Ministries
The historic church of St Peter and St Paul nestles behind the Market Cross in the town centre where worship has taken place for over 1000 years. In the 21st century, St Peter and St Paul’s is a lively, welcoming Church with services for all.
Our doors are open each day from 9 am until late afternoon and anyone is welcome to visit for quite meditation or to relax from their hectic daily routine.
Our ministry team is led by our Rector Liz Smith and Associate Vicar Dave Parr. Both are supported by our Curate Richard Reakes and a complement of licenced readers and retired clergy who assist with services, funerals and baptisms. As a team we have a passion for exploring Fresh Expressions in our regular worship to enable us to grow and evolve as a Church.
As well as caring for the parishioners of Shepton Mallet, the ministry team is responsible for the nearby parishes of Doulting and West Cranmore. Further afield we enjoy links with other parishes in the UK and abroad, and support the work of missionaries throughout the world.
Youth and Children’s work has always been vital to our outreach ministry. Our youth work is led by Elaine Brightwell who joined us in the summer of 2008 and brings new energy and enthusiasm into this important area of outreach. Our young musicians help to lead the monthly upbeat Youth Praise services where music plays a strong role in young people’s worship. For the younger ones, the Children’s Worship Group provides an early evening midweek session during term-time to encourage the musical gifts and talents that might otherwise go untapped.
CYPECS is the collective name for our various young people’s groups. They meet regularly during the 09.25 Sunday services and enjoy a full and varied programme of worship and social activities throughout the year. Wendi Davis supported by Sue Crisfield are responsible for CYPECS and Wendi will also be pleased to supply details of the Sunday crèche and the term-time midweek morning Prams and Toddlers Group.
We aim to follow the Diocesan initiative for Changing Lives and believe that our service to others should provide something for everyone. School assemblies are frequently held within the Church. There are many opportunities for Bible study and prayer; music making with the Children’s Worship Group; regular discussions and speakers with the Men’s Breakfast Group; discovering more about faith with the Emmaus Course; a wide range of activities with the Wives’ Group and Mothers’ Union – and much more.
Click on the links opposite to find out more about our prayer and healing ministries and news about forthcoming Alpha Courses.