St Mary's Church

General information

St Mary's dates from 1069, when the Earl of Hereford ordered it built. Since then, it has been a home of worship and a significant part of life in Shinfield. The building is Grade 1 listed, and is known for some remarkable architecture (especially the fine, uncommonly timbered roof).

From the moment people walk into St Mary’s it is our aim to provide a welcoming, friendly experience and trust for them to leave with happy memories and hopefully, spiritual food for thought.

There has been a great deal of youth work at St Mary's recently. There is a thriving Mothers and Toddlers group, and YAMS (Youth @ St Mary's) has gone from strength to strength. Tea services for younger children are a great success (although slightly messy!), and Family Carols on Christmas Eve attracts over 400 people each year. Family services occur once a month, and are designed to appeal to children.

The Church also has close links with Shinfield Junior School and Infant School, where after-school clubs and worship groups are run.

With a newly refurbished organ, four part choir, bell ringers and a music group, music is central to worship at St Mary's. A mix of tradition and modern music is often employed, and works well. The tower contains 6 bells, and the tenor weighs 13cwt (660kg).

St Mary's also runs many events throughout the year, which are always well attended. These include the harvest supper, summer fete, winter carnival, flower festivals and the annual bellringers’ quiz. The church also runs a very well supported cake stall at the village May Day Fete.

In amongst all this activity, St Mary’s is also a place for quiet, spiritual reflection and this is a key part of all our services – time to reflect on one’s relationship with God and life. Services at St Mary’s offer a range of worship styles, from the traditional Book of Common Prayer’s Said Communion and Evensong, the Common Worship Eucharist, to more informal Family Services which are often used for baptisms. The Family Services have significant input from lay members and children in the form of short plays, reading and interactive stories. We are working towards opening the church more frequently by making the vestry secure with metal decorative screens, allowing the community at large a chance not only to see the church but also to act as a place for quiet meditation.