A message from Paul our Vicar...

Thanks for taking a look at our website! St Francis is a growing church for all ages from young families with babies and toddlers, through children and youth, and every adult age, right up to our most senior members. We are a friendly, intergenerational church family with a range of activities to enable everyone to be involved. We are an evangelical charismatic Anglican Church although members of other denominations (and none) find a home with us.

Our growth accelerated five years ago when we launched our new Informal Worship service at 11.00am . Since then we have undertaken a £450,000 renovation of our church building to bring it up to modern standards and suitable to support our mission. At the same time we gave 10% away (£45,000) to build a secondary school at Juba in Southern Sudan . You can find out more about the school, and how to sponsor children who attend, by following the links on this website. Our stated aim is that we should ‘ Know Jesus and Make Him Known' . We are looking forward to continuing reach out to our friends and neighbours from our renewed church base, and long to be more and more a renewed people inspired by God's word and love.

Do explore this website to find out what goes on and do feel free to give me a ring or drop me an email if you would like more information.

 

Paul

 

Activities and Groups

Alpha Course Well known across Britain , this course explains Christian faith and experience to those who would like to know what it is all about. Who is Jesus? Why the Cross?, What about suffering?, Can prayer work ? These questions are all covered in ten sessions. Each evening starts with a meal at 7.15pm followed by a video and discussion. See separate details.

Home Groups We meet midweek, in small groups in homes, to learn from the bible, pray and support one another. This is a good way to get to know others.

Mums Bible Study

Ladies' Events There are regular Ladies evenings. Recent events have involved films, make up and chocolate fountains!

Mother's Union This group is made up of a willing group of older ladies and is a powerhouse of prayer! The group meets once a month

Mens' Group These include our Monthly Mens Breakfast takes place on the first Saturday of the month 8.30-10.00am in the Hall (Neve Room). Men's nights also take place and the occasional task is undertaken!

Music Our Worship Band meets on Tuesday evenings, and our Choir meets on Friday evenings to prepare for our Sunday worship. They welcome new members to join them.

Prayer Ministry Team Prayer is offered during our main services for any who would like it. The prayer team meet regularly to intercede for the needs of the church and support individuals in need.

Marriage Course This is run from time to time as their is a need.

Task Groups Many different groups work to keep St Francis running successfully.

Pastoral Care For help with pastoral needs please contact our Pastoral Ministers , Ida and Tony Mundy Tel : 322094

 

Children and Youth

Toddler Area and Creche (0-3 years) There is a large carpeted children's area in the main body of the church with small table and chairs, toys, books etc. At the 11.00am service there is also a crèche for children ages 0-3 in the Chapter Room. We do not worry too much about noise in the church and there are plenty of children to make it!!

Sunday Club Meets every Sunday in our Church Halls during the 11.00am service with lively bible based activities for children aged 3-12.

Frankies (secondary years 7 & 8) also meet during the 11.00am service and also link up with Fuse and the youth activities.

Youth – Fuse Is the main youth meeting on Sunday evenings from 7.45pm - 9.15pm . The young people look at the bible and living out their faith in the contemporary world. There are also social events, opportunities for service, and trips away including attending Soul Survivor. (See youth pages) During the week their is a youth enquirers group called RISE where questions of life and faith can be explored and also cell groups for those who are a bit further on. The young people run a major youth event called RESPONSE from time to time. During the 11.00am service the young people serve in the worship band, Sunday Club, and helping to lead worship.

Toddler Worship An informal time of singing, bible story and crafts for preschool children and their Mums', Dads', Grans', Carers' followed by coffee. 9.45am on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays in the Chapter Room. (You can come anytime from 9.00am onwards)

Teddy Bears A large active Toddler Group runs in the Hall every Thursday from 10.00–12noon and is a great way of children learning to socialise and for children and adults to make new friends.

Ladybirds Pre-School A small preschool meets in designated rooms at the rear of the Hall Complex. Applications Tel: 07951 919737

Uniformed Groups St Francis supports popular Guide and Scout Groups and the groups attend parade service regularly.