Groups and Community
The church is people, and St Michael’s people gather into groups to manage its physical assets and to share their Christian faith and enjoy each other’s company. Here are the main groups that form the St Michael’s “people base”.
Friends of St Michael’s. The Friends raise funds to preserve and improve the building and furnishings of our ancient parish church. New members are welcome. Find out more on the Friends page.
Men’s Breakfast. Monthly, the men of the church enjoy a cooked English breakfast together at the Walnut Tree Inn in the village and chat about whatever interests them. Starting time is 9.00am. Contact: Bill Coltham, organiser, tel 01747 861391.
Organist and choir. The organ or a substitute is played at the main 10.30am Sunday service and at all other services that feature music. There is a mixed-voice robed choir that sings at most services and which is extended as the Festival Choir for special services. You are very welcome to join in.
Parochial Church Council (PCC). The PCC can have up to 20 members: the parish priest, a number of elected members and two churchwardens, together with three elected Deanery Synod representatives and one or two licensed lay ministers. The PCC has responsibility for the church’s physical assets and its fellowship and spiritual life, working in a set of sub-committees. See Who’s Who for the members’ names. It meets every two months, and in April it publishes an annual report on its work.
The Grove Building. Built in 1891 across Church Street from St Michael’s, the Grove Building now provides modern and comfortable meeting rooms for the church and other community groups. It has a large main hall, a small hall and a fully-equipped kitchen, plus male and female toilets. It also provides disabled access and toilets. Visit the Grove Building website for more details or to make a booking.
Mothers’ Union. The Mothers Union is an Anglican organisation, but welcomes people of any Christian denomination who are committed to the care and support of families and family life. Through its local membership overseas and in the UK, it provides a huge range of imaginative social and health care, training and support for families in difficulties. The Mere branch, though quite small, supports this work but also enjoys a varied programme that includes sharing fellowship, gifts and skills and widening its horizons of interest. The meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 2.30pm in the Grove Building. Visitors and new members are always welcome – and you don’t have to be a mother to belong: men are welcome, too! Contact: Christine Marsh, tel. 01747 861212, email: c.marsh676@btinternet.com.