Adults
Church-based Activities for Adults
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If you are interested please email Clare Harbin Clare.Harbin@parishofputney.co.uk
The bellringing team meet on Mondays at 7.30 pm and also ring before services. Full training given. Please email Julie in the office Julie.Craig@parishofputney.co.uk if you want to contact our Tower Captain, Paula Greenwood.
Bell Sunday, 9th June at 6pm
Forget the twelfth century foundation, forget the Putney Debates, forget the restoration of the fire!
St Mary’s true claim to fame is hosting the largest musical instrument in Putney – the Bell Tower.
On Sunday 9th June at 6pm we are thrilled to host a Bell Ringing Service celebrating with thanksgiving the glorious bellringing which our tower and the team give to the congregation and wider community.
A warm welcome to a bell themed service and refreshments and, no doubt, we will hear the glorious sound of church bells.
Join the discussion, over a glass of wine, at Ground Cafe, St Mary’s Church on Monday evenings at 6pm.
27th July The Marriage of Figaro introduced by James Roche
3rd August Magnifica Humanitas Paul Norris will elucidate Pope Leo’s recent encyclical on what it means to be human and how AI must serve humanity.
10th August Greek words lost in translation: how the inadequacy of English can distort our theology and veil the true character of Jesus.
17th August The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) The shaping of the Christian Church, introduced by Paul Donnelly.
24th August * Missionaries vs Foreign Aid workers, which have done more good?
7th September The Quakers: how they became the religious wing of environmentalism and pro-Palestine protest
28th September : How to read the Bible: from rabbinic midrash and the church fathers to modern biblical scholarship.
5th October : The Maryan Cult: how adoration of the Virgin Mary has divided Christendom.
12th October: Silence : why all religions are obsessed with it.
Cafe Theology meets on Mondays for a short talk followed by friendly discussion over a glass of wine. Each week we look at an aspect of belief or tradition, or how any of this might shed light on current affairs and cultural issue. Atheists, sceptics, churchgoers, cultural Christians: all are welcome.
There will be no laptop setup for Zoom unless there is a request with sufficient advance notice.
Please contact Jenifer to be added to the communication list or to suggest discussion topics: 07772 512907 or by email jennyclive@gmail.com
St Mary’s, Putney is a very musical church – we are home to a Junior Choir and an Adult Choir both of which rehearse weekly. We are proud of our wonderful Marcussen organ – this is used to accompany our choirs in repertoire spanning five centuries, from Byrd, Purcell Bach and Handel through to anthems by Britten, Mathias and our own Director of Music.
The church building is frequently used by various professional and amateur ensembles for rehearsals and concerts and is appreciated for its welcoming space and warm acoustic.
Our Adult Choir is an SATB ensemble comprised of musicians of different levels of ability and experience but all have an ability to read music and are united in their love of choral singing. Many sing in local choral societies and take part in regular ‘come and sing’ events. The choir does not wear robes and we sing in different configurations and from different places in the church depending on the repertoire and the occasion.
The choir sings at the Sunday 10am Eucharist, for a monthly evening service and for occasional special services (Compline, Good Friday, Ascension etc.).
Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays in church from 8pm until 9.15pm. Recent projects include Bach “Christ lag in Todesbanden” with strings and we are currently preparing for our trip to Salisbury Cathedral.
For more information about how to join please talk to Richard Quesnel or Callum Anderson after a Sunday service, or contact either by email:
richard.quesnel@parishofputney.co.uk or Callum.Anderson@parishofputney.co.uk
2025 Adult Exploring Faith Group and
Confirmation Preparation
A weekly group on Thursday evenings from 5th June – 10th July. For anyone wanting to explore Christian faith or prepare for baptism or confirmation.
If you’re interested or have any questions, please contact Rev’d John by clicking on this email address: John.Whittaker@parishofputney.co.uk
HOME GROUPS
We are members of St Mary’s and All Saints’ churches who meet fortnightly to discuss aspects of our Christian faith and deepen our spiritual understanding in good company.
We always welcome new members, so come along and give it a try.
We have two groups: one runs on Wednesday mornings (email Julie Craig Julie.Craig@parishofputney.co.uk) and the other on Thursday evenings (email Tina Thomas tina.thomas@parishofputney.co.uk).
Future 2026 dates:
Wednesday group
February: 4, 18
March: 4, 18
April: 1, 15
Thursday group
February: 5, 19
March: 5, 19
April: 16, 30
May: 14, 28
June: 11, 25
Strengthen family bonds through faith ….
We have run a few Parenting Groups. If you are interested in going to any future groups, or have any questions about the course, please email Nikki.Cornfield@parishofputney.co.uk
Come and join a group of like-minded parents and carers from the Parish to discover that you are perfectly positioned to show your children the reality of a life with God and to empower them to have their own vibrant two-way relationship with him.
Explore how to create strong and healthy foundations of faith in children, as well as practical support to enhance family relationships.
Designed for parents and caregivers of primary school aged children, the sessions will be fun, relaxed, and interactive allowing for the sharing of ideas and experiences.
Some prayer and meditations apps and websites for people wanting to pray, reflect or meditate outside of these times of prayer – either on the move or at home…
Pray as you go (available in the Apple App Store)
Listen to 12-15 minutes of music, guided prayer a Bible reading a short reflection…
https://pray-as-you-go.org/home
Taketime (available in the Apple App Store)
A relaxed guided meditation of either 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Anyone can use these meditations regardless of background or religion, and you can meditate anywhere you like…
https://taketime.org.uk/find-out-more-about-ignation-meditation/
Read and Reflect
A Daily Dig – deep thought for the day, and a Daily Prayer
Mobile Bible App
A daily Bible Reading with a reflection to help you begin a daily pattern of Bible Reading and Prayer
For something a bit meatier
Godpod – a regular podcast released at the beginning of every month. Religious “experts” get together to talk about burning issues over a supply of coffee and biscuits
Audiobooks:
The Bible in One Year – Read by David Suchet
The Psalms – Read by David Suchet
Join us for our new monthly Seminar Supper, hosted at Carol and Stephen’s home for a small group of around 14 people. We’ll share nibbles, a home-cooked meal, and space for learning, conversation, and Q&A in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Evening format:
7:00pm – Arrival with light nibbles and drinks
7:30pm – Welcome and presentation
8:00pm – Main course
8:30pm – Q&A and discussion
This month’s presentation will explore:
Queer Theology with Rev’d Kieron Rowley
About our speaker: Queer Theology is a relatively new branch of theological exploration focused on the lived experience of LGBTQ+ persons and their engagement with scripture, doctrine, and the church. It seeks to interrogate hetro-normative theological ideas on sexuality, gender, relationships, and identity within the life of the Christian faith. In recent years, such topics have become the centre of intense and divisive debate within the Church of England. Thus, well founded, intentional, and authentic contemplation on these matters is more important than ever. In queer theology we learn to witness the lives, loves, and losses of queer folk woven into the fabric of our faith and reveal the queer nature at the heart of the divine.
The Rev’d Kieron Rowley has spent over 10 years in the study of theology and has a particular academic interest in queer, eco, and sacramental theologies. Kieron has two masters degrees from the Universities of Durham and Chester and is a visiting tutor at the Woodbrooke International Quaker Learning and Research Centre.
Booking opens on 26th January: You are welcome to book for more than one person. Simply click HERE (or download this QR code) and “Add Additional Ticket” and enter each guest’s name and dietary requirements/allergies. Or download this QR code
Only one email address and phone number are required for the booking. However, if you would like your guests to receive a copy of the confirmation email, you can enter their email addresses as well.
Waiting list: If the event is fully booked, you are welcome to join the waiting list. Please contact Julie in the office, who is coordinating any spaces that become available, and she will let you know if a place opens up.
For any other questions, please contact Rev John.
Do you know any elderly people in your street who would like to come along to our Senior Social coffee morning held every Monday at All Saints’ Church, Putney Common, between 10am and 11:15am for coffee, homemade cake and chat.
Please contact Catherine Collyer: catherine.rice1@btinternet.com or call Hannah Deasy at All Saints’ Church office on: 0208 785 3951
Sundays
There is also an Evening Eucharist at 6pm (Caritas) which has a more reflective mood.
Weekdays
Morning Prayer takes places Tuesdays – Fridays at 9 am for about half an hour.
A Midweek Eucharist takes place at St Mary’s every Wednesday at 12.30pm
Third Friday of the month
Starting 27th January, and then every third Friday of the month, there will be a Taizé style service. Silent prayer begins at 6pm, the service at 6.15pm, and a simple shared meal together after the service.
Please click here to download our volunteering opportunities form which lists the many ways you can get involved within the parish.
Community-based Activities for Adults
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A beginner / intermediary ballet class taught by Senior Soloist, Alice Crawford from the English National Ballet.
All ages and abilities are welcome.
From an article with Kate Miranda at Putney Time & Leisure:
“I am touring White Lodge with Alice Crawford, who joined The Royal Ballet School in 1983 at the age of 11 and graduated to join the English National Ballet in 1990. She went on to become a senior soloist with ENB and retired in 2005 to teach floor barre to injured ballerinas. Alice was known for Clara in The Nutcracker and was named one of Princess Diana’s favourite ballerinas (Princess Diana was ENB’s patron). She lives in Putney with her family and last visited White Lodge for a reunion several years ago. Darcey Bussell was student a few years ahead of Alice and many of their friends now teach here.”
For further info about Alice’s class on Fridays, 9am -10.30am, please contact her either by email or phone:
alice.crawford1@sky.com or 07791 537 492
The whole point of jumping on a trampoline is to have fun! There’s oodles of scientific research on the benefits, but most notably NASA calls it “the most efficient and effective exercise yet devised by man!”
For further info contact:
Rachael
After a gruelling three years of professional dance training and work in the musical theatre industry, I’ve rediscovered the joy of moving to feel good. No comparison, no competing for the job, just dancing because it’s great for the soul.
Accordion Content
Established in 2016 by Mikiko Ridd, Japonica Singers is a small, female choir which practices regularly in Putney, London. Singing a combination of western and Japanese choral arrangements, the group performed their first concert in 2018.
The name comes from the Chaenomeles japonica, which is the Japanese quince, a fruit which is said to be very good for the voice.
Japonica Singers is always looking for new passionate members to join our group!
For further information please visit: japonicasingers.wordpress.com
Join JPT fitness this winter as they hold sessions at St Mary’s. For more information, or to book, please click here
Learn to play sax! Jazz, blues, funk, the classical repertoire, grades, plus improvising and theory in friendly fun environment, with a wealth of experience over 30 years of teaching musicians of all ages and levels of experience.
For further info contact : honkysax@live.co.uk
Or please call Mark on: 07931 845 366
We perform three to four concerts a year in Putney and Earlsfield in South West London. We largely perform post-classical era works that give interest to every section of the orchestra. We are a society for fluent and advanced amateur players under the guidance of W SO’sprofessional Musical Director & Conductor , Leigh O’Hara.
For further information visit: www.wandsworthsymphony.org
