooking quality meals.
Family Church: Sunday 18th May 2.30 to 3.45pm
Our new monthly service is back again on Sunday 18th May at 2.30pm. Join us for crafts, story, and song. Perfect for Primary school aged children and their families (and older and younger siblings are welcome too!)
Ruth Goatly Moving On
This announcement was shared in our 10am service on Sunday 4th May:
After a long and fruitful ministry here at St Mary's, Ruth has discerned that now is the moment to step back from her role as Associate Priest. We are hugely grateful to Ruth for all she has done and been for us here at St Mary’s; as well as her wonderful pastoral and missional ministry amongst us, she has seen us through two vacancies and in recent times has run coffee shop and been the priest for lunch club and holiday at home. Ruth’s role as an Anna Chaplain is expanding and whilst I know we’ll miss seeing her so regularly here, we will still see her around in that role, and we have promised to keep in touch.
Ruth will be with us on Sunday 18th May to preach and preside at our 10am service.
Please do come along to help express our gratitude and love as she continues to follow God’s call.
A wonderful start to Family Church
Thank you so much to everyone who came to Family Church on 27th April - what a wonderful afternoon we had together. Check here for future dates and updates for Family church!
Family Church Launch
Our new, monthly, service for children and their families launches on Sunday 27th April at 2.30pm!
Join us for crafts, story, and song (and at this launch event there are rumours of a bouncy castle and ice cream to celebrate)!
Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)
Our APCM will be held on Sunday 6th April at 11.30am in the church. The annual report can be downloaded here, and the additional reports for the meeting can be downloaded here.
Festive Fun: Quiz Answers
Well done to everyone who gave our dastardly difficult Christmas quiz sheet a go - always a hit, and great fun! Answer sheets can be downloaded by clicking here - how did you do?
Christmas Services
Our Christmas services are now up. Check our special Christmas webpage for details.
Carol Singing for Community Pantry: 30th November
Join us outside Marshalswick Community Centre on Saturday 30th November from 4.30pm when we are singing carols to help raise money for St Albans Community Pantry. All welcome to join and to sing!
Fayrfax Consort: 11th December
Our annual festive treat is back again. Join us on Wednesday 11th December at 8pm for entertainment by candlelight to welcome in the Christmas season.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £3 for students and under 18's.
This event often sells out so be sure to reserve your tickets from Maureen by calling 01727 852364.
Access and Green Spaces Project
We're really grateful for groups and individuals having taken the time to comment on proposed changes to St Mary's accessibility and green spaces.
The form remains open and you can click here to look at the plans and to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
Arts and Craft Exhibition
On Saturday 18th May, alongside the Christian Aid Market, we are holding a small exhibition of arts and crafts made by St Mary's members, past and present, many of them connected to the life of St Mary's in some way.
Do drop in from 10.30am to 1.30pm, and take a look.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM): 12th May 2024
On Sunday 12th May we'll gather at 11am, after our morning service, for our Annual Meeting. Beginning with the election of Church Wardens, we'll then review together the Church's Annual report for 2023, including accounts.
Ash Wednesday Service: 14th February at 7.30pm
Join us for a simple, traditional service of Communion and the imposition of ashes. A beautiful and poignant start to Lent.
Race Justice Action Group (RJAG) Listening Exercise
The Racial Justice Action Group (‘RJAG’) has invited us to use their listening exercise to help their work. They hope that the results will alert the group to race related problems that exist or might exist in our diocese, so that they can then better target action plans to address those issues.
The survey is anonymous and everyone who attends St Mary’s, and anyone who has attended in the past, for any length of time, is invited to take part. Please click here to complete the survey. The form will stay open until Easter 2024.
Little Lights Baby and Toddler Group
Starts Wednesday 10th January 2024
St Mary's had a very popular toddler group running pre-Covid and we're delighted that it's back, new and refreshed, with activities and crafts for little ones aged 0-4, and their grown ups. Join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 1.30 to 3pm for chat, refreshments and play.
Christmas Fair: Saturday 18th November
A huge thank you to everyone who came and supported our Christmas Fair on 18th November. It was a wonderful day, with many smiles and much joy.
All Souls
We have two special services coming up to remember and give thanks for those we have loved and who now rest in God's peace.
On Thursday 2nd, at 6pm we have a Eucharist for All Souls.
And on Saturday 4th November at 3pm is our shorter, very accessible, service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving.
Both with space to light a candle in memory of those we love and see now longer.
Harvest Festival Thanks
Our Harvest Festival service was a joyful, chicken themed, noise and celebration this year. Huge thanks for everyone who came and supported - some lovely results from our collection.
Giving Renewal Campaign September 2023
Over September, we have asked members of the St Mary's community to pray and reflect on their regular giving to the church. We are delighted to be able to share the results of this campaign:
- 73 Letters sent
- 42 Response cards returned
- Pledges received:
- 10.35% increase to regular giving = an additional £5438 (including gift aid) over the year.
- One-off donations of £650.
What an amazing response. This increase in regular giving will make a very real difference to our ability to plan and bring to fruition hopes and dreams for St Mary's. Thank you thank you thank you!
Harvest Thanksgiving
Join us this coming Sunday, 1st October, for our Harvest Thanksgiving service, jointly led by our Girl Guides, Brownies and Rainbows. The service starts at 10am, with refreshments from 9.30am.
Giving Renewal Campaign September 2023
This month we are asking all those who love and value the ministry of St Mary’s to consider giving regularly to our church, or review the amount that they already give. More information is available on the noticeboards in church; in the leaflet that can be picked up from the lobby and here. We are so grateful for the many ways our community love and support St Mary's Marshalswick.
Holiday At Home: August 2023
We had a wonderful four days at St Mary's from 31st July to 4th August, with our Holiday at Home. You can see photos from the week below.
Christian Aid Market
Join us on Saturday 20th May from 10.30am for a market to raise money for Christian Aid. With cafe serving hot food and fresh coffee and lots of stalls to browse, there's something for everyone.
Holiday At Home 2023
We are delighted to announce that our popular Holiday at Home initiative will be running again this summer. The Holiday at Home in St Mary’s Church will take place this year from Monday 31st July to Thursday 3rd August 2023. Each day activities are planned, and there is also space to relax, play games and share stories. A day out, with lunch included and travelling by coach, will be a highlight.
If you are over 75, and live on your own in St Mary’s parish, we would love you to join us. Please get in touch to find out more and to book your space. You can also download a booking form by clicking on this link.
Lent 2023
Details of groups, books and services for Lent (starting 22nd February) are now available. Download our leaflet or visit our dedicated page for more information.
Sunday 5th February: All Together Service
Our new pattern of services begins this coming Sunday. 
From now on, First Sundays are All Together services - slightly shorter and slightly less formal than other Sundays.
Refreshments served from 9.30am, service starts at 10am.
St Mary's Holiday at Home 2023
Save the Date!
Our Holiday at Home will take place this year from Monday 31 July to Thursday 3 August.
If you are over 75 and live on your own in the parish we would love you to join us, so please do save the date and more details will follow in due course.
If you would like to be involved and are able to help, then please do come and have a chat.
Thank you! Julia
Concert for Christian Aid - Friends in Tune
Saturday 18 February 7.30 pm
Dagnall Street Baptist Church
Free entry
Donations for Christian Aid invited
Call for Help: Christmas Fair 2023!!
We are beginning to look ahead to our Christmas Fair to be held on Saturday 18 November 2023.
If you would be interested in joining the team and co-ordinating a stall we would love to hear from you.
Once again we are hoping to collect donations throughout the year so do keep an eye out for the weekly reminders of the items we will be collecting each month. During January you can donate any unused Christmas cards and decorations and regift any unwanted Christmas presents.
Thank you! Julia
Make St Mary's Count Winter Warmer
Good news! Make St Mary’s Count are planning another Winter Warmer event - a Soup Lunch on Saturday 11 February 2024, always a popular event!
We start serving at 12.30 pm (please don’t come any earlier) with a wonderful selection of home-made soups; assorted bread and cheese, and a fantastic raffle. No tickets needed, donations on the day.
Thank you for all the Christmas Donations
Thank you to everyone who generously donated, stitched, decorated, etc towards one or more of the following to help make Christmas and this time of year better for others whom we do not know …
Contributions to the Food Bank;
Gifts for the male asylum seekers at the Noke;
St Albans Winter Beds project through
Church Christmas card (this raised £250)
Carol Service Collection;
stitched/decorated hearts for Anna Chaplaincy to distribute to residential and nursing homes ;
Children’s Society - Christmas Eve collection
Thank you also for your donations to the Christmas flowers in church.
Advent
Every week in Advent there is a special service or activity taking place. It can be so precious to find a bit of space for reflection and prayer in this busy season - you are welcome at any or all of these events.
Saturday 26th November: 10am to 3.30pm
Quiet day (at Redbourn Parish Church)
Sunday 27th November: 6pm
Advent Carol Service (at St Saviour's Church)
Sunday 4th December: 6.30pm
Advent Taize service
Sunday 11th December: 6.30pm
Service for Wholeness and Healing
Sunday 18th December: 6.30pm
Cardlelit Carol Service
Christmas Services
Our website has been updated with Christmas services for 2022 - check out the special page or download our Christmas leaflet.
Fayrfax Consort: Wednesday 7 December 2022
Concert at St Mary's on Wednesday 7 December 8.00 pm
'A Christmas Cracker'
Tickets: £9 for adults / £3 for students and under 18s
Entertainment by candlelight to welcome Christmas, followed by refreshments.
Contact: 01727 852364 for tickets
Christmas Fair - 19 November 2022
Our annual Christmas Fair was held recently and was a great success, socially and financially. We are so grateful for all the work and effort that went into the Fair and for the support of all those who came or supported it in any way.
For some of the photos of the Fair, scroll through the document below ....
Welcome Sermon Series: Autumn 2022
Sunday 18th September: Welcoming Children and Families, 1 Samuel 3:1-18 and John 6:1-14, Paul Wiggins
Sunday 25th September: Welcoming the Stranger, Hebrews 13:1-8 and Matthew 25:31-45, Ruth Goatly
Sunday 2nd October, Welcoming Christ in the Other, Matthew 26:6-13 and Isaiah 63:1-9, Kate Pearson
All Souls and a Season of Remembering
November is a special time in the Church that we set aside to remember those close to us who are no longer with us but who rest in the peace of Christ.
We have two services in church; all are welcome to either or both services. There will be a chance during each service for people to light a candle in memory of loved one/s.Wednesday 2 November, All Souls’ Day, 7.30 pm: Sung Eucharist and Commemoration of the Faithful Departed Saturday 5 November, 3.00 pm: Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance
Refreshments will be served in the church hall afterwards. If you also wish for the name(s) of your loved one(s) to be read out at this service, please add their names to the list on the Notice Board in the Church Entrance or by email.
Holiday At Home
The summer saw the return of our wonderful Holiday at Home - four days for the older members of our community to enjoy one another's company and take part in some fun activities. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to host; organise; cook; tidy and entertain. We can't wait for next summer now!
All-Age and Family Friendly Services Coming up:
These special services are a little bit shorter than usual Sundays and are designed to engage all ages.
Our next All-Together service will be on Sunday 9th October 2022 - our Harvest Festival! Join us at 9.30am for refreshments and 10am for the service start.
We'll also be collecting for the St Albans District Foodbank.
HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II
St Mary's Church shares in the grief of a nation and the world as we mourn the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A book of condolence is open for signing in church and will remain open until the end of Monday 19 September. The Church is open each day from 8.30am until 5pm (and often later). All are welcome.
Join us for a service of Evening Prayer at 5pm on Friday 9th September, with prayers for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Pentecost and Jubilee: Sunday 5th June
Double joy at our service this coming Sunday, designed to suit all ages (and a little bit shorter than our usual Sunday services too).
9.30am for refreshments.
10am for service start.
All-Age-All-Together: All Welcome!!
All Age All Together Services
These special services are a little bit shorter than usual Sundays and are designed to engage all ages. Our next All-Age-All-Together service will be on Sunday 5th June - a celebratory mash-up for Pentecost and the Jubilee! Join us at 9.30am for refreshments and 10am for the service start.
Then we have a Parade service for our uniformed groups on Sunday 3rd July - an end of the school year celebration where all are welcome.
The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Council
Sunday 22nd May at 11am in St Mary's Church
Our APCM will take place at 11am on Sunday 22nd May, after our morning service. Papers can be found below:
Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Peppercorn Place is Open
Our community garden has reopened for Spring 2022. The space will be open each day and is available for the whole, wider, community to enjoy. Do pop by and have a look, it is looking really beautiful. Find out more here.
Lent Course: Prayer and Discernment (the Ignatian Way)
Our four week Lent Course begins on Monday 7th March. Join us at either 9.30am on Monday or 7.30pm on Wednesday in St Mary's Church. If you are not able to join us in person, you can still join in from home. Go to our Lent course page, where you will find a video with resource links uploaded each Sunday evening for the week ahead.
Mothering Sunday: 27th March 
Our next All-Age-All-Together Service will be on Sunday 27th March, Mothering Sunday beginning at 10am with refreshments from 9.30am. All welcome.
Lent Series
Lent begins on Wednesday 2nd March on Ash Wednesday. Join us for a service of Holy Communion, with the imposition of ashes at 7.30pm.
All-Age-All-Together Services
We love to welcome children and their families to St Mary's. Check out our page for families to find out about the welcome you can expect and the different ways families can engage in our Sunday services.
Around once a month, on key festival days, we have a service that is particularly suited to younger members of our congregation. They are a bit shorter (around 45 minutes), start a little bit later (9.30am for refreshments, 10am for service start) and are very interactive.
We call these are All-Age-All-Together services and are next ones will be on:
Sunday 27th February (Promise Sunday; a special day for our uniformed groups)
Sunday 27th March (Mothering Sunday)
Sunday 17th April (Easter Sunday)
We would love to welcome you!
Christmas Eve, Journey to the Manger, 4pm - NOW OUTSIDE
We are very sorry to tell you that after much thought we have decided to cancel our 4pm ‘Journey to the Manger’ service on Friday 24th December.
We know this will be a huge disappointment but we hope that you will all stay safe and well so you can celebrate Christmas with your family and friends.
Do still join us outdoors though, for carol singing and Christmas goody bags, from 4pm outside the front of church on Christmas Eve. Bring a lamp or a torch and dress up warm!
We are very sorry to tell you that after much thought we have decided to cancel our 4pm ‘Journey to the Manger’ service on Friday 24th December.
We know this will be a huge disappointment but we hope that you will all stay safe and well so you can celebrate Christmas with your family and friends.
Do still join us outdoors though, for carol singing and Christmas goody bags, from 4pm outside the front of church on Christmas Eve. Bring a lamp or a torch and dress up warm!
Christmas Fair: Saturday 20 November 2021
10.30 to 1.30pm in St Mary's Church
Start the festive season with St Mary's
- Live Music
- Gifts and craft stalls
- Raffle
- Tombola
- Light Lunches
- Cake Stall
Tickets £8.00 Adults £3.00 students & < 18’sfrom 01727 852364
Tickets £8.00 Adults £3.00 students & < 18’sfrom 0172 8523 6
Remembrance Sunday: Sunday 14th November
We will gather at the war memorial, at the front of St Mary's Church, at 10.55am for a short act of remembrance.
Saturday Morning Coffee Shop
Every Saturday - 10.30am to 12.30pm
Drop in for filter coffee, tea and a warm welcome.
New Vicar Welcomed: Monday 6th September 2021
Our new Vicar, the Revd Kate Pearson, joined us on Monday 6 September. There was a special service - the Collation, Induction and Installation Service - to mark the start of her new ministry here. See below for a few informal photos taken after the service.
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From left - Paul Wiggins, our Reader: The Revd Kate Pearson, Vicar; The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Lord Bishop of St Albans; | The Bishop | The Bishop with |
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Cllr Edgar Hill, Mayor of the City and District | Kate being presented with | Kate cutting welcome cake |
APCM: 16th May 2021
For results of our Annual Meeting held 16 May 2021
including PCC Membership 2021-2022 and the Minutes (to be agreed at 2022 Meetings)
Book Publication
New Book - The Ecumenical Chaplaincy of St Albans Cathedral
written by Pam McElroy, a member of St Mary's congregation