NAME OF GROUP

Age

Footprints
All parents and carers with pre-school children are invited to join. They meet on Wednesday afternoons during term-time from 1.15pm until 2.45pm in the Parish Hall for craft, songs and lots of fun. Every other Wednesday a Bible story will accompany the craft.

0 – 4 years

Trekkers  (Sunday School)
Children aged 4-10 are welcome at Trekkers (formerly the Sunday School), which meets in St Mary's School hall, opposite the church, on Sundays from 9.30 to 10.30 am - except the first Sunday, when they come to church. The work is varied and geared to different ages and abilities. Twice a year they hold a service in the church, and there are Summer and Christmas activities.

4 – 10 years

Stompers (Youth Group)
Young people from 11 to 14 join SToMPers, the Youth Group affiliated to St Mary's. They meet in Shenfield Parish Hall every third Friday in the month from 7.00 to 9.00 pm and occasionally in between for sporting activities. Other activities include discos, games and outings.

11 – 14 years

Scouts/Cubs/Beavers
The 1st Shenfield Scout Group: Beavers (6-8s); Cubs (8-10s); Scouts (10-15s); Venture Scouts (15-20s).  These groups attend quarterly parade services in St. Mary’s Church on the first Sunday in the month at 9.30 am.

4 – 18 years

Guides/Brownies/Rainbows
The Shenfield District Guides have two Brownie Packs, a Guide Company and the Sherwood Rangers. Rainbows (5-7s); Brownies (7-10s); Guides (10-14s); Rangers (14-18s). These groups attend monthly parade services in St. Mary’s Church on the first Sunday in the month at 9.30 am.

4 – 18 years

Mothers’ Union
There is a large branch in the parish, covering a wide age range.  Members are fully involved in the life and work of the parish.  They also take part in diocesan projects designed to strengthen family relationships and to assist families in adversity.  Currently the Diocesan President lives in the parish and worships at St. Mary’s.

Adults

St. Mary’s Open Branch
This group was formed in 1967 and membership is open to women.  They meet in the Parish Hall once a month and hear speakers on all sorts of topics.  Theatre trips and coach outings to places of local and national interest are arranged during the year.  Visitors are always welcome.  Corporate Communions are held four times during the year.

Adults

Garden Society
The Garden Society meets in the Parish Hall once a month.  Their aim is to encourage, improve and extend the cultivation of flowers, fruit and vegetables.  They hold three shows each year and have coffee mornings, a Christmas supper and various outings.

Adults

FINANCE

St. Mary’s is the largest contributor to the Deanery Share with an allocation for 2008 of £126,096.  In spite of regular appeals we have struggled to meet our target during recent years.  In 2007 the General Fund was in balance, but there was an excess of expenditure over income on the Restricted Funds.

Special appeals enabled major expenditure since the millennium, which has included a new three manual organ, complete replacement lighting and development of the Butterfly Meadow.  Special appeals provided most of the money required for these projects. Restricted funds for Fabric, Churchyard, Bells, Soft Furnishings and the Youth Group exist to support these activities.  In addition the fundraising group collects money each year (equivalent to 10% of the prior year’s voluntary income) to support selected local and national charities, with any surplus helping to meet the Deanery Share.

Clergy are provided with monthly allowances for expenses.

We have a strong Stewardship Scheme run by the Stewardship Committee.  Members of the congregation are encouraged to donate under Gift Aid.

The Parochial Church Council owns the caretaker’s house. 

The Parochial Church Council has provided a computer for the use of the incumbent.