Groups & Clubs
Connect Youth Group
- 6:15pm - 7:45pm
- Every Friday
- Parish Hall
- youth@stmary-porchester.org.uk
A community group for young people in Year 4 to 8. Each week there are activities, games, talking and a tuck shop! Parents are welcome to stay for tea, coffee and a chat in the smaller room or can drop off and pick up at the end.
Momentum Youth Group
- 7:45pm - 9:00pm
- Every Thursday
- Parish Hall
- youth@stmary-portchester.org.uk
MOMENTUM meets each Friday at the Parish Hall from 7:45pm-9:00pm. This is a community youth group geared towards young people in years 9+. Each week there are activities, games, talking!
St Mary's Lambs
- 10:30am - 11:45am
- Every Wednesday
- St Mary's Church
- 07498302950
St Mary’s Lambs is our friendly group for children aged 0-5 and their carers. Each session starts with a prayer and songs where the children (and adults!) are invited to choose their favourite songs to shake their musical instruments and sing along to before quieting down for a story on the mat. Refreshments are then kindly brought through, courtesy of the Tea Rooms, so carers can enjoy a hot drink and piece of cake whilst the children are free to play or get crafty on the arts and crafts table. St Mary’s Lambs is a sociable group and if you are interested in finding out more come along on a Wednesday and join us, we would love to meet you.
Messy Church
- 3:30pm - 5:30pm
- Second Thursday of the month
- The Methodist Church
- youth@stmary-portchester.org.uk
Messy Church takes place on the second Thursday of each month, except August. This is an after school activity for families, whose children must be accompanied, throughout, by an adult. It is held at the Methodist Church, and run by Churches Together in Portchester. There are games, crafts, a short, lively service and a cooked meal, finishing by six o’clock. The sessions are free, but donations towards the cost of food and activities are appreciated. To find out more about Messy Church, you can visit them at www.messychurch.org.uk.
Hand Bells
- 7:30pm - 9:00pm
- Every Monday
- St Mary's Church
- office@stmary-portchester.org.uk
Castle Hand Bell Ringers play music from a wide range of genres to a wide range of audiences, including weddings, local hospices, nursing homes, WI groups, the Lord Mayors of Portsmouth & Fareham, The Mary Rose Museum, Titchfield Abbey and even the officers Christmas ball at HMS Collingwood. The bells themselves were made by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough and there are 31 altogether, giving a 2½ octave range. If you would like us to come and play for your group or are interested in giving hand bell ringing a go, please contact Robert or Margaret English via the office. We are always looking for new members and no previous musical experience is necessary, just a sense of fun, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Contemplative Prayer Group
- 9:30am - 10:30am
- Every Thursday
- St Mary's Church
- office@stmary-portchester.org.uk
Half an hour of silent contemplation in the north transept. Not doing or speaking; but ‘being’, and in the silence, listening and being open to God’s Spirit. The prayer is preceded by a short reflection from one of the great spiritual writers.
Tea and Company
- 2:15pm - 3:30pm
- First Sunday of the month
- Parish Hall
- office@stmary-portchester.org.uk
This group is particularly for those who have been bereaved and who would appreciate a little social gathering with those who have gone through similar experiences. We meet on the first Sunday of month from 2.15-3.30pm and use the small room in the Parish Hall. We share a cup of tea or coffee, homemade cake and a friendly chat or opportunity to share how we feel with a trained listener. We might be able to arrange a lift if transport or mobility is difficult. Please contact Eric or Rachel Standen via the office for more information.
Men's Breakfast
- 8:00am - 9:45am
- Second Saturday of the month
- St Mary's Church
- office@stmary-portchester.org.uk
On the second Saturday of each month, from 8.00am – 9.45am in the New Room, around 20 men gather together for a light breakfast, a time of fellowship, short worship and a speaker. We’ve had speakers from a variety of churches and many different subjects: mission trips to Africa, Prison chaplaincy; Naval chaplaincy; being a Christian in the workplace, drug and alcohol recovery, bible study and much more. We give a warm welcome to all men. There is no charge, but there is a donation box to cover the costs of the food. Anything left over is donated to charity. You don’t need to book, just turn up and you will be made so welcome.
Jennifer's House Group
- 1:30pm - 3:30pm
- Every Tuesday (Term Time)
- St Mary's Church
- office@stmary-portchester.org.uk
We aim to grow closer together as the early church did, by sharing in fellowship, prayer and bible study. Meeting as a group is another way of engaging with our faith. Small groups offer the chance to discuss, think about new things and hear different viewpoints, all of which might have new insights to offer. Feel free to contact our office to find out more.
Jennifer's House Group
- 1:30pm - 3:30pm
- Every Tuesday (Term Time)
- St Mary's Church
- office@stmary-portchester.org.uk
We aim to grow closer together as the early church did, by sharing in fellowship, prayer and bible study. Meeting as a group is another way of engaging with our faith. Small groups offer the chance to discuss, think about new things and hear different viewpoints, all of which might have new insights to offer. Feel free to contact our office to find out more.