St Francis Church

What are we?

St Francis Church in Clayhall Road is a small mission church, built over 100 years ago, with a regular attending congregation of between 25 and 30 across the family age range, including the very young and the elderly.  We offer transport to church for those who need it, pastoral visiting, and outreach in our local community as well as worship.  Our style is relaxed and friendly as befits the building.  We set up and clear away our church furniture each week as the hall is in regular use on weekdays throughout the year by community groups.

In addition to providing worship, we have equipment including a piano, overhead projector and screen, a kitchen equipped as a servery (not for food preparation) and a garden.  We also have a hearing loop available for use.

 Our building can be used by up to 65 people and we can provide crockery and cutlery for about 50. There are 4 large tables and 4 small children’s tables.  Chairs are wooden church chairs (40 of these), and upholstered (25 of these), plus children’s chairs.  The floor is wood in the hall (non-slip polish finish) and tiled in the activity room.  We have two toilets and a baby changing facility.

Sunday worship

 11.15am every Sunday. Each month the pattern is :

1^st Sunday Family communion (Sunday School in term-time)

2^nd Sunday Family Worship (Sunday School in term-time)

3^rd Sunday Family Worship (Sunday School in term-time)

4^th Sunday All age worship (no Sunday school)

5^th Sunday Family Worship (Sunday School in term-time)

6.30pm service on 3^rd Sunday in the month –

In January/March/May/July/September/November, this is a Communion service. 

In February/April/June/August/October/December, this is Evening Prayer.

The usual pattern for worship at festivals is (all at 11.15am):

Christmas Day – Family worship

Easter Day – Family Communion

Pentecost – Family worship or communion according to the date in the month

Harvest/patronal festival – family worship

We decorate the church for Christmas, Easter, and our Harvest/Patronal Festival.

In addition to this pattern of regular worship, we offer Bible study / Lent groups, which take place throughout the year, and are advertised in the pew leaflet and on the noticeboards.  These are usually held on a weekday lunchtime, with a simple soup and roll lunch followed by an hour of bible study and discussion based on structured material.

Also a House Group meets at the church usually twice a month on first and third Thursday evenings during term time.  New members are welcome. Contact: Paula Heald on gomerlane@msn.com

And we have a Library, a small collection of books on religious themes which are available for borrowing.

Sunday School

This is run in term-time by Trudy Riches and Carol Hicks with help from other parents.  Children of nursery and primary school age are welcome.  Drawing and quiz material is provided at other services for children’s use.  We also offer activity bags for younger children together with percussion instruments for all who wish to join in at our services.

Social Events

We run a range of social events – e.g. ploughman’s supper with beetle drive evening; sausage and mash with a quiz night; ‘American style’ shared lunch after a service.  These take place throughout the year, are advertised in the parish diary, the pew sheet, and notice boards.

Fundraising

We actively fund raise for the maintenance of this 100 year old building throughout the year in a variety of ways.  Twice a year we hold a coffee morning with stalls (books, cards, cakes, plants, bric-a-brac, fairly traded goods, and a raffle).  These are advertised locally with posters, and in the parish diary. These events are well supported and offer enjoyable fellowship as well as items for sale.

Management

St Francis’ Church is managed by its District Council, which has members drawn from the congregation. The Council meets 6 times a year, usually after the evening communion service, the meeting starting at about 7.45pm.

Chairman: the Rector

Vice Chairman: Mr Eric Skinner

Secretary: Mrs Kay Lancaster ((023 9252 2113; richard@lancasterr.fsnet.co.uk )

Treasurer: Mrs Bev Harris ((023 9252 3597)

Lettings Agent: Mrs Lesley Walker ((023 9236 7102; email LWalkerGos@aol.com )

User Group Information

Parent and Toddler Group

This is led by Trudy Riches, and offers - puzzles & toys, dressing-up, colouring, craft activities, singing.  And of course, lots of fun.  There is a baby corner, and a baby changing facility.  We offer a very friendly and caring atmosphere, and everyone is welcome.  The Parent and Toddler Group runs at the church on Tuesdays from 9.45 to 11.15 am (term time), with a cost of £1.25 per session, including refreshments.

Babes & Busy Bees (The National Childbirth Trust)

Website: www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com)

This group offers craft, singing, active play and refreshments, for children aged 0-5 years.  Again all welcome.  The group meets at St Francis Church on Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 11.30 am.  £1.50/family.

Please contact Tinou Neal, tel 023 9258 3005.

International Folk Dancing in Alverstoke!

People passing St Francis Church on a Monday morning will have heard sounds of music and merriment coming forth!  These come from our dance group which meets regularly on Mondays, at 10.00am, for an hour of easy folk dances and good fun.  Age and inexperience are no barriers and there is a sound loop available to those with hearing problems.

For more information, please ring Tessa & David on 023 9252 6489, or look on the web at www.interfolk.co.uk/gfi

Health & Nutrition Club

Wednesday evenings 7.00 - 8.30 pm

Rainbows

Wednesday evenings 5.00 - 6.00 pm in term time

Guides

Friday evenings 7.00 - 9.00 pm in term-time

Trefoil Guild

First Tuesday in the month 7.00-9.00pm

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