Church

ST MARY OUR LADY

Church Lane, Sidlesham, West Sussex. PO20 7RE

St Mary Our Lady Welcome Page (www.stmary-sidlesham.co.uk).

Priest-in-Charge: Rev'd Christopher Brading (01243 641775)
Churchwardens: Mrs Christine Blanshard (07881684879 or cblansha@yahoo.co.uk)
Church Hall Booking Secretary: Mrs Vivienne Baron (01243 641583)
Sunday School Co-ordinator: Mrs Chris Field (01243 641493)

St Mary’s is our 13^th century parish church at the heart of the Sidlesham community. Open daily, it offers a peaceful place for prayer, reflection, or simply a quiet visit. Whether you are new to the village, visiting, or have lived here for many years, you will be warmly welcomed.

Visiting the Church

The church is open daily from 9.30am – 5.00pm and provides a space for prayer, reflection, and a place to sit in tranquillity or to light a candle. Please do visit and have a look around.

Services & Worship

If you are visiting a service for the first time, you can be assured of a warm welcome. Services are relaxed and accessible, and there is no expectation to join in with anything you are not comfortable with. Our welcomers will provide you with an order of service and someone will always be happy to help you find your way.

The pattern of services is as follows. Please note that on the third Sunday of each month the 10am service at church is traditional matins and in the church hall there is a family friendly Eucharist service ‘Crafty Communion’ with action songs and a craft activity. Refreshments are served after the 10am service, all welcome.

1^st Sunday:

08am Said Eucharist service

10am All Age Eucharist service

5.30pm Choral Evensong (*time changes to 3.30pm in the winter)

2^ndSunday:

08am Said Eucharist service

10am Sung Eucharist with Sunday School

3^rdSunday:

08am Said Eucharist service

10am Mattins BCP (Church)

10am Family service ‘Crafty Communion’ (Church Hall)

4^thSunday:

08am Said Eucharist service

10am Sung Eucharist with Sunday School

5^thSunday:

08am Said Eucharist service

10am Sung Eucharist with Sunday School

Children & Families

There is a thriving children & family’s community at St Mary’s, and the church has close links with Sidlesham Primary School, supporting the school in a variety of ways. Sunday school sessions run weekly alongside the main services and leaders are DBS checked & safeguarding trained. A weekly parent and toddler group runs in the Parish Rooms on Tuesday mornings (starting in May).

For older children and young people in Year 6 and above, YouthHub meets monthly at the Church Hall on the fourth Friday of the month, offering a fun relaxed setting to socialise, enjoy activities, and build friendships.

Community & Activities (What’s on)

Weekly

Tuesdays: Stay & Play - Parent & toddler group, tea & toast, 9-11am, Parish Rooms
Thursdays: Mary’s Place - tea, coffee, cake and chat, 2-4pm, Parish Rooms
Fridays: Choir rehearsal, Church

Monthly

1^st Saturday Churchyard working party – gardening, conversation and refreshments
1^st Wednesday: Make & Mingle – Drop-in craft sessions with tea & biscuits (free to attend)
4^th Wednesday: Make & Mingle – Drop-in craft sessions with tea & biscuits (free to attend)
4^th Friday: YouthHub – youth group for young people in Yr6 upwards – fun, friendships & faith

Events

Throughout the year, St Mary’s hosts a range of events that bring the whole community together, including a family wildlife explorer day, Christmas Market, Harvest celebrations, and the annual Sidlesham Fete, which is a traditional village fete held on the church field, with entertainment, stalls, games, live music, food, classic cars, a dog show and more. Details can be found by visiting: www.sidleshamfete.co.uk

Churchyard & Heritage

The church dates from the 13th century, records suggest the church stands on a site that hosted an earlier Saxon church and provides a place of peace, faith and history. Within the churchyard you will find the Sidlesham War Memorial, a Grade II listed structure commemorating those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, along with eight Commonwealth War Graves.

The churchyard is haven for wildlife and provides a peaceful space for reflection and connects the present day community with generations past. The church has been awarded the Bronze Eco Church Award, part of a national programme managed by A Rocha UK in collaboration with the Church of England.

Facilities & Room Hire

The Parish Rooms, which are adjacent to the Church, provide a welcoming, modern, well-equipped and accessible community space with a kitchen, large screen, Wi-Fi and parking. The building is available to hire for meetings, events, and family gatherings.

The Church Hall, located a short walk away, offers additional space for larger activities with onsite parking.

Life Events (Weddings, Baptisms & Funerals)

If you would like to explore life events such as getting married at St Mary’s, arranging a baptism or a funeral service please get in contact with Fr Chris (Vicar) who will happily talk with you and provide guidance and support.

Find Out More

Whether you are a regular worshipper, exploring church for the first time, or simply visiting, you will find a warm welcome at St Mary’s.

For further information, current events and activities please pick up a Parish Magazine if you visit church or visit the church social media pages, or ‘A Church Near You’ page (www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5137) where you can also complete a contact form with any enquiries, or email Carolyn on: sidleshamchurchevents@gmail.com.