Groupings of churches are often reviewed. After St Mary’s Team Vicar Rev Grant Cohen was also given responsibility for St James’s Riddlesdown as Priest in charge, it became possible for the churches to consider a re-shaping of their relationships. After a careful conversation, involving the Bishop, Archdeacon, the Team Churches and the Parochial Church Council, St Mary’s Church Council decided that the interests of gospel mission and ministry would be better served outside the Sanderstead Team. All the necessary legal documentation has been completed, so St Mary's is now no longer part of the Sanderstead Team. However St Mary's page will remain on the Sanderstead Parish website until their new website is up and running.
The church here is an inclusive, warm and human community, enriched by many people of all ages from 0 – 90+! As a parish church we are here for everyone in the area, both week by week and at special moments in life. We offer excellent provision for children and young families, and new facilities accessible for all. Our common life is centred on the Sunday morning 11am Eucharist through which we are fed to follow Jesus and to be God’s people in the world. Music, especially choral music, plays an important part in our worship. But we are not here just for Sundays. There are regular opportunities to pray and to act together, to learn more about the Christian faith, and to socialise.
Find us next to the beautiful Wettern Tree Garden on Purley Oaks Road / Beech Avenue. St Mary’s is a hidden treasure in the suburban streets, offering nourishment for body, mind and spirit. Whatever stage you are at in your journey of life and faith, you are welcome here.
For enquiries about booking St Mary’s Church Hall or Oclee room, please contact our administrator, on 020 8657 9232, stmarys.office@sanderstead-parish.org.uk.
8 am Said Eucharist
9.45 am Sung Eucharist with robed choir
9.45 am Family Eucharist with worship band
6.30 pm Celtic Eucharist
8 am Said Eucharist
9.45 am Sung Eucharist
9.45 am Sung Eucharist with robed choir
6.30 pm Choral Evensong
10 am Eucharist followed by fellowship
Sanderstead Parish News March 2025
The December edition of Sanderstead Parish News
The October 2023 edition of Sanderstead Parish News
The first edition of our new parish newsletter
St Mary's Church, Purley Oaks Road, Sanderstead, CR2 0NR
St Mary's is on the corner of Beech Avenue and Purley Oaks Road, a turning off the B269 Sanderstead Road. Please park thoughtfully on nearby roads.
The church is 1/6 a mile walk from the 403 bus stops at the corner of Sanderstead Road and Mayfield Road or 1/2 mile walk via Purley Oaks Station from the A235 Brighton Road which is served by bus routes 60,166,407, 466 and N68.
St Mary's is 1/6 mile from Sanderstead and Purley Oaks stations.
St Mary's follows Southwark Diocese Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Guidelines set out in their Manual entitled A Safe Church. Should you have a concern about safeguarding, please immediately contact Father Grant on 020 8657 1725.
House Groups meet in homes around the parish, mostly in the evening, but some daytime. There are between seven and twelve people in each group. We have a flexible programme of Bible study and discussions. House groups usually meet in term times and break up during Lent for an ecumenical programme of study up to Holy Week. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join a House Group. Please contact Grant if you would like to join a house group or for more information.
Attached to St Mary’s are sections of the 8th Purley Scout group comprising Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts. In addition, the 2nd Purley Rainbows and 3rd Sanderstead Brownies also meet at St Mary’s.
Sanderstead Parish Mothers' Union includes members from all four churches in the parish. Click here for the current programme. For more information please contact Rosemary Kempsell, 020 8657 0482, email rosemary@kempsell.freeserve.co.uk.
