St Nicholas Church, Old Marston
Welcome to St Nicholas church in Old Marston and St Thomas church in Elsfield. Please do get in touch – we would love to hear from you. We are a diverse church who love Jesus and want to share His love with our community. You can find out more by following the links and scrolling down as well as on our Facebook page. A summary of events and services can be found on our calendar page. St Nicholas church building is usually OPEN daily for private prayer. Our safeguarding officer is Millius Palayiwa: Tel: 01865 725423, Email: safeguarding@stnicholasmarston.org.uk. You can also support us on our giving page. There are many ways that you can join us and get involved. Just go to our volunteers page to find out more. Above is from our carols around the tree service – you can see more pictures here.
Welcome from The Vicar
Hello, I’m Revd. Skye and a warm welcome to St Nicholas and St Thomas churches.
In 2017 I became the vicar of this benefice. What drew me here was their simple, honest desire to be a church for all, that doesn’t take itself too seriously and has place for everyone.
What I love is that both churches hold in love a breadth of different opinions in theology, taste in worship styles and preference to services: some loving the 8am BCP communion service and others preferring the Celtic gatherings outside the vicarage.
Yet somehow within our diversity we strive to abide in the love of God, keeping rooted in Christ, and be connected by the Holy Spirit, journeying together to grow as disciples and learn what it means to be stewards of this beautiful world.
I believe our differences and diversity made us stronger. Together we can be an honest reflection of the love of God in our community. We would love to welcome you to any of our services, community events or socials, and if you want to know more or have a conversation with someone beforehand then please do email Debbie our administrator: administrator@stnicholasmarston.org.uk.
Information
Below is a summary of events, services and other information. Scroll down the page for more details.
Services
Click on link for more info
- Morning Prayer – 09:00 Monday 9th December
- Wednesday Communion – 09:30 11yjth December
- Evening Prayer – 17:00 Thursday 12th December
- BCP Communion Service – Sunday 08:00 15th December 2024
- Morning Prayer – 10:00 Sunday 15th December 2024
- Messy Church – 10:00 Sunday 15th December 2024
- Holy Communion – 10:00 Sunday 22nd December 2024
Coming Up
Click on link for more info
- Baby & Toddlers: Wednesdays 09:30 to 11:30 back on 11th December
- Pulse Youth Club returns 19:00 14th December 2024
- Messy Church is back on 15th December 2024
- Coffee Pot: 10:30 16th December 2024 church hall
- Energy returns 10:00 22nd December 2024
- Pause for Thought 2025
Information
Click on link for more info
- Join our Christmas Choir
- Christmas Events Programme
- Programme for December 2024
- Music for December 2024
- Marston Times for December 2024 – download here
- Giving garage Saturdays 09:00-11:00 outside the vicarage
- Celtic gatherings for 2024-2025
- Bellringers are looking for volunteers
- Churches and hall diaries on our calendars page
- Latest updates on our Facebook page
- Love Marston Love Life 2025
Children and Young People
- Energy: children ages 4 to 12, 2nd and 4th Sundays from 10:00 in church hall
- Pulse: young people ages 11 to 19 second and forth Saturdays from 19:30 in church hall
- Messy Church: children with adults third Sunday from 10:00 in church hall
- Baby and Toddlers: preschool children with adult Wednesdays from 09:30 in church hall
- Holiday Club: children ages 4 to 12 from 09:30 church and church hall – various dates
- Junior & Youth Choirs: ages 7 to 18 practice nights 18:00 Fridays in church – contact Neil for details
Tuesday Home Group
New members welcome
We are back on 10th December 2024.
We continue our illuminating study of Luke’s gospel. If you would like to join us, do find out more from Sally Richards or Jane Burd. More details here.
Friday Home Group
New members welcome
The group returns to the vicarage at 19:00 on 13th December 2024. Please contact Joel if you would like to join us in the Autumn. We are looking at the Letters of John. The group meets fortnightly. More details here.
Donating to St Nicholas Church
If you would like to donate to the work of St Nicholas Church in Old Marston or upkeep of the church yard then you can use your smartphone. Open the camera app and hover over the QR code here until the image is fully in view. A message will appear on your screen: “pay.sumup.com”. Click on this and follow the instructions. We can claim gift aid of 25% on any donations up to £30. Thank you for your donation. We are now registered with the Parish Giving Scheme. If you would like to set up a regular or one-off donation to St Nicholas Church please scan the QR code or go to: Marston St Nicholas – Parish Giving Scheme. If you are a tax payer please register for Gift Aid as this increases the value of your gift to us by 25%. For further information please email Eileen or call 01865 725423). Find out more on our Giving Page.
Inclusive Church
St Nicholas is an Inclusive Church. This means that we welcome and affirm everyone in the name of Jesus Christ, whoever they are and wherever they may be on their spiritual journey.
Our aim is to worship and proclaim the Gospel in a way that reflects the love of Jesus Christ and so includes everyone equally without condition – whatever their age, disability, ethnicity, gender or sexuality. As humble learners in the school of Christ we are filled with awe and wonder at the beauty and diversity of God’s world. Do come and join us as we strive, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to live as a fully inclusive worshipping community.
If you would like to know more, do talk to Sally Richards our inclusivity advocate. She can be contacted via our administrator Debbie Bailey
Holy Communion
- 09:30 Wednesday 11th December 2024
- St Nicholas Church, Old Marston – download poster here
Baby and Toddlers
- 09:30 to 11:30 Wednesday 11th December 2024
- Free – all accompanied babies and toddlers welcome
- Contact Helen – familyminister@stnicholasmarston.org.uk
Pulse
- 19:00 Saturday 14th December 2024
- For young people 11+
- Returns 11th January 2025
BCP Communion Service
Morning Prayer
Christmas Messy Church
- 10:00 Sunday 15th December 2024
- For all ages – free – all welcome
Nine Lessons and Carols
- 18:00 15th December 2024 – all welcome
- Traditional Christmas readings and carols by candlelight followed by mince pies and mulled wine. Music from nine centuries of the church.
Holy Communion
- 09:30 Wednesday 18th December 2024
- St Nicholas Church, Old Marston – download poster here
Coffee Pot
- 10:30 Monday 16th December 2024 church hall
- All those who have been bereaved and others who would like to meet more people are welcome to join us and enjoy company and light refreshment. For more details, please contact Eileen on OX 725423 or eileen.palayiwa@yahoo.com
Baby and Toddlers (TBC)
- 09:30 to 11:30 Wednesday 18th December 2024
- Free – all accompanied babies and toddlers welcome
- Contact Helen – familyminister@stnicholasmarston.org.uk
Bradlands Carol Service
- 16:00 Wednesday 18th December 2024 – all welcome
- Traditional Christmas readings and carols by candlelight followed by mince pies
Elsfield Carols by Candlelight
- 19:00 Thursday 19th December 2024
- St Thomas Church Elsfield
- It’s free, everyone is welcome
- Traditional carols and readings
Beer and Carols
- 19:00 Friday 20th December 2024 – all welcome
- At the Red Lion Public House
- Sing your heart out with your favourite drink
Elsfield Carols Around The Tree
- 18:00 Saturday 21st December 2024
- St Thomas Church Elsfield
- It’s free, everyone is welcome
- Traditional carols and readings
BCP Communion Service
Holy Communion Service
- 10:00 Sunday 22nd December 2024
- Email administrator for pew sheet
- Live streamed to YouTube
- Energy Sunday School meets 10:00 in Church Hall
Elsfield Communion Service
- 10:00 Sunday 22nd December 2024
Christmas Celtic Gathering
- 18:30 Sunday 22nd December 2024
- Bring a chair, something to share and a blanket if cold
- All are welcome – download the poster here
Family Carol Service
- 17:00 Tuesdsay 24th December 2024 – all welcome
- Carols, Nativity, bible readings and stories – especially suitable for children
Midnight Mass
- 23:30 24th December 2024 – all welcome
- Holy communnion, carols and bible readings
Christmas Day Communion
- 10:00 25th December 2024 – all welcome
- Family communion at St Nicholas Church
Elsfield Christmas Day Service
- 12:00 Wednesday 25th December 2024 – all welcome
- Family communion at St Thomas Church Elsfield
BCP Communion Service
Holy Communion Service
- 10:00 Sunday 29th December 2024
- Email administrator for pew sheet
- Live streamed to YouTube
- Energy Sunday School meets 10:00 in Church Hall
Community Celebration Service
- 10:00 Sunday 5th January 2025
- Email administrator for pew sheet
- Live streamed to YouTube
- All welcome
Holy Communion
- 09:30 Wednesday 8th January 2025
- St Nicholas Church, Old Marston – download poster here
Baby and Toddlers
- 09:30 to 11:30 Wednesday 8th January 2025
- Free – all accompanied babies and toddlers welcome
- Contact Helen – familyminister@stnicholasmarston.org.uk
Pulse
- 19:00 Saturday 11th January 2025
- For young people 11+
- Returns 11th January 2025
BCP Communion Service
Holy Communion Service
- 10:00 Sunday 12th January 2025
- Email administrator for pew sheet
- Live streamed to YouTube
- Energy Sunday School meets 10:00 in Church Hall
Holy Communion
- 09:30 Wednesday 15th January 2025
- St Nicholas Church, Old Marston – download poster here
Baby and Toddlers
- 09:30 to 11:30 Wednesday 15th January 2025
- Free – all accompanied babies and toddlers welcome
- Contact Helen – familyminister@stnicholasmarston.org.uk
BCP Communion Service
Messy Church
- 10:00 Sunday 19th January 2025
- For all ages – free – all welcome
Churches Together New Year Service
Holy Communion
- 09:30 Wednesday 22nd January 2025
- St Nicholas Church, Old Marston – download poster here
Coffee Pot
- 10:30 Monday 20th January 2025 church hall
- All those who have been bereaved and others who would like to meet more people are welcome to join us and enjoy company and light refreshment. For more details, please contact Eileen on OX 725423 or eileen.palayiwa@yahoo.com
Baby and Toddlers
- 09:30 to 11:30 Wednesday 22nd January 2025
- Free – all accompanied babies and toddlers welcome
- Contact Helen – familyminister@stnicholasmarston.org.uk
BCP Communion Service
Holy Communion Service
- 10:00 Sunday 26th January 2025
- Email administrator for pew sheet
- Live streamed to YouTube
- Energy Sunday School meets 10:00 in Church Hall
Pause for Thought
- 18:00 Sunday 26th January 2025 in church hall
- Free – all welcome – download the poster here
- Our place in the universe
- Speaker: Professor Stephen Smartt
- 40 minutes – followed by Q&A and refreshments
Holy Communion
- 09:30 Wednesday 29th January 2025
- St Nicholas Church, Old Marston – download poster here
Baby and Toddlers
- 09:30 to 11:30 Wednesday 29th January 2025
- Free – all accompanied babies and toddlers welcome
- Contact Helen – familyminister@stnicholasmarston.org.uk
All Age Lunch Club
- 12:30 Friday 31st January 2025
- £4
- Book with the administrator no later than Tuesday 28th January 2025
Celtic Gathering Spring Season
- 18:30 Saturday 1st February 2025
- Bring a chair, something to share and a blanket if cold
- All are welcome
Community Celebration Service
- 10:00 Sunday 2nd February 2025
- Email administrator for pew sheet
- Live streamed to YouTube
- All welcome
Holy Communion
- 09:30 Wednesday 5th February 2025
- St Nicholas Church, Old Marston – download poster here
Baby and Toddlers
- 09:30 to 11:30 Wednesday 5th February 2025
- Free – all accompanied babies and toddlers welcome
- Contact Helen – familyminister@stnicholasmarston.org.uk
BCP Communion Service
Holy Communion Service
- 10:00 Sunday 9th February 2025
- Email administrator for pew sheet
- Live streamed to YouTube
- Energy Sunday School meets 10:00 in Church Hall
Full Calendar of Events
Follow this link for the full calendars of all services and church hall bookings.
Contact Us
Administrator
St Nicholas Church
C/O Marston Vicarage
Elsfield Road
Old Marston
OX3 0PR
Email: administrator
Tel: 01865 580 354
09:30-14:30 Tu/Th
About Us
Your local churches at the heart of the community of Old Marston in Oxford and Elsfield village in Oxfordshire.
You can support the work of St Nicholas and St Thomas in our communities. Go to our giving page to find out more.