A thriving Inclusive Church

After a year's careful reflection, PCC voted last month to join the Inclusive Church network. 

 

The network won't try to make us do or to be anything that we are not already doing or becoming. The main and best reason for joining the network was well described by the PCC member who asked: How do people know that we are a thriving, inclusive church? 

 

For a number of years that has been one of our key themes within our overall vision of 'Singing the Song of Faith and Justice'.

 

But for those who don't know SMR, who are looking for a place to belong where they can be themselves, as they are, made in the image of God and loved by those around them as much as they are loved by God .. for them, we weren't very good at (to use the word coined at PCC) asserting our inclusive understanding of theology and church life. 

 

Joining Inclusive Church gives us the right to use the logo above - which says it all in ten round dots. It's the power of symbols over words: we've always had the words on our website, but now we have a sign and symbol that conveys the message with ease and conviction. 

 

You can read more about Inclusive Church on their website here


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By rebecca.horry March 13, 2026
As the new season begins, it feels full of potential as new life appears around us and the days grow longer. Spring brings a natural sense of renewal, and it feels like a particularly special time in the life of our church. I’m delighted that our building will be hosting several events that explore the story and meaning of Easter in different ways. One highlight will be hosting Riding Lights Theatre Company presenting Night Falls, a new Passion play by Paul Birch, offering a powerful retelling of the Easter story. We hope it will be meaningful for both members of our congregation and visitors who join us. We are also looking forward to a screening from the Exhibition on Screen series exploring Easter in Art, reflecting on how artists across the centuries have interpreted the Passion and Resurrection. Our church shop continues to welcome visitors and regulars alike. Alongside cards, books, and gifts, I’m pleased to share that we have recently brought a new book supplier on board, helping us widen our range of titles for both children and adults exploring faith and the heritage of the church. I’ve also been delighted to help recruit several new volunteers to help run church tours, and we hope this will allow us to expand our tour offer and share the story of the church with even more visitors. If you see them in the church please help welcome them to the team. Behind the scenes, we continue working to welcome concerts and other events into the church. Our beautiful space lends itself wonderfully to music, and these events not only bring people together but also help support the care and future of the building. Over the coming months, we look forward to hosting a range of concerts and cultural events, welcoming audiences from across the local area and beyond. If you know of choirs, ensembles, or promoters looking for a distinctive venue, please do point them in our direction. Thank you to everyone who supports these activities by volunteering, attending events, shopping in the shop, or spreading the word. Recca Horry , Commercial Manager 13.03.2026
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