Activities and groups
We have many ongoing activities and groups in our church family. Here are just a few ....
"There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body" 1 Corinthians 12 V12
Lent Course 2025 - "I believe" Reflections on the Nicene Creed
During Lent we meet together with those from all denominations across the village to follow a course on a specific theme.
This year the theme is “I believe” based on the Nicence Creed. We are invited this year to consider the Nicene Creed, (the first part from the Council of Nicaea in 325AD, the second from that of Constantinople in 381AD).
The group is a great way to prepare for Easter
DAYTIME
Bramble Hall, Balcombe
Starts Wednesday 12th March
12.00pm
Lunch is followed by the course
EVENING
St Richard’s Church, Haywards Heath
Starts Monday 10th March
7pm
To download the course booklet click here
For audio versions click here - Podcasts featuring the Bishop and others will be available here from 15th February.
Prayer
Intercessions and prayer are important for St Marys:
- Monthly payer meeting lead by Fr David, usually held in the Parish Room on the First Tuesday of the month (details in our grapevine which can be found on our news page)
- Members of the congregation lead our intercessions in church services, including names of those who have asked for prayer. If you feel you would like to join the rota please contact Fr David.
- The intercessions board allows us to write prayers and light candles for anything that is on our hearts. It can be found near the Lady Chapel.
Choir
Music at the very heart of worship at St Marys. The four-part mixed choir leads the singing at the weekly Sunday Eucharist. The choir also sings at weddings and funerals as well as attending choral events and workshops.
We don’t always wear choir robes but when we do it is a special occasion. Here we are at Christmas Carol Service
Friday evening is rehearsal night for the choir where we cover a wide range of music from traditional hymns and anthems to more modern pieces; but not until we have had our vocal warm up which not only develops vocal technique but is also great fun.
New members are very welcome. We look forward to meeting you.
If interested speak to the organist and choir leader, Ethan Merrick or via the contact page
Bellringing
St Mary’s Church has eight bells, in the key of A, the tenor bell (the eighth and largest bell with the deepest note) weighing approximately 9 cwt.
Bells at St Mary’s Church have been rung for church services since around 1400 and the tradition continues today, with bells rung for the Sunday Eucharist as well as for weddings and to commemorate special events, when a peal or quarter peal may be rung. Most of the bell-ringers live locally and all are members of the Sussex Association of Change Ringers.
Practice is on Tuesdays at 7:30pm, when we are frequently joined by bell-ringers from neighbouring towers.
New bell-ringers are always welcome.
If you would like to join us, please contact:
John Moore on 01444 410507.
Flower team
We have an active group of flower arrangers whose work enhances our church and worship.
This includes special occasions, such as weddings, and seasonal displays.
The photo is from our open day in September 2024
If you are interested in joining the team or just to find out more. Please contact us
Home Group
We meet for bible study and prayer, using study notes and themes for each term. Often, we are discussing the bible readings from our Sunday services. We also hold regular social events.
We meet Tuesday evening 8-9pm at various homes in the village, and you are welcome to join us
If you would like more information, please contact:
Paul and Julie Mitchell 01444 819 262
Avon House Group
A small group of residents at Avon House meet together on a Monday morning in Term Time for Bible Study and Fellowship.
Russettings Care Home
Members of our church community visit to hold hold short services with hymns, prayers, reading and reflection.
At Easter, Harvest, Christmas we organise services with well-known hymns, and have occasional "songs of praise" events to allow residents to choose their own favourite hymns.
We are able to visit and share communion/eucharist with residents, usually the second Monday of each month. If you would like this please contact us
Parish Information
St Mary's Church is a Registered Charity No: 1175472
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