St. Mark’s Church is situated in Herston which forms the western part of Swanage. St. Mark’s Church congregation is drawn from various parts of Swanage but, nevertheless, it has a strong identity as the local ‘village’ church at Herston and this is reflected by the local community through the number of Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals that take place.
To find out more about St Mark's Church click the links on the left.
St Mark's Church is normally open for prayer and visits every day from 9am – 4pm. The church garden also provides a space for quiet reflection.
Sunday Services are at 10.00 a.m. - normally Holy Communion, with an informal All-Age Service on the last Sunday of the month.
You will be able to find other resources from the rest of the Team Ministry, on the Homepage of this website, in the church notices (link below), as well as under the News and Events tab.
If you would like to speak with someone please call the associate priest for St Mark's, the Reverend David Richards on 01929 424271
View our latest church notices.
St Mark’s has Holy Communion at 10am most Sundays with music led by an organ, a music group and a small choir; (new members welcome!) Readings and teaching normally follow the Church of England Lectionary. We aim to offer worship which is inclusive, which is dignified without being too formal, which involves everyone and which uses the gifts of the congregation wherever possible. People say we have a welcoming atmosphere, and services are always followed by refreshments.
On the last Sunday of the month we have an informal All-Age Service, intended for all the Church family but with special provision for families. All-Age Worship is not a service of Holy Communion but one of praise and thanksgiving. Music is provided by our lively worship band and we sing a mix of contemporary worship songs and familiar traditional hymns. The talk is directed to everyone, with a special theme for each service. The service lasts about 40 minutes and is followed by delicious refreshments. St. Mark’s strives to be welcoming to everyone especially to families with very young children.
Additional services are held throughout the year. Special seasonal services celebrate the events of the church year, such as Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. Other special services include Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve, Mothering Sunday, Easter and Harvest. Our Facebook page and church notice board display full details.
Children are welcome at all our services. There is a side chapel with toys and books where young children can play without disturbing the service. A toilet and baby changing facilities are available in the Church Room. Children and families are particularly welcome to attend our All-Age Worship Service on the last Sunday of each month.
A small choir has just re-formed following Covid. We practise weekly and welcome new members. We sing at the 10.00am service and at other services throughout the year, singing a variety of music.
We also have a worship band. Some members play at every service and the band takes a lead in the monthly All-Age Service. We welcome new instrumentalists.
We have our own Toddler Group who meet once a week on a Wednesday between 9- 11am during the school term time in the Church Room which adjoins the church. The group is led by a church member who is an Early Years Practitioner at Little Birds Pre- school and this relationship encourages good links into St. Mark’s School for families.
Our prayer and share group meet every Thursday morning from 10-10.45am to which everyone is welcome.
There is a varied social programme throughout the year which includes Coffee Mornings, Summer Barbecue, a Quiz and Harvest Supper and a Christmas Meal. Support for Mission. We are currently supporting the work of Mission Aviation Fellowship.
It is always worth checking our Facebook page to see what is going on! During Lent, Pentecost and Advent there is a daily post which includes an interesting picture, a Bible reading and a short reflection. This has proved very popular with over 100 regular followers.
St. Mark’s Church has close association with St. Mark’s Primary School and the children use the church for regular assemblies and seasonal concerts to which families and friends are invited. Members of St. Mark’s congregation support the school through a Diocese initiative, Pray- Bake - Serve, whereby the church regularly prays for the school, members come in and listen to children reading and during the year bake cakes for the staff.
The Church Room is available for hire. For details and hiring costs please telephone the contact number stated below.
Team Rector: Revd Dr Ian Bird 01929 422916
Resident Priest: Revd David Richards 01929 424271 07779079844
Churchwardens: Anne Roper 01929 427890 and John Way 01929 422951
Parish Safeguarding Representative – Anne Roper - Tel: 01929 427890
Church Room Bookings – Anne Roper –Tel: 01929 427890