Easter walk of witness through the three villages of our Parish
Welcome to St Mary’s Church community. We are an Anglican church, located in the three villages of Stansted, Fairseat and Vigo over a three mile stretch of the beautiful North Downs in Kent.
We are a vibrant community of Christians meeting together to worship on Sundays as well as holding many weekly church, and regular community, events. We host a range of activities including bible studies, prayer meetings, Alpha courses, midweek fellowship and bell ringing, as well social events.
St Mary’s picturesque church building at Stansted is an ideal location for weddings and baptisms, both of which bring the church and communities to life on sunny summer days. Festivals such as Harvest and Christmas are celebrated and supported by the wider community and we enjoy the presence of many visitors to this ancient place of worship.
We would be delighted to hear from you so please feel free to contact us.
Our Parish churches:
The mother church, St Mary the Virgin, dates from the fourteenth century and, although being extensively refurbished in 1883, retains many of the original features. Situated in the village of Stansted, it is at the centre of our activities. Benefitting from an extension, “The Cloisters”, which is connected to the main church via a glazed link, includes a large space for community and church-linked activities, a kitchenette and toilet facilities. An audio-visual display system allows live relay of services from the church to the Cloisters.
Interior of Fairseat Chapel
The Church of the Holy Innocents (Fairseat Chapel) in the village of Fairseat was built in 1930 as a chapel for the adjacent children’s convalescent home. It was later donated to the Church of England by the landowner, Sir Sidney Waterlow, when the convalescent home closed. Sunday 8am Communion and a 10am Family Service on the 5th Sunday of the month are held here.
Vigo Church is held in Vigo Village Hall and serves the people of Vigo Village and beyond. Vigo Village is a modern, rural development with a population of about 2,000. Vigo Church services have a relaxed, lively atmosphere with interactive teaching, a music group and songs from Mission Praise. Fortnightly 10 am services are held here, alternating between Communion and Family Worship.
Annual Festival Services (in addition to our regular Sunday services)
Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Service, with St Mary’s Christmas Choir.
The Blessing of the Crib Service
Carols and Candlelight Service for Children on Christmas Eve
Candlelight Midnight Communion Service on Christmas Eve
Christmas Day Service
Good Friday – Walk with the Cross from Vigo Village to Fairseat with prayers for each village and arriving at Stansted where we hold a special Good Friday Service
Easter Sunday Service
Harvest Festival Service
Remembrance Sunday Services and parade in Vigo, and Stansted
Weekly Church Activities
Monday evenings
Prayer Group – meeting for prayers at Fairseat Chapel at 7.45 – 8.45pm. Please contact 07851 732 489 for details or to request prayer for anything or anyone who is of concern to you.
Tuesdays mornings
Bible Study and Prayer Meeting – Old and New Testament bible readings and themes. Please call 07851 732 489 for further details of times and venues.
Tuesday evenings
Bell Ringing – for more information on how to become involved with bell ringing at St Mary’s Church in Stansted please contact Keith Foxwell via our Contacts page. St Mary’s Stansted, TN15 7PP. Grid reference TQ607621. Latitude: 51,336. Longitude: 0.306
Wednesday mornings
Midweek Fellowship – Join us at Fairseat Church of the Holy Innocents on Wednesday mornings between 10am – 12 noon for prayer, singing, or just quiet contemplation for as little or as long as you wish to stay. Space for God, friendship and prayer in the middle of your hectic week. There’s always tea in the pot and a friendly welcome.
Bible Study Group – For further details please contact Andy Cuttill through our Contacts page or call 01732
Thursdays:
Cloisters Coffee Club from 10am to 12 noon in The Cloisters at St Mary’s, Stansted
Now in its third year our coffee club is very well attended and a popular event in the community’s calendar. The club takes place in our modern, accessible Cloisters Room, attached to St Mary’s Church in Stansted. We meet on Thursdays from 10am to 12 noon each week, except the first Thursday of the month, when the Stansted Village Market runs in the Village Hall. It’s good fun, and you can join in with quizzes, and activities, or just enjoy a cuppa and a chat. With homemade cakes, plenty of tea and coffee and lively company you are assured of a warm welcome.To find out more: contact Churchwarden Rosemary 01732 824300
Fortnightly
Grounds Group – A small group of enthusiastic volunteers meets fortnightly, weather permitting, to keep our grounds looking welcoming and attractive for everyone to enjoy.
Plenty of fresh air, light exercise and good company. We are members of the charity “Caring for God’s Acre” which encourages natural church gardens for the benefit of wildlife and conservation.
Hours 10am – 12 noon, refreshments included.
To find out more please contact churchwarden Rosemary for details of our meeting dates and to learn more email our Contacts page click here