About Us

This is the church – not the building, but the people who meet in it to worship, and go out to live their lives as Christians in the world.

Marston is a village suburb of Oxford, just a couple of miles from the city centre, and just within the ring road. The building where we meet for worship is a 12th century church building, but it’s home to a 21st century congregation and mission. You can find the church in Elsfield Road, just between the junctions with Mill Lane and Church Lane.

We like to think this is a friendly church! We are a group of people of all ages, from 0 to 100, meeting together to worship a God who is real, supporting one another in our daily lives, making sense of life in the modern world, in the light of the Gospel of Jesus, and reaching out in love and service to the community around us. Everyone is welcome here: we believe that God’s love is for everyone, and no one is excluded. The minute details of what you believe aren’t as important as that you belong. If you share with us a fascination for this person called Jesus, a love of God, and a childlike delight and curiosity about the world, we think you’ll feel at home here. We invite you to come along and find out for yourselves or click on one of the links to find out more. 

Download our welcome leaflet for more information.

Eco-Hub

What We Believe

We believe…
In one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth… in one Lord, Jesus Christ…
and in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life…
In other words, we believe all the things that Christians believe, in the Church of England, and within the world-wide family of the Anglican Communion which is part of the one holy, catholic and apostolic church – which we also believe in.
But with all of that, we are also convinced that the life God intends for his people is a good life, because God is love. He wants people to live to the full, to enjoy life here and hereafter, but definitely starting here. Living the Christian life is and should be fun. It’s a life of thanksgiving, generosity, sharing and belonging.
We are always happy to talk to anyone who is exploring the meaning of life, and the Christian faith. If you would like to talk to someone about your spiritual journey, or join a small group to learn more about being a Christian, and possibly think about baptism or confirmation, please contact the Vicar.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”. 
John 10.10

An Accessible and Inclusive Church

We aim to be an accessible and inclusive church, suitable for all. 

The main entrance to the church is wheelchair-accessible, and there is also a ramp leading up to the church hall.

There is a disabled WC with baby changing in the church vestry, which can be used at any time before, during, or after services.

There is also a disabled WC with baby changing in the church hall.

We have a T loop for the hard of hearing. Leaders use microphones so are audible throughout the church (including in the vestry).

We have a collection of hymn books, and the Bible, in braille. There are large print versions of hymn books available, and large print copies of the weekly pew sheet.

We are working to understand more about dementia and minister to people who are affected by it.

Our Purpose

We are God’s people in Marston and Elsfield. Our part in his mission to all the people of this parish has four main emphases:

  • proclamation
    We have good news to share and seek constantly to grow in confidence about sharing it, and to look for sensitive and appropriate ways of doing so.
  • nurture
    We believe we are a nurturing church. Children and young people, with Christians of all ages, need to be helped to grow in their faith and love of God, in knowledge and discipleship.
  • community
    We value the church’s links with the local community and see it as a priority to be at the heart of that community, working in partnership with it and for it.
  • tradition
    We have inherited an ancient building which has a special value as a place of prayer and witness. We gladly continue to be good stewards, loving and caring for this place.

Our Values

The qualities we value and seek to model in our church life are that we should be:

  • growing
    expecting more people to come to know Christ, and that all of us will grow in Christian maturity, generosity, and love.
  • inclusive
    believing that God’s love is for everyone, we aim to include and work with all who are seeking God.
  • intergenerational
    being a congregation in which people of all ages feel that they can comfortably belong and have a significant contribution to make.
  • whole life
    seeing our daily life and work as our primary Christian calling, and living this out every day, everywhere.
  • lifelong learning
    being a congregation in which everyone is eager to increase their knowledge and discipleship skills.
  • evangelical
    valuing personal commitment to Christ and experience of the Holy Spirit, through faithfulness to Scripture, regular reception of the sacraments, and an ordered life of prayer.
  • outward-looking
    seeking ways to be informed about, and involved in, God’s mission internationally, ecumenically, and in the pursuit of social justice.
  • celebratory
    enjoying what we do, and finding it life-giving, so that others will want to join us.

These are yardstick qualities by which we aim to measure everything we do.

A prayer for growth

Lord,
fill this church with your Spirit
so that we may grow
in numbers, faith and love.
May we grow up in every way
into Christ who is our head,
to whom, with you
and the Holy Spirit,
be all glory and praise
now and for ever.
Amen.

After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” – Revelation 4.1

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.