Church Groups

We are fortunate here at Godmanchester to have an active Church congregation, who come together frequently in many different groups and organisations.

Group Aims and Activities
Bellringing The Guild of St Mary's Church Bellringers usually ring the bells for regular Church services, weddings and other occasions. They are always willing to train new members in the art of change ringing. For further information, contact the tower captain, Ruth Ball (351138;   )
Children's Church Children who are too young to enjoy the main service are encouraged to come to Children's Church, where they can benefit from an early understanding of the Christian faith through music, prayer and creative teaching. For more information, see our ‘children’ page, or contact the parish office,   
Church Choir Our dedicated choir leads the music in our worship, and also to provide a focus for Church musical activities in the local area, organising a choral work each Lent and arranging rehearsals for major Diocesan Festivals. The organist and Director of Music is Ken Diffey (458846;   )
Churches Together Churches Together in Huntingdon and Godmanchester

St Mary the Virgin is represented in this group by both lay and clergy members. Meetings of the group typically attract people from up to sixteen local churches covering a range of Christian denominations. ‘Churches Together’ exists primarily to enable churches to bear a more united witness in the community and to serve it more effectively.

Contact Andrew Fawcett    or The Revd David Busk   

More information about Churches Together can be found HERE
Confirmation Preparation We are always delighted to hear from those of any age who feel ready to confirm their commitment to following Jesus Christ, and to help them prepare for confirmation. If you are considering this, please contact the Vicar  
Emmaus Groups We currently have four groups of adults studying together to aid Christian growth and development. The members of the groups meet in each others’ homes to enjoy fellowship and prayer, discussion and ideas. If you think you might like to join a home group, please contact the parish office (453354),  ; Pat Saunders  ; or Paul Sibley  .
Flower Guild The flower guild exists to decorate the church with flowers and to ensure each member of the guild gains enjoyment and fellowship from it. Please contact the chairman, Jean Miller (437488;   ).
Friends of St Mary's The Friends assists with the preservation, maintenance and improvement of the church building. Please contact the parish office for more information.  
Godly Play Originating in the United States, Godly Play is an innovative way of using story-telling to teach about the Christian faith. We are planning to start regular Godly Play sessions soon, and are currently putting together the resources for this – the scheme is very tactile, using wooden figures and other materials to help tell the stories, and some of these are being made specially for us using wood from trees in the vicarage garden. For more information on Godly Play please contact Pat Saunders (354764)  .
Intercessions If you would like to join the group of people willing to lead intercessions at the 9:45 Eucharist, please contact the parish office   , who will put you in touch with the co-ordinator.
Lesson Readers If you would like to join the team of people who read the lessons at Sunday Eucharist Services and other occasions, please contact the parish office   , who will put you in touch with the co-ordinator.
Men's Social Group The men’s social group provides a programme of varied events throughout the year through which the men of St Mary's congregation are able to meet and enjoy each other's fellowship. Please contact Andrew Fawcett   .
Mothers' Union The MU is especially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life. Membership is open to all those who have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity, to support and work for the aim, purpose and objectives of MU. Our meetings, which take place at the Queen Elizabeth School at 2.15pm on the first Tuesday of the month, are friendly with a sense of fellowship, usually with an interesting speaker and a cup of tea. For more details, contact the parish office   
Parochial Church Council The PCC manages all aspects of the affairs of the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Godmanchester. Most of its members are elected.
Pastoral Visiting Team There is a dedicated pastoral visiting team of five members of the congregation. All have attended training in listening skills. The co-ordinator is a trained volunteer in Cruse Bereavement. For more information please contact Linda Watson,  

More information about our Pastoral Visiting Team can be found HERE
Prayer Group The prayer group meets to help pray for people and situations that concern us, and to give thanks for sights and events that make us rejoice. We base our prayer on a verse of scripture e.g. "My peace I give unto you". We seek to wait on God in silence after stilling our minds and bodies. A short meditation introduces us to the verse, the stillness and our intercessions. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.  
Servers' Team We have a strong team of servers at St Mary’s, which includes men, women and children. They assist our worship by serving at the Altar, and also enjoy the fellowship and bond between all Servers. The head server is Richard Bunn. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.  
Sidespersons Our sidespersons provide support for all the Church services carried out on Sundays and at other times when needed. If you think you might be called to this ministry, please contact the Parish Office.  
Social Committee All are welcome at the many social events we arrange throughout the year. These are an opportunity for enjoyment by all and to meet everyone socially.
St Mary's Os-5s St Mary's 0-5 Group is a friendly and welcoming group for all carers and their children under school age. We meet every Thursday morning between 10.00 and 11.30 am at the Comrades Club in Godmanchester. We offer a wide range of activities for children including books, puzzles, ride on toys, a wide variety of 'make believe' toys, as well as an art craft and music sessions each week. We also have a wide range of toys and equipment for babies and our new mum corner is well attended each week. For more information, please contact Jo Jones on 01480 395862.
The Vestry Group 'The Vestry Group', a name chosen by the children, is a short opportunity for the older children from year 6 and above to look at the Bible reading for the day, respond to the reading, discuss ethical and life issues that arise and conclude with a time for prayer. The children meet in the clergy vestry, leaving the congregation immediately after the Gospel reading and returning in time to share the Peace.
Wives' Group We promote friendship and enjoy an evening away from usual "duties". We also support a charity each year and fund raise accordingly. The Chair is Barbara Thirlwall   .
Youth Group Our youth group brings young people together in a Christian environment to share ideas and enjoy each other's company. We do a varied range of activities from bible based evenings to sports and quizzes. We also run the monthly Church fairtrade stall. For more information, contact the Vicar  .

We believe that the Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester, exists to build up the individual and corporate spiritual life of our Church and to spread the love of Christ through word and deed, by enabling those who live and work within our town to come into contact with God’s love and come to faith in Christ.

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