We need your help
Let’s preserve this valuable community asset for future generations together.
DID YOU KNOW?
That your Parish Church, St Mary’s in Station Road, is funded entirely by the regular Congregation.
SURPRISING, RIGHT?
We don’t get a penny from the Central Church (on the contrary we contribute to central costs) NOR do we receive anything from the Government/Taxpayer.
At the moment it costs nearly £2000 per week to maintain the ministry, pastoral work, and the church building and Churchyard.
HERE'S THE PROBLEM
Costs are increasing more rapidly than the incomes of the congregation, so we’re turning to YOU the village community, for help.
WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT ST MARY’S?
- St Mary’s is not just there to help its congregation, it is a focus for supporting people at tough times.
- Although only a minority of residents are regular churchgoers at St Mary’s, many more expect and appreciate that the Church is there for family baptisms, weddings, funerals, and civic occasions such as Remembrance Day.
- St Mary’s is also a venue for other groups. Offering the largest indoor space in the village, it hosts various concerts and events which are enjoyed by many villagers and others.
- So now we are reaching out to every household in the village to invite you all to join the newly formed “Friends of St Mary’s Church”.
HOW WILL MY DONATION BE USED?
- The regular congregation will continue to finance the ministry and pastoral work
- Friends of St Mary’s will be run by a committee largely of non-churchgoers which Councillor Keith Budden has kindly agreed to Chair.
- All money given will go into a ringfenced fund for the sole purpose of maintaining the building and churchyard and no part will go to general church funds or the Diocese.
- We have just replaced the Chancel roof and this will exhaust all our reserves. The next pressing need is to raise the money to repair the main nave roof. Friends of St Mary’s can make all the difference by contributing to the routine maintenance of the building and churchyard.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Join ‘The Friends’ (annual subscription £12) and/or
1. Commit to a regular monthly contribution by standing order or through the link on our website.
2. Give a one-off donation
3. Offer to organise a fundraising event such as a coffee morning, plant sale etc
4. Offer your time on a voluntary basis to help with routine maintenance
5. Make a bequest or legacy to 'The Friends'.
Please come to our launch party to be held after the St. Mary's Fete on Saturday 13th July 2024 at 3pm in the Church where you’ll be able to learn more about this amazing building, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and listen to the wonderful Ukraine Singers perform. Why not enjoy a fun-filled afternoon, come to the fete and then come and enjoy afternoon tea with the Friends of St Mary's Liss.
Our events
Our next event is a fun wine tasting on Saturday 31st May 2025 at 6:30 pm
For more details please see our events page
WHAT MAKES ST MARY’S SPECIAL?
- The Church is a Listed building originally designed by the distinguished architect Sir Arthur Blomfield in 1891, with the bell tower and porch added in 1930 to a design by Sir Edward Maufe (another famous architect who also designed Guildford cathedral).
- It contains a reredos by the artist Martin Travers and a rare sculpture depicting Jesus as a child by Eric Gill
- As those who have been in the Church during the past year will know, it is in very good condition after extensive modernisation in 2022. Several hundred thousand pounds were invested in this work, which all came from our reserves (including our share of the proceeds from the sale of St Saviour’s in Liss Forest).
Make a donation
Please consider donating today and join the wonderful community of our church supporters. Your giving is making a difference in our church and our church community.
Donate now
