St Mary's, Fishponds

Welcome to St Mary’s church, Fishponds!

Nestled in an oasis of green in the urban sprawl of northeast Bristol, next to Fishponds Park, the congregation of St Mary’s Fishponds has been worshiping God and serving our community for over 200 years. We offer a warm welcome to anyone who wants to come, wherever you are on your journey through life and faith, through hospitality, worship, prayer and pastoral support. As half of the benefice of All Saints and St Mary, we work closely with our partner church All Saints. We believe in a God who is compassionate and surprising, just and merciful, and we would love you to join us.

Urgent Special Message from Rev’d Lizzie and PCC

St Mary’s Church heaters were serviced on Monday and they did not pass their tests. This means that we have no heating in church currently. As we “ride this wave” and make short and long term decisions as a church about temporary and permanent heating options then please be advised for the meantime:

Services will continue as normal in Church.
Wrap up warm!
Bring a Hot Water bottle if you want, and if any spare ones then perhaps consider lending one to the church for visitors.
Bring a blanket/and or cushion.
Coffee/Tea will be in the parish room – it is warm in there!
I promise to keep the sermon short. 🙂
Prays for all and Thanks to Wardens and PCC for all helping this week.

Blessings – Revd Lizzie and St Mary’s PCC

Coming Up

This week:

Week beginning Sunday 25th January 2026
This Sunday’s readings remind us that God’s call often comes in unexpected ways and invites us to step out of what is familiar.

We hear Jesus calling ordinary fishermen—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to leave their nets and follow Him. They didn’t have a map, and they didn’t yet know where the journey would lead, but they trusted God and stepped out in faith.

The Church also remembers the Conversion of Paul, whose encounter with Christ completely transformed his life.

Both stories encourage us to notice that God meets each of us in unexpected ways, inviting us to take steps of faith even when the path ahead is unclear. Inviting us to pause, listen, and be aware of the moments—ordinary or surprising—when God may be calling. Even the smallest steps of faith matter. God is present, guiding us, strengthening us, and opening up new possibilities along the way.

Services this Sunday

8:00 am Holy Communion, All Saints

10:00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s

10:30 am Cafe Church, All Saints

The week ahead

Mon 26th Jan

10:30 am – Tiny Tots, All Saints

Tue 27th Jan

10:30am – M4T, St Mary’s Parish Rooms

Wed 28th Jan

9:00 am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints

Thu 29th Jan

10:00 am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s

Sat 31st Jan

12:00 pm-1:30 pm – Saturday Lunches, St Mary’s

Sun 1st Feb

10:00 am – Creative Church, St Mary’s

10:30 am – Holy Communion and Junior Church, All Saints

6:30 pm – Choral Evensong, St Mary’s

A prayer for the week ahead
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Almighty God, 
Shine Your light on our paths and fill our hearts with hope. Help us trust in Your presence, step forward with courage, and know that even in uncertainty, Your love leads and strengthens us. 
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Amen.

Blessings,

Charlie

Ordinand- All Saints and St Mary’s – Bristol Diocese