Church Life

Members of St Mary's Church are currently involved in the following activities.

Prayer for Healing

Once a month, there is a Sunday evening Eucharist with Laying-on-of-Hands for Healing in St Mary's. This is intended for those who are seeking healing in body, mind or spirit for themselves, or for others.

In addition, there are two groups led by lay members of St Mary's and St Nicolas' churches. The first meets at St Nicolas' Church on the first and third Monday each month from 9.00 am to 9.30 am, when prayers are said for those named in the Prayer Lists of both churches, and others in need of healing.

We also hold an informal lay-led service on the second Wednesday of each month from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. This is based on the service used at Burrswood, and we welcome those who come to pray for healing, or who would just like to sit quietly. This service is held alternately at St Mary's and St Nicolas', and is followed by refreshments.

Further information:

Please contact Edith Leslie

01273 461377

First Thursday Group

The aim of the First Thursday Group is to provide company, friendship and mutual support. It was set up originally as a monthly meeting for those who had recently been bereaved, but has evolved into a general friendship group. There are thirty members, most of whom live alone. Activities include outings, and visits to theatres and restaurants. An annual coffee morning and Christmas raffle raise funds for Brighton & Hove Bereavement Support.

The group meets on the first Thursday of each month at Tollbridge House in Connaught Avenue, from 10.00 am to 11.30 am. Although the group was founded and is supported by the churches of St Mary's and St Nicolas', church attendance is not a condition of membership.

There are also trained listeners from both churches who are available to meet with anyone who has recently been bereaved and would like a 'listening ear'.

Further information:

Please contact Edith Leslie

01273 461377

Wednesday House Group

This ecumenical group meets each Wednesday morning in term-time from 10.15 am to 11.45 am.

We meet in each others' homes, beginning with coffee. Then we have a time of prayer before settling down to a Bible Study, usually using a study guide.

New members are very welcome, and transport is available.

Further information:

Please contact Edith Leslie

01273 461377

Julian Meetings

Julian Meetings are named after the medieval mystical writer, Mother Julian of Norwich. They vary from place to place but the main guidelines are that a meeting is centred on contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition and welcomes people of all denominations, and those seeking a place for silent prayer.

No one method of prayer or meditation is used by members but the group is there to help people to find what is right for them; to discover how they can integrate contemplation into their prayer life, and how personal and group contemplative prayer can enrich us all.

The group meets at the Convent of the Sacred Passion, 22 Buckingham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, on the first and third Monday of each month.

Further information:

Please contact Jonathan Smith

01273 389207