Menu:
St. Mary's Apsley
Shop online and fund raise for St. Mary's
St Mary's Church, a Grade C listed building, was consecrated in 1871, and was the vision of Charles Longman, a senior partner in John Dickinson's paper mills which dominated the old industrial village of Apsley. The village was the birthplace of paper's industrial revolution, now being preserved as a unique heritage site. The church is a fine gothic, flint building, with spire and six bells. The village of Apsley has changed beyond all recognition with the disappearance of the paper mills and very significant housing development taking place.
The church is probably best described as liberal catholic, with the eucharist at the heart of its worship Sunday by Sunday. The congregation is drawn predominantly from within the parish boundaries with a good mix of ages. There is a strong Sunday School led by a very committed group of people, who also organise other activities for children at other times throughout the year e.g. an Advent workshop. Throughout the year there are special services which attract a larger than normal congregation e.g. Mothering Sunday, Harvest, the annual service commemorating the departed and the Christmas Crib service. A recently appointed young organist as Director of Music is beginning to develop the musical life of the church.
Recent developments in the spiritual life of the congregation have been two teaching weeks entitled Xcite 2008-09. The first in 2008 had at its theme The Eucharist and the most recent one in 2009 was entitled 'The Bible Comes To Life', with a variety of speakers and leaders exploring the significance of the Bible for contemporary Christian understanding, living and witnessing. Another recent development has been the formation of four house groups currently studying Luke's Gospel.
There is an on-going discussion and exploration by the congregation considering how a re-ordered interior of the church might look making it fit for the purposes of 21st century worship and mission. Not surprisingly this is a lively debate! Also, the refurbishment of the toilets and kitchen is about to begin and then consideration will be given to re-wiring the church, installing a new lighting system, overhauling the bells and renewing the porch doors to make the entrance to the church more open and welcoming.
Among its community involvements St Mary's currently participates in a number of inter-faith events and activities, financially and practically supports two local charities - Druglink which supports those affected by substance misuse and DENS which seeks to meet the needs of homeless people in the Borough of Dacorum. The church also supports the work of Christian Aid and the Bishop of St Albans annual harvest appeal, which this year is entitled 'Changing Climate, Changing Lives'.
Since 1847 there has been a church school in the district. The school was built by John Dickinson for the children of his employees at the paper mill. The school continues to draw children from the local community and beyond and is assessed as a school with a very strong Christian ethos. School and church links are very strong with several governors being committed church members.
A very warm welcome awaits anyone who wishes to become an active member of St Mary's where we believe there is a place and a role for everyone. For more information about the worship, life and work of the church see below.
Next Events
Services at St. Mary's
Sundays
8.00am - Said Eucharist
10.00am - Sung Eucharist & Young Peoples' Groups
6.30pm - Evening Worship
Weekdays
Morning Prayer is said most days but times do vary.
Thursdays 9.30am - Said Eucharist
Groups and Activities at St. Mary's
Weekly Activities
Sunday School and YES Group meet at 10.00am every Sunday
Buzzy Bees - a very lively mums/dads/grandparents and toddler group meets every Tuesday during term time at 10.00am.
Working Party meets on Mondays and Fridays 10.00am - 12 noon cleaning the church and maintaining the churchyard.
Thursday morning refreshments served after the Eucharist
Saturday Morning Cafe from 10.00am until 12 noon serving refreshments.
Developing our Faith
There are currently several house groups meeting as well as one every Thursday morning after the Eucharist. There is a monthly meditative prayer group and a group which prays specifically for health and healing. Throughout the year there are Lent and Advent study groups as well as other meetings and occasions for nurturing faith and spirituality.
Rotas
Contact Details
The Revd. David Lawson - Team Rector
01923 291077
david@beneficeoflangelei.org.uk
The Revd. Karen Turner - Assistant Curate
karen@beneficeoflangelei.org.uk
St. Mary's Church
London Road
Hemel Hempstead
HP3 9ST
stmarys@beneficeoflangelei.org.uk
Location Map
Churchwardens:
Harry Graham-Brown 01442 393058
Sue Jakeman 01442 266299
stmarys-cw@beneficeoflangelei.org.uk