One Church, six diverse locations
Bridport Team Ministry was formed 35 years ago from five separate adjoining parishes: Bridport with West Bay, Bradpole, Allington, Bothenhampton and Walditch. It now forms one single parish with five parish churches with their own District Church Councils. Each of the churches has its own distinctive contribution to the worship and work of the Church in the team area. The Bridport Team belongs to Churches Together in Bridport and District and seeks to play its part in the mission and ministry of God's people in the town and area.
Our mission: Loving God, loving neighbour
Bridport with its port at West Bay is noted for its history, scenery and life the whole year round. The area is very popular with tourists from across the world. People from the New World come in search of their ancestry, whilst all visitors appreciate the Jurassic Coast and the stunning coastal scenery, and soft hills and woodlands that circle the Brit and Asker valleys in which the Bridport Team lies. Locals work in the many small light industries and commerce that have now largely replaced the rope and net-making that once dominated the economy. Whether local or a visitor all are welcome at any time in all of our churches. You're very welcome to come to a Service of Worship, join in with a home group or just drop in for a quiet prayer or visit.
Want to have your WEDDING in one of our six churches? Please download your Wedding Pack here or email Dianne Sinclair (Administrator) just click on her name above to request your Wedding Pack. You can also telephone 01308 424747 (mornings only). Alternatively, just pop in and pick one up when you're next in town.
There is a strong connection with the Bridport United Church (Methodist/URC) and joint services, study groups and children's holiday clubs are held. French is spoken by some of the members which has resulted in 'French connections' locally and with a parish link of Roumois in the Diocese of Évreux , Normandy. St. Mary's serves the local civic needs. The team rector is Andrew Evans. With flexible seating and a maximum capacity of 400 St. Mary's hosts many concerts and other town events.
Ordination of Margaret Preuss-Higham and Ann Ayling on Saturday 2nd July 2011 with the Bishop of Sherborne - Bishop Graham - and the Revd Canon Andrew Evans.
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The Local Ministry Team concerns itself with ministry in general but there are specific committees for outreach, worship and communications as well as property and finance which maintains the ancient building. There is an energetic choir, Mothers' Union, and a team of bell-ringers.
Beach baptisms...
The Bishop of Sherborne, Dr Graham Kings, baptised 4 candidates and confirmed 7 others in the sea at West Beach, West Bay, Bridport on Thursday evening (30 June 2011) at a Deanery Confirmation Service. The service began with a drumming procession from the harbourmaster’s office, and was the highlight of this week’s St Aldhelm’s Pilgrimage in the Bridport area. Approximately 200 people attended.
Dr Kings said yesterday, ‘We’ve been welcomed with open arms by the people of Bridport. I baptised in the River Stour last year and am looking forward to baptising four people in the sea and confirming seven people on the beach. It may be cold, but I’ll have a wetsuit under my robes.’
