St Mary Magdalene’s – Appleton
The church was built in the 1960s with funding from the Parish Church of St Thomas, Stockton Heath. Substantial improvements and refurbishments were carried out around the Millennium. The modern facilities make the church a hub for a variety of community activities.
Worship at St Mary Magdalene’s broadly follows the Catholic tradition of the Church of England. Our main service is Family Communion with Sunday School, celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 am, when you will find a congregation of all ages with different church backgrounds. The family service is relatively informal with an average attendance of around 35 people. Communion is usually taken standing “in the round”. All those in a state of grace with their own church may receive communion with us. We use a modern language liturgy and our hymns are accompanied by piano.
Sunday evening services follow a variety of formats, such as Taizé or contemplative prayer, and a monthly joint service is shared with the local Methodist Church. The times of evening services vary (see Calendar for details).
Many regular attenders are involved in our services as readers, servers, intercessors, and in providing refreshments after the service.
The congregation supports relief, development and mission charities. Practical help is offered to those who are sick, lonely or housebound.
Do come and join us at St Mary Magdalene’s. You will be welcomed without being overwhelmed.
Our churches support the Stockton Heath Christian Aid Committee, which organises the local house to house collection that takes place in May every year. Collections are also taken in our churches when necessary to support the work of the Disasters Emergency Committee. During Christian Aid Week 2016 our churches raised over £2004.
Fair Trade is an alternative way of trading which challenges the exploitation of the poor by demonstrating that trade with the Third World can and should be based on justice, concern for people, and care for the environment. A Fair Trade stall runs at St. Mary Magdalene’s on occasional Sundays. Goods and produce are provided by FAIR 4 ALL, from its stall in Warrington Market. Seasonal items, including Christmas cards and a variety of handcrafted goods, can be purchased during the lead-up to Christmas and at other times by special order. If you wish to hear more of our work or if you wish to help, please get in touch with Diz Banyard, phone FAIR 4 ALL on 01925 415121 or visit www.facebook.com/Fair4All.