St Mary's Church, Thatcham, Berkshire, UK

Organisations and Groups at St Marys

Lots goes on at St Mary's. There are many opportunities to join in and get involved. Take your pick from:-

• Rainbows, Brownies and Guides
• Choir and Music Group
• Mother's Union
• Mens Fellowship
• Bible Study
• Sewing Group
• ABCs (Adults, Babies and Children)
• Visiting and supporting churches in the community
• Christian Aid
• USPG - United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
• Childrens' Society
• Traidcraft
• Feed The Children
• PCC
• Prayer Ministry
• Children's Groups
• Bell Ringing
• CHAPs
• Alpha, Emmaus and other short Courses
• Lent Study Groups
• Retreats, quiet days, pilgrimages and week-ends away, Spring Harvest
• Confirmation Classes
• Parenting Skills Classes
• Publicity and Communication Group
• Social Activities Group

Children and Young Peoples Groups

ABCs (Adults, Babies and Children) meets Wednesdays at 10.30 am.

The following groups for children and young people meet during the 10.00am Parish Communion Service on 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of the month.

• Creche (0-3) Childrens Corner at the front of the north aisle.
• Scramblers (3-5)
• Climbers (5-7)
• Explorers (7-11)
• Pathfinders (11-14)
• Pathfinders Plus (14+, Year 10 and above.)

Pathfinders Plus group meets twice a month on Sunday evenings 7-9 pm. One session a month is a social e.g. pizza, bowling or ice-skating. In the summer this group goes to Soul Survivor. Pete Jarvis was initiated into the family of St Mary's when he found himself co-leading a group three years ago. He is still happy to go so it must be good.

The Pathfinder Group is a friendly bunch of 11 to 14 year olds who have their own room upstairs for their meetings - come and check it out!

Climbers and Scramblers are working together at the moment as there are not so many younger children. This seems to be working well. Thank you to the leaders for being so versatile. The group is being held in the meeting room.

The Explorers Group is where the children receive teaching to prepare them for Admission to Communion on Advent Sunday.

Mothers' Union

We are a group of Mothers' Union members in Thatcham who meet together most months. We are members primarily to support the work of MU, a worldwide fellowship of Christians committed to caring for families. We meet to share friendship, to pray together and to learn about MU activities and ways in which we can care for others. Our meetings take place on a Wednesday or Thursday in the afternoon or evening so that those who work, as well as home-makers and those with children, are able to attend.

Meetings are open for anyone, men as well as women. Membership is open to anyone baptised. The monthly meetings are held in the meeting room unless otherwise stated.

MU Corporate Communion followed by Bible Study is held on the second Wednesday of the month at 9.45 am in St Mary's Church.

Members also help in different ways in the community:- at mother and toddler clubs, supporting those who are baptised at St Mary's, fundraising for MU work worldwide, parenting courses; and in many personal or individual ways.

During the Christmas and New Year period, the branch organises a collection of items for Berkshire Women's Aid. Please see here for the letter of thanks from them.

MU Christmas Party

Click here for information about the Mothers' Union Worldwide.

2008 MU Program.

St Mary's Sewing Group

In 1998 a small group of ladies decided to get together and mark the millenium by creating a new altar frontal for the Chapel. This was so successful that the group then continued on, making and mending other items for use in the Church. Projects have included vestments, banners and other altar frontals. Examples of this work can be seen here to the left.

Anyone with sewing or embroidery skills is welcomed to join this group.

Please contact the Parish Office for more details.

Flower Arranging Group

We are fortunate to enjoy the talents of our Flower Arranging Group. The beauty of the church is enhanced by freshly arranged flowers and other materials during most of the year. Tableaux are created for certain key occasions in the church year. The group works on a rota basis, providing help and also tuition in flower arranging when required. Special arrangements for weddings and other events can be organised.

Please contact the Parish Office for more details.