Music has always been an important part of the life of St Mary's Church, from Choir singing at the Sunday Services, to evensong and special dedicated choir presentations. The Organ plays a crucial role in this too providing a marvellous base for the singing and also being used in its own right in organ recitals.
There has been a robed choir at St Mary's since the church was dedicated in 1861. Currently there is an adult mixed S.A.T.B choir, with the core of its members drawn from people resident in the area. Additionally, we are also pleased to welcome students studying at the Birmingham Universities who frequently reside in Selly Oak and regularly supplement our choir.
Music at St Mary's is mostly of traditional Anglican style, the choir singing at the weekly Sunday morning 10.00am Parish Eucharist, and once each month singing a full Choral Evensong at 6.30pm. Choir practice is held on Friday evenings, commencing at 7.30 pm. The choir also sing on occasions at church weddings.
Enquiries about joining the choir can be made to the Organist & Choir Director, Sarah Marshall or Deputy Organist, Kate Cheyney. Alternatively, come along to any of the church services and enquire to Sarah, Kate or any of the clergy. You will be assured of a welcome in this friendly choir!
At St Mary's Church, there is a three manual pipe organ with 38 speaking stops plus usual accessories. Parts of the organ date back to the original instrument installed in 1862. Rebuilds by Nicholson's of Worcester (1902, 1958) and Sheffield's of Olton (1996) have ensured that the organ has been kept in excellent condition. A booklet giving comprehensive details about the organ is available in church and details can also be found on-line through the National Pipe Organ Register (NPOR) No. R00928.
We are happy (subject to making suitable access arrangements) for individuals to come and play the organ, either on an one-off occasion, or for more regular practice sessions. In recent years, we have been contacted by the Birmingham Conservatoire's Organ Department, to be of assistance in allowing students access to the organ. Anyone interested should contact the Organist and Choir Director, Sarah Marshall or the Incumbent.
We have eight bells which are rung before the 10am service on Sunday (and on Wednesday evening between 7:30pm and 9pm for practice) as well as other occasions such as weddings and special services.
Ringing is generally within the capabilities of most people and offers an enjoyable hobby that can be both challenging and rewarding. It is a team activity that stimulates the brain and also keeps you fit. The initial teaching takes a number of weeks after which a learner can begin to ring with the rest of the band. Whilst visiting, or relocating to other areas, ringers are always welcome in local towers and can soon feel at home in new surroundings, thus enabling them to make new friends. Ringers come from all walks of life and range in age from 10 to those in their 80s. We are always in need of new ringers so if you would like to find out more or come to see what goes on please contact us and we can put you in touch with Joanne Goodall or Gill Sanders.
Junior Church is for those under 12 to gather together for their own age-appropriate worship and learning about the Bible and the Christian life. This is done through a variety of activities, including crafts, games, puzzles and storytelling.
Junior Church gather in church for worship, moving to the church hall with any parents of pre-school children and helpers after the first hymn. Children, parents and helpers return to church in time for Communion when everyone is invited to come forward to the altar to receive the bread and the wine, or a blessing. Before the end of the service, the children have an opportunity to tell the congregation what they did that morning.
Junior Church meets during term time. Several times a year during all-age Eucharists, children are encouraged to participate in the liturgy, for example by leading prayers, reading, bringing forward the elements of bread and wine, and gathering around the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer.
At Christmas and Easter, children’s activity mornings are held on a Saturday in the church hall, with crafts, games, refreshments and storytelling. Junior Church children enjoying leading a Nativity play each Christmas in church.
All Junior Church Leaders are DBS checked and receive safeguarding training.
Children 12 and Above
Children of this age are encouraged to help in the Church service as a server, in the choir, helping with the collection or giving out hymn books. They are also very welcome to help in Junior Church. If any of these activities appeal, please speak to one of the church wardens or the clergy.
Book Group
We have a group that meet once a month or so to discuss a book, please see the News and Events page for details.
Coffee Mornings
We hold monthly Coffee Mornings in various homes and venues in the parish, please see the News and Events page for details.
Study Groups
Short courses and study groups on Spirituality, the Bible, church life, and contemporary issues run at various times throughout the year. For details see the News and Events page.
St Mary's Church
925 Bristol Road
Selly Oak
Birmingham
B29 6ND
Charity Registration Number: 1137205
