Parish of Kidlington with Hampton Poyle, Diocese of Oxford

in St Mary's K Worship Young people Choir and Organ Bellringers Traidcraft Charity Lunches Summer Teas Open Church Concerts Facilities History Picture Gallery in the Parish TIG Youth Group St J's Under 5's Mothers & Toddlers Fair Trade Mothers' Union Fellowship Groups Julian Meeting Homelessness Churches Together	Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Kidlington The church of St Mary the Virgin is the parish church for Kidlington. The tall spire of this fabulous early mediaeval building is visible from afar. We hope it will draw you to worship with us. Our aim is to make worship, learning about the Bible, and developing our understanding of the way of Jesus Christ, central to our life together. Activities specific to St Mary's are mentioned below, but do look too at the Parish page. Worship The main Sunday service of Holy Communion at 10 a.m. is a sung service and is designed to be inclusive of all. After a blessing, our children leave for a session of art, drama and music based around a scriptural theme, while teenagers hold discussion groups. All return for the Communion Prayer. By varying celebrants and preachers each week, and by drawing on the talent of our lay intercessors and readers, this service balances the festive and meditative, the provocative and comforting. Do join us at the service and for refreshments afterwards in the Refectory. The other Sunday services are as follows. The 8 a.m. service is a quieter Holy Communion, held in the chancel and using the traditional language. The Sunday evening service is held at St John's and is said Evensong or reflective Celtic worship. See the Service Times for the regular midweek services at St Mary's, St John's and St Mary's Hampton Poyle, and the Diary and Notices for details. [Top]
	Young People Come and have fun at Church! With songs, craft, drama, stories and prayers, Sunday School for 3-10 year olds takes place every week during the 10am service. There is also a creche available for younger children. The Holy Rockers, aged 10+, meet during the 10am service for games discussion and art on a Biblical Theme. [Top]
	Choir and Organ St Mary's has a small but proficient mixed choir (6 sopranos, 4 altos, 2 tenors, 2 bass) who lead congregational singing and sing anthems at the 10 a.m. Sunday service and other festivals. They rehearse at 9.15 each Sunday, and in the evening (6-8pm) of the 1st Sunday in the month. New members are always welcomed. If you enjoy singing, contact the Director of Music. [Top]	St Mary's Organ
	Bellringers St Mary's has a peal of eight bells, ranging from the Tenor weighing in at over 1 ton to the Treble. The bells are rung regularly from 9.20am each Sunday, at weddings, Festivals, and for events of national importance. We are members of the Oxford City Branch of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers. We often welcome visiting ringers, and also visit other towers. The ringers meet at 9.15 for the 10am service, and from 7.30-9pm on Tuesdays to practice. We would welcome and ringers to join, both experienced and those wishing to start from scratch. Contact St Mary's Tower Captain. [Top]	Tower details
	Traidcraft Our church is committed to the issue of Fair Trade, and aims to provide a monthly stall of Traidcraft products to encourage the buying of these products locally. Other activities include getting involved in local collaborations to highlight Fair Trade issues and to organize events in the village. Contact St Mary's Traidcraft Organizer. [Top] Charity Lunches There are occasional charity lunches held in the Refectory, usually on a Saturday. These are advertised in the weekly newssheet and in the Diary and Notices [Top]
	Summer Teas Summer starts in mid May! This is when the refectory opens its doors for the annual Summer Sunday Afternoon Teas season. Come and enjoy tea, coffee, and various cakes between 3.00pm and 5.00pm. The church is open for visitors during this time. [Top]
	Open Church The church is open for visitors during from 3.30pm to 5.30pm on Sundays during the Summer Tea season (see above.) In addition the Church is open on Wednesdays during the Summer months of May to September from 2.30 to 5.00pm. Popular with both local and visiting walkers, it is a beautiful and tranquil building in which to pause for a while during an afternoon stroll. See the history and gallery pages for a glimpse. [Top]
	Concert Programme There are several musical concerts held in St Mary's during the year, notably a regular programme by the Adderbury Ensemble, and concerts by the Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) and the Woodstock Choral Society. The church is also used by the local schools for their Christmas Carol Services. [Top]
	Facilities The entrances to the church are wide enough for wheel and pushchair access, and there is a purpose built disabled-access toilet. A loop induction system is installed and used for all main services. Copies of the news-sheet and service booklets are available in large print copies as required. [Top]