About Us

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

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.

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.

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.

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