Our Church
The church of St Mary’s is a small church in a reasonable state of repair. Built in 1751, it has a Wren style dome in Wedgwood blue with alabaster decoration. St Mary’s, Berkley is a place of calm and joy. Attendance allows our congregation to revisit this revered state regularly, giving space to pray, express gratitude, seek advice and socialise. It allows us to feel at peace and gives us respite from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.
Our Community
We are a scattered, rural community of farms and houses with no clear village centre or hub, but there are nevertheless good relationships across our parish. The church family at St Mary’s is currently a fairly small but a warm, welcoming and faithful one. We work closely with our extended church family, especially those at St George’s, Beckington. We enjoy two joint services each month with them in Beckington and they come to our All-age Service on the first Sunday of each month. We hold Easter, Harvest and Carol Praise Services which are attended by the whole community. The Carol Service has, historically, been very well attended but depends on the timing on Christmas Eve as 6pm has proved to be the most popular. The All-age Service has developed under lay leadership.
Our School & Services
Existing good links with Berkley C of E VA First School, (situated right next door to our church) have been strengthened and there is increasing participation by the children and the congregation on the first Sunday of the month and is popular. Services in which the school participate can sometimes be as many as 50 people which is wonderful. It is our mission to continue to develop this outreach to the children and their families to enable them to hear the word of God through a Bible-based approach. Members of both St. Mary’s and St. George’s congregations contribute to the three joint services with people leading the intercessions, carrying out the readings and, at the All-age Service we welcome the contribution of Beckington Music Group. Refreshments are usually available after joint services, which are important to us all in building on and developing our close links. We value other combined enterprises such as the Lent Course and being part of a home group is important for several members of our church.
We currently belong to a group comprising people from 3 of the churches in the group, meeting weekly to study the Bible, pray together and share fellowship. The church has a fine organ, which provides the musical accompaniment for the services.
Our Choir & Support
We have a small but dedicated and experienced choir enabling us to worship the Lord joyfully through song. Our dedicated PCC works hard to maintain both the church buildings and to look after the people of our church and community. We support the Barnabas Trust and also the Revd. Joseph Bilal, who is working for the good of the people of South Sudan and where he has opened a university. We are fortunate to have a committed and loyal Village Committee who lead the fundraising for the church. The importance of this group is not only the essential funding that they provide but also the opportunities for people to meet together socially with members of the local and wider community.