The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary, Selly Oak
Charity 1137205
Overview
Summary
St Mary’s Selly Oak appears to operate as more than a venue for worship: it uses a regular pattern of services, open church hospitality and age-inclusive outreach to create a local relational hub. Its formal charitable purpose is broad church mission, while its public-facing offer emphasises welcome, spiritual exploration and connection for people who may be isolated or exploring faith. The available evidence suggests a parish institution seeking to make its building and rhythms of worship socially accessible, though the scale and reach of this role are unclear.
Operational geography
No operational geography is currently available for this organisation.
Areas of work
- Religious Activities
Who they help
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Makes Grants To Organisations
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Worship is paired with low-threshold social connection
The church appears to use routine worship and informal hospitality together, creating entry points for people who may seek conversation or friendship as much as formal religious participation.
Why it matters
This suggests its local role may include reducing isolation and making community contact accessible without requiring prior church involvement.
Show evidence
“Tea & Toast offers free refreshments and conversation on Wednesdays from 10:30am to 12:00 noon.”
Source:Organisation“The church says it hopes to offer a warm welcome to those exploring faith and those seeking friendship.”
Source:Organisation“Wednesday Holy Communion is followed by Open Church with refreshments until 12:00 noon.”
Source:Organisation
A broad inclusion claim is connected to a specific outreach priority
St Mary’s appears to frame itself as inclusive across the wider community while making children and young people a deliberate strategic focus.
Why it matters
This helps distinguish a general parish welcome from an organisation that may be investing particular attention in intergenerational continuity and family connection.
Show evidence
“The church describes itself as an open, inclusive and diverse Christian community.”
Source:Organisation“Outreach is a priority for the church, especially to children and young people.”
Source:Organisation“Junior Church takes place at the 10:00am Sunday Parish Communion during term time.”
Source:Organisation
The church combines inherited liturgy with multiple modes of participation
Its programme may indicate an attempt to serve people with differing relationships to Anglican tradition, from Book of Common Prayer worship and choral evensong to junior provision and informal drop-ins.
Why it matters
This points to a potentially distinctive operating model: maintaining formal religious tradition while offering varied routes into community life.
Show evidence
“Holy Communion using the Book of Common Prayer is held on the second and fourth Sundays and on Wednesdays.”
Source:Organisation“Choral Evensong is held on the third Sunday of each month.”
Source:Organisation“Regular activities include Junior Church, Tea & Toast and Open Church.”
Source:Organisation
- There is no evidence on attendance, demographic reach or whether activities engage people beyond the existing congregation.
- The nature, recipients and scale of grants to organisations are not described.
- No evidence identifies local partnerships, use of the building by other groups or outcomes for participants.
Remaining uncertainties
- Recent annual reports or parish accounts showing programme expenditure, grants and building use.
- Information on participants, referral routes, partner organisations and the outcomes of outreach activities.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Religious activities. Provides facilities for public worship.
Charity objects
Promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church.