The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bletchingley

 

The Church Family:

 

St Mary’s in Bletchingley is a thriving and highly supportive church family.

 

We have enjoyed considerable growth and development over the last few years.  Our services and parish life are well supported by a wide variety of age groups serving the breadth of the local village community

 

Of the many things that we value in our church life together, spiritual guidance, tolerance, commitment and a sense of fun are universal. We enjoy a very high standard of pastoral care that is exercised at all levels, celebrating the value of every individual within our community.

 

In particular we value our work with children, which is highly regarded.. Our current practice of admitting children to communion following a period of instruction is one example of this in action.

 

Our ministry of healing is another important aspect of our church life.

 

Liturgically the Parish occupies a broadly centrist position within the Anglican framework. Whilst our worship and its expression continues to allow for development  (and at times for informality and experimentation) our present overall liberal /catholic practice is unlikely to be changed.

 

We have strong ecumenical links notably with Roman Catholic members of our village community.

 

The Church Building:

 

The Church building is one of the finest in Surrey. There are two altars, the main nave and side ‘Holy Spirit’ chapel where weekday and small congregations meet.

 

Often, due to large congregations, both altars are utilised.

 

Maximum use is made of the entire Church building, for example the tower is used for the crèche.

 

This tower is early Norman, about 1090, although the battlements are more modern. There was a spire, but lightening destroyed it in 1606. The Nave is modern (1856), the corbels and most of the roof are original fifteenth century. The oak south door dates from1460 and new glass doors welcome current visitors, able to see the inviting interior of the Church.