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We are a vibrant Church of England parish in the heart of Monken Hadley, where a growing community of families, young people, and people at every stage of life gather to worship God, grow in faith, and care for one another and our neighbours.
Our beautiful 15th century church building stands as a testament to centuries of prayer and devotion. Generations of local families have marked the joys and sorrows of life within these walls. But we are not a museum. We are a living community, rooted in this rich heritage yet fully engaged with the challenges and opportunities of today. We believe that the ancient rhythms of Anglican worship, combined with thoughtful teaching and genuine friendship, offer something our world desperately needs: a place to belong, to question, to grow, and to encounter the love of God.
Whether you have been part of a church all your life or are exploring faith for the first time, whether you come with your family or on your own, you will find a warm welcome here.
What We Value
Worship that nourishes
We gather each Sunday to offer our praise and prayers to God through beautiful liturgy, music, and sacrament. Our services draw on the riches of the Anglican tradition while remaining accessible and meaningful. We believe worship should feed the soul, challenge the mind, and send us back into the world with hope and purpose.
Welcome for all
We are committed to being a church where everyone genuinely belongs. Families with young children, teenagers navigating questions of identity and faith, working professionals, retirees, those exploring Christianity for the first time, and those returning after years away, people of different backgrounds and life experiences, same sex couples, all have a place at St Mary’s. Our welcome is not just polite; it is rooted in the belief that God delights in his creation and calls us into community with one another. We seek to be a place where you can be yourself, bring your whole story, and know you are valued.
Faith that engages life
We believe Christian faith speaks to the whole of life: our work, our relationships, our joys and struggles, the questions that keep us awake at night. Through thoughtful teaching, small groups, and one to one conversation, we create space to explore what it means to follow Jesus in the complexity of contemporary life. We do not have all the answers, but we believe the questions matter and are best pursued together.
Community that cares
Church is not a weekly performance we attend but a family we belong to. We look out for one another, celebrate together, support each other through difficult times, and share the ordinary rhythms of life. From coffee after the service to pastoral care in times of crisis, we seek to embody the love and compassion of Christ in practical, everyday ways.
Service that makes a difference
Our faith calls us beyond ourselves. We are deeply rooted in Monken Hadley, committed to serving our local community through partnerships with the school, care for our historic common land, and hospitality to all who live and work here. We believe the church exists not for itself but to be a sign and agent of God’s kingdom in the world.
Growth in every season
We are a growing church, not just in numbers but in depth of faith and breadth of ministry. We invest in the spiritual formation of children and young people, support adults in exploring and deepening their faith, and encourage everyone to discover and use their gifts in serving God and neighbour. Growth is not about becoming bigger for its own sake; it is about becoming more faithful, more loving, and more effective in our witness.
Our Heritage and Our Future
St Mary the Virgin has stood in Monken Hadley since the 15th century. The building itself tells stories: medieval stonework, a beacon that once guided travellers across the common, memorials to centuries of local families, and an interior shaped by generations of prayer and praise. We treasure this heritage and the continuity it represents.
But we are writing new chapters. Over the past year, our congregation has grown significantly, particularly among families with young children. We have launched new initiatives in spiritual formation, deepened our partnership with the local school, and taken on wider responsibilities in supporting other parishes as they seek to welcome younger generations. We are investing in music through a new organ scholarship, restoring our historic Church House to serve the community, and exploring fresh ways to share the good news of Jesus in our changing world.
Our future is rooted in our past but not bound by it. We honour the traditions that have sustained faith through the centuries while remaining open to the new things God is doing among us.
What We Believe
As a parish of the Church of England, we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We hold to the historic Christian creeds and find our identity in Scripture, sacrament, and the rich traditions of Anglican worship and spirituality.
We believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that in Jesus Christ, God became human, lived among us, died for our sins, and rose again, conquering death and opening the way to new and eternal life. We believe the Holy Spirit is at work in the world and in the church, drawing people to faith, transforming lives, and empowering us for service.
We celebrate two sacraments instituted by Christ: baptism (the entry into the Christian life and the church family) and Holy Communion (the regular sharing in Christ’s body and blood through bread and wine). We also mark significant moments in life through services of marriage, Prayers of Love and Faith for same sex couples, thanksgiving for the birth of a child, and funerals.
If you would like to know more about Christian faith or what the Church of England believes, we would be delighted to talk with you. Faith is a journey, and questions are always welcome.
Getting Involved
There are many ways to become part of the life of St Mary’s:
Worship with us on Sunday mornings or Sunday evenings. You do not need to know anything or do anything; simply come and see.
Explore faith through courses, conversations, or one to one meetings. Whether you are curious about Christianity or seeking to deepen your existing faith, we can help you take the next step.
Serve alongside us using your gifts in worship, music, children’s ministry, administration, hospitality, building projects, or countless other ways. Every contribution matters.
Connect with others through informal fellowship, shared meals, and the friendships that develop naturally when people gather regularly around Jesus.
Ask questions about baptism, confirmation, marriage, or anything else. We are here to help.
Want to Get in Touch?
The best way to discover who we are is to join us for worship. Our main Sunday service is at 10.30 am, with coffee and conversation afterwards. You will receive a warm welcome, clear guidance on what is happening, and no pressure to do or say anything you are not comfortable with.
If you would like to get in touch before visiting, or if you have questions about faith, the church, or anything else, please contact our Rector, Francesco Aresco. Also, Meet the Team.
St Mary the Virgin, Monken Hadley, Hadley Green Road, Barnet, EN5 5PZ