St Marys and St James Church

St Mary and St James Church is located at the heart of the Lockleaze estate in Bristol. Originally we were two separate churches facing challenges who were amalgamated by the Bristol Diocese in 2019. Since then, we have been known as  St Mary and St James Church and is now a growing and thriving part of the community.
We have a strong emphasis on work with children, youth, and families, recognizing the unique challenges faced by many single-parent families in Lockleaze. There are also significant concerns regarding youth involvement in issues such as drug use and gangs. In response we have collaborated closely with the local schools and organizations to address these problems. We have established youth clubs, dance groups, sports activities, and a mentoring program that supports students in two primary schools and the local secondary school.
We have firmly established ourself as a welcoming and inclusive church for everyone in the community, embodying our mission as we Love Jesus, Love people and Love Lockleaze

At St Mary and St James Church, our vision is rooted in loving Jesus, loving people, and loving Lockleaze. Our mission is to serve the community wholeheartedly, demonstrating Christ’s love in practical and transformative ways. We aim to be an active and welcoming church every day of the week, not just on Sundays, reaching out to meet the needs of those around us.

What we plan to achieve:

Deepening Community Engagement: We aim to strengthen relationships within the Lockleaze community by expanding our outreach programs, such as warm spaces, youth clubs, and mentoring initiatives. Our goal is to create safe, inclusive spaces where all individuals can feel valued and supported.

Supporting Families and Young People: Recognizing the challenges faced by single-parent families and young people in Lockleaze, we plan to enhance our current work with local schools and organizations to address issues like drug use, gang involvement, and lack of opportunities.

Fostering Spiritual Growth: We strive to deepen faith within our congregation and community by offering discipleship groups, engaging services, and opportunities for meaningful reflection and dialogue.

Our vision is to continue being a 24/7 church, providing consistent and reliable support for Lockleaze through initiatives like the Foodbank, tots group, men's and women's ministries, and partnerships with local organizations.

What we already have in place:

A solid foundation of programs and ministries, including youth clubs, Youth Bible Study Group, Warm Space dinner every other Monday evening, a mentoring program in local schools, sports ministry  and a vibrant Breakfast Church that welcomes 50–60 families every other Sunday.

Established relationships with two primary schools, the local secondary school, and community organizations, allowing us to collaborate effectively on outreach and support.

A growing congregation that is passionate about serving others and living out the love of Jesus in their daily lives.

A small but dedicated leadership team and a Youth Worker, both committed to supporting the growth of our ministries and the development of new initiatives.

A structured environment ready to welcome and support a SWYM trainee, providing opportunities for learning, growth, and faith development.

We are excited about the opportunities ahead and are committed to building on our current work to make an even greater impact in Lockleaze.

Lockleaze is a residential area located in the northern suburbs of Bristol, approximately 3 miles north of the city centre. It is bordered by Filton to the north, Horfield to the west, and Frenchay to the east. The area was developed after World War II and is characterized by a mix of social housing and privately owned properties.
Lockleaze is known for its strong sense of community and its efforts to address local challenges. The area has a history of social housing, Gainsborough Square serves as the hub of the community, featuring shops and local amenities.
The area is home to several green spaces, including Purdown Hill and Stoke Park Estate, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities.
Lockleaze faces some challenges, such as issues related to youth engagement and community safety. However, local organizations and the Church, work actively to support residents and foster positive change. The area is also well-connected, with railway stations and bus routes providing easy access to the city centre and surrounding areas.

Youth Engagement: The church runs a youth club for school years 10 -13 on a Thursday evening and School years 7–9 on a Friday offering a safe and fun space with activities like arts and crafts, games, and discussions about life and faith. They also organize sports activities, socials, weekends away, camps, mentoring in schools, assemblies, intervention classes in the secondary school and a discipleship group on a Monday evening every other week.

Family and Children's Ministry: A toddler group meets weekly, providing a welcoming environment for children aged 0–4 and their carers, special family events and socials, Dance Group on a Tuesday for Children in school years reception-year 6.

Sunday Services: The church offers a variety of services, including a lively Breakfast Church every second and fourth Sunday of the month, which combines food, fellowship, and learning about Jesus. On alternate Sundays, we host a Table Talk  service with kids' groups and a relaxed, discussion-based format.

We are actively involved in initiatives like warm spaces, a Foodbank, and partnerships with local schools and organizations to address community needs.