About us

Our church is not just about a stunning building, it is as all churches should be, about the people. The Church is the Body of Christ and is like a human body made up of many parts (1 Corinthians: 12-28). Without its constituent members working together, the body is inhibited. First and foremost St Mary’s is a faithful worshipping community seeking God’s will, giving praise to God for God’s goodness and to pray for the town, Island and the world. We are also ordinary people who experience times of loss, pain, doubt, happiness, challenges and tribulations just like any other person. We are committed to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who not only experienced all these things, but died to prove just how much God cares for God’s creation. The Body of Christ that is St Mary’s consists of the following interconnected and interdependent members.

Ministry Team

Left to right: The Revd Canon Richard Emblin. Vicar, The Revd Kirsteen Morris, Assistant Priest. The Revd David Hinks, Assistant Curate. Mrs Gill Murray, Lay Reader.

The ministry team are responsible for leading worship at St Mary’s and sister church of Holy Trinity. When not planning and taking services the ministry team can be found visiting people in homes, hospitals, prisons and schools. They meet regularly for prayer and to plan activities and direction for the parishes. Their job would be impossible without the help of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and the wider congregation.

The PCC

The PCC is an elected body of people drawn from the congregation who have legal duties as well as making decisions about the mission and ministry of the church. Each member serves for a period of three years and is elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). The APCM is attended by members of the congregation who are on the electoral role. Members of the PCC may have specific roles including treasurer, secretary and head up specific groups within the church such as mission and evangelism. The PCC meets every other month and the ‘executive members’ form the Standing Committee which can make decisions on behalf of the PCC in between meetings. The chair of the PCC and Standing Committee is the Vicar.

The Congregation

Here at St Mary’s the congregation is mainly at the ‘senior’ end of the age spectrum but don’t let that put you off! The main 11.00 am Sunday service is normally attended by 40-60 people who are lively and welcoming. Many of the congregation add practically to the life and mission of St Mary’s, for example acting as pastoral visitors to the housebound and hospitals, or doing good neighbourly tasks like shopping and driving people to church. The main service is the Parish Communion (which is also called the Eucharist meaning ‘thanksgiving’, or the Lord’s Supper) in which we give thanks for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and in union with Christ’s perfect offering of himself, partake of the bread and wine in remembrance of the ‘Last Supper’ when Jesus shared a meal with his disciples, and offer ourselves in God’s service. In the worship life of the church some members of the congregation read the lessons from the Bible, offer intercessory prayers on behalf of the church and assist at the altar. Others ensure that our visitors and regulars alike receive a warm welcome and a cup of something hot and refreshing in the church hall after the service.

Young People

We have a small but enthusiastic membership of young people, most of who sing regularly in the choir. We warmly welcome young families and seekers of all ages to join us in any of our worship and activities. There are regular activities for young people and the schools are also regular visitors.

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