Families
We want children to know how special and valued they are. We believe that each child matters and is precious and important to God. We have a number of activities on Sundays and during the week and in all our children’s groups, our leaders and volunteers are DBS checked and have undergone safeguarding training.
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If you would like more details on any of the activities below, please contact our Children and Families Worker.
Family services
These short (approximately 30 mins), informal services are for children of all ages, often involving craft activities.
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Normally on the second Sunday of the month (09:45 for crafts, service starting at 10:15) at St Mary's in Wallingford and the first Sunday of the month (09:30 or 16:00) at St Agatha's in Brightwell.
Jesus and Me (JAM) Children's Church
We want to have lots of fun in our JAM Kids program. It is held every Sunday, except the second Sunday of the month, at 10:00, during Parish Communion in St Mary's Wallingford. Together we explore Bible stories and the Christian faith through games, drama, songs, crafts and much more. Feel free to join us.
Babies and toddlers on Wednesday
Baby singing starts at 10:00 in St Mary's Wallingford. We are aimed at the younger baby and it's free! The toddler group Tiny toes runs 10:00–11:15 with toys and crafts, drinks and biscuits (£1 per family). This is a place for young children with their parents or carers to come and meet with others. We play, sing together, hear stories and enjoy eating our snacks together in a relaxed, creative and happy environment.
Other activities
There are lots of groups or areas you can volunteer to get involved with. Here is a snap shot – more details can be found by clicking the image.
The band practice during the week and ring for services and special occasions.
Choir practice is held on Friday evening starting with the junior choristers.
Join a small group of who play in Wallingford at the Family Service.
Emmaus and Bible groups meet to discuss the Christian faith.
A relaxed friendship group that meets monthly with occasional speakers.
All types of skills and talents can be used from welcoming to streaming.
Help maintain the flowers, including seasonal celebrations.
Drop in for a chat or help out serving coffee in Wallingford and Brightwell.
Find out more about local and international causes the Parish is supporting.
Hire the space
St Mary's (in Wallingford) was reordered to provide a more versatile space that could be used by the wider community. The space can be configured for many different types of events: markets, exhibitions, concerts, singing practice or meetings. It can be booked for a one off or more regularly. Find out more here.
Other community links
Caring for Carers
Sometimes it helps to talk about carer experiences; other times, just enjoying the company of others without having to explain yourself is comfort enough, knowing that
you are not alone.​ Members may be caring for a family member or a friend who is unwell, ageing or has a disability.
The group promotes sharing of ideas, information and providing support to each other, encouraging self care, and putting you in touch with agencies that can assist you with respite and other carer needs. It provides a much needed break and a chance to get out of the house.
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Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 14:00–15:30
Friends of St Mary’s
& St Leonard’s
Established 1981, the Friends’ main purpose is to support, by fundraising, the work of the Wallingford Parochial Church Council (PCC) in conserving and maintaining the fabric of both churches. Since its inception, the Friends have raised over £200,000 towards this vital repair and restoration work. The Friends do not contribute towards the day-to-day expenses of either church or their running costs. You do not have to be a churchgoer to wish to see these magnificent buildings preserved and protected for future generations. In addition to annual subscriptions, a variety of events, open to all, is held every year to raise additional funds.
Street Pastors
This is a Churches Together initiative in which we participate. Wallingford Street Pastors were commissioned on 28th October 2011 and had their first night on the streets after the service. We need volunteers to be trained to patrol the streets on Friday nights; they are also active on Saturday nights for special events, such as Bunkfest. We also need ‘Prayer Pastors’ who pray at the night time base and ‘Prayer Partners’ who pray at home while the patrols are out. Both can keep in touch by phone and text messages. For more information, click here.
Wallingford Emergency Food Bank
The food bank was setup by Churches Together in the Wallingford Area with the aim of providing emergency food packages to those who need them. To find out more, click here.
You can leave food in the church, under the table near the TV screen, when the church is open; donated food must have a Use By date of at least 3 months ahead; no fresh food. Ideal foods to donate include canned foods, pasta, cereals, tea and coffee etc.
