Church Services at St Mary’s
Sunday 8:30am – Holy Communion
Sunday 10:30am – Holy Communion (also “live streamed”)
Sunday 5:00pm – Worship
Wednesday 10:30am – Holy Communion
Our Mission & Vision
St Mary’s is a community. Loving God, Following Jesus, Sharing God’s love with all
St Mary’s Anglican Church is a beautifully maintained 150 year old bluestone church nestled in the heart of Sunbury. Its walls, slate roof and stained glass windows contribute to the picturesque image of an old country town church. It is a popular venue for weddings and baptisms and has a long history of serving the community of Sunbury. However, don’t let it’s looks deceive you…. St Mary’s is also a modern church with a constantly growing membership of more than 200 regulars. Behind its romantic walls are people who care about people and who serve and love each other and the community of Sunbury.
We acknowledge the triune God, the Creator of heaven and earth and His ownership of all things. We recognise that He gave stewardship of these lands upon which we meet to the First Nations Peoples of this country. In His sovereignty, He has allowed other people groups to migrate to these shores. We acknowledge the cultures of our First Nations Peoples and are thankful for the community that we share together now. We pay our respects to the Gunung-Willam-Balluk people of the Kulin nation and their elders/leaders, both past and present, and those who are rising up to become leaders.
Click on any of the headings below to find out more
Contact Us
All the information you need to know to get in contact with St Mary’s and where we are located.
Our Staff
Meet our staff and put a face to the names
History of St Mary’s
150 years and stronger than ever!
Community Store
Volunteer your time, donate goods and find yourself a bargain!
Being a Christian
Find out more about God and what it means to be “a Christian”
Join us as we worship God
Weekly Services
8:30am Sunday- Traditional Holy Communion service with Hymns
10:30am Sunday- All ages service with holy communion on the 1st and 3rd Sunday
5.00pm Sunday- All ages service with contemporary music and monthly Communion.
10:00am Wednesday- Traditional Anglican Communion
To find out more about a specific service please click on the menu on the left
Our church is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop installed.
Children at St Mary’s
Children are welcome at all of our St Mary’s services. We have a special area in our church where parents can sit with their children whilst they play with quiet toys, and still be very much part of the body of the church.
Music Playtime
Please note that due to COVID density restrictions in our hall, music playtime is not currently operating
Music Playtime is a playgroup which meets each Thursday from 10.00am til 11:30am in the Hall. The hour incorporates actions, rhythm, singing and stories and open to anyone to come along. Gold coin donation.
Join our Music Playtime Facebook Group by clicking here
Baptism
For more information about Baptism at St Mary’s please click here
How Do I get Involved?
St Mary’s Anglican Church is not a place for spectators. It is a place for team members. Whether you are a five-year old child, a ninety-five year old grandmother, a busy mum, or a businessman with big responsibilities, we want you to be a part of our vibrant church community. Here is how you can learn, serve, and grow at St Marys.
Home Groups
Often, small groups of people are better able to interact and learn about a topic than larger groups are. For that reason, St Mary’s has small bible studies held in member homes. The size of the group is anywhere from six to twenty people. At a time, designated by your group, you can participate in the small group study.
Pre-schoolers
Children are welcome at all of our St Mary’s services, and we have a family area in our church where small children can play quietly, Mum’s can feed babies and families can be part of our worshipping community. Music Playtime meets every Thursday during school terms from 10.00- 11.30am in the Parish Centre.
Please note that Music playtime is not currently meeting due to COVID density restrictions in our hall
Youth
Youth United is a youth group for Secondary school students, and meets every Friday night in the Parish Hall.
Young Adults
Life can get complicated once you cross that nebulous threshold into adulthood. There are complicated decisions. Bigger stakes. Serious relationships. And a whole lot more decisions. The young adult group of St Mary’s provides a welcoming atmosphere for university and early-career aged young people.
Stitch n Sew
This group meets weekly in the parish centre on Tuesday afternoons for a great time of sewing and chatting and encouragement. They have produced some marvellous pieces of work and welcome new members.
Mothers Union
Mothers’ Union is a worldwide organisation with the Anglican Church with over four million members. Our primary focus is to support and encourage Christian marriage and family life. This year 2020, MU Australia are financially supporting PNG through a new Parenting Program. Melbourne MU supports the Karen displaced people along the Thai/Burma border. Five Christmas Cards are also given to every incarcerated woman within the Victorian Prisons, for her personal use. Funds have already been distributed this year from its Disaster Fund, as a result of the recent natural disasters, to eight Dioceses across Australia.
St Mary’s Sunbury branch meets on the third Wednesday of each month.
Further information is available from the Melbourne Diocese website at:
www.mumelbourne.org.au
Mission Outreach
St Mary’s is thrilled to be part of the spread of God’s kingdom around the world. We are active in supporting missionaries with our money and with our prayers. Every second year, a small team from our church travels to Chibobo, Zambia to assist in practical projects and evangelistic outreach. We encourage all of our people to respond to God’s call for laborers, whether it means that they move to a foreign country or live and minister in our own community.
For more information on our outreach activities, and other mission activities and agencies that St Mary’s supports please click on one of the links to the left.
Chibobo
Chibobo is a rural community in Northern Zambia, and ST Mary’s has a a very close link with the community, through our support of the HMP Orphanage there. St Mary’s have a mission team travel to the orphanage in Chibobo every two years.
Kids Hope
KIDS HOPE AUS. is a mentoring program that helps Australian children needing additional support, and their families. Through a partnership between local churches and primary schools, Kids Hope Aus. works to improve opportunities for mentored children in the areas of education, self confidence and wellbeing.
Events
Coming Events
Details of our coming events and a full calendar can be found by clicking on the events tab.
For further information about any of the events listed, please contact the office on 03 9744 1347.
The Marriage Course
The Marriage Course is eight sessions designed to help couples strengthen their relationships.
Click here for more information and to watch testimonies from couples from our community who have undertaken the course together.
Building Project
St Mary’s Anglican Church is building for the community of Sunbury and the future.
Following Council approval and the raising of funds, construction will commence shortly on new facilities on St Mary’s O’Shanassy Street site.
The new facilities will include:-
- a new auditorium, capable of seating over 400;
- a café;
- upgraded meeting and counselling room facilities; and
- child safe areas for children’s and youth activities.
The new facilities will be available for schools and other community organisations to use for larger gatherings, including larger funerals and end of year functions.
The Bluestone Church and Community Store will remain and preservation of the Village Green as open space for use by the community was a priority in our planning.
Construction will most likely take up to 15 months to complete.
Enquiries regarding the plans and constructions works can be made to:- admin@stmarysanglican.org.au
Donations towards the building project can be made to the following account
Account name- St Marys Anglican Church Sunbury
BSB number- 703122
Account Number- 05004990
Click on the link below to download our
To view the latest proposed floor plans please click the link below
(uploaded 13th October 2016)
(uploaded 13/2017)
To view the architects impressions or how the project will look click the link below
(uploaded 13th October 2016)
Check back soon for news of coming events or visit our Facebook page!
Contact Us
Telephone:
Tel: (03) 9744 1347
Email:
Church Location & Address:
11 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury. (map)
Office Address:
7 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury
Postal Address:
PO Box 2049, Sunbury, VIC, 3429
Facebook:
St Mary’s Community Store:
Tel: (03) 9740 5547
Address- 7 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury
St Mary’s is a Community:-
Loving God, Following Jesus,
Sharing God’s love with all
Welcome to St Mary’s
St Mary’s Anglican Church is a beautifully maintained 150 year old bluestone church nestled in the heart of Sunbury, Victoria. Its walls, slate roof and stained glass windows contribute to the picturesque image of an old country town church. It is a popular venue for weddings and baptisms and has a long history of serving the community of Sunbury. However, don’t let it’s looks deceive you…. St Mary’s is also a modern church with a constantly growing membership of more than 200 regulars. Behind its romantic walls are people who care about people and who serve and love each other and the community of Sunbury. We are a rich mix of people from many backgrounds, but the friendships are real despite our differences.
Church Location & Address:
7 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury. (map)
Postal Address:- PO Box 2049, Sunbury, VIC, 3429
Telephone
Tel: (03) 9744 1347
St Mary’s Community Store
Tel: (03) 9740 5547
Email Us
admin@stmarysanglican.org.au
Giving to St Mary’s
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38
The Church Wardens carefully monitor the finances of St Mary’s and are responsible for the preparation of the yearly budget which is approved by the Parish Council and presented to the Annual General meeting in November each year. Full financial reports are presented at each Parish Council business meeting. The audited accounts of the Parish are also presented at the AGM.
General Fund- The General fund is the basic budget of St Mary’s and includes programs and operational cost. The income is generated from our weekly offertory, property hire, Community Store, Grants, Weddings etc. Expenses include Donations to missions, staffing, utilities, operating expenses, maintenance etc.
Building Fund-
Preferred method of Giving to St Mary’s
Direct Debit through the Anglican Development Fund (ADF)
This is our preferred method of giving. Parish Giving via ADF allows you to electronically transfer funds from your financial institution or credit card to St Mary’s on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. You have the option for your contribution to be totally confidential and it can be easily set up by simply filling out the form titled “Parish Giving via ADF”. There is no charge to you or the Parish for using this service, and the agreement can be changed at any time if your circumstances change. You will receive a book of 50 certificates when you register for Parish Giving via ADF so you can place a certificate in the offering, as an expression of your commitment to the church each week.
Download the Parish Giving via the ADF form here
Parish-giving-application-form
Direct Deposit to our bank account
If you would like to make your regular giving by direct electronic transfer, but do not wish to use the Parish Giving via ADF option, you can set up your own direct deposit between your Financial institution and our St Mary’s bank accounts. Please contact the Parish office via email- admin@stmarysanglican.org.au for the account details if you would like to use this method.
Other methods of Giving to St Mary’s
Weekly Offertory Envelopes
Pre-printed envelopes are available that can be used for your confidential cash or cheque offerings and placed in the offertory bowl as it is passed around during the service, or left at the office. These envelopes are divided into two halves– one side for General offering and one side for Building offerings.
Open Plate Offertory
Cash and Cheques can be placed in the offertory bowl or left at the Parish office at any time. Donations for specific purposes can also be placed in the offertory bowl, in envelopes that are clearly labelled with the details of the purpose of the donation.
Bequests
You may leave money to St Mary’s in your Will, either for a prescribed purpose, or for the unspecified benefit of the Parish.
Donation to specific Missions
There are special tins available for supporting CMS and Chibobo Missions. Please contact the office if you would like one of these tins.
A detailed brochure on Supporting St Mary’s financially can be downloaded here
Guide for Giving to St Mary’s (2014)
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”
2 Corinthians 9:7
St Mary’s 5 &10 year Vision
To listen to Rev Gavin Ward’s sermon launching the Vision please click on the link below
To download the launch issue of “The Grapevine” please click on this link
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Meeting of St Mary’s Anglican Church is held in November each year, and the Annual reports are published in advance of the meetings. The report is a great snapshot of everything that has happened in the previous year of the church, and a big thank you is extended to all involved in writing the reports!
Parish Electoral Roll Each parish maintains an electoral roll containing the names of those people aged over eighteen who have met the qualification for being on the parish electoral roll, and have filled out and signed an application form. (Prior to the introduction of the Parish Governance act in 2013, some people may have been added to the electoral roll without completing the form.)
To be on, and remain on the electoral roll, a person must:
• Be a layperson (i.e. not ordained);
• Be over eighteen years of age;
• Be baptised;
• Have regularly and habitually attended public worship in that parish;
• Be a member of the Anglican Church of Australia;
• Not be a member of another church or denomination, and not be on the electoral roll of another parish or congregation;
• Have completed and signed an application to be on the electoral roll.
The parish electoral roll is reviewed in the month leading up to the annual meeting by the parish electoral committee and anyone who is no longer eligible to be on the roll is removed. No changes or additions can be made to the roll in the 14 days preceding the annual meeting.
It is not a requirement that you be on the electoral roll, however only those listed on the electoral roll are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting or stand for a position on Parish council. If you wish to check your status on the electoral roll you can contact the Manager of Operational Ministries via email admin@stmarysanglican.org.au or call the office on 9744 1347.
Applications to be included on the St Mary’s electoral roll must be received by Sunday 8th of November 2020
Click on the link below to download the application for enrolment on the electoral roll.
Please click on the link below to download last years report!
Contact Us
Telephone:
Tel: (03) 9744 1347
Email:
Church Location & Address:
11 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury. (map)
Office Address:
7 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury
Postal Address:
PO Box 2049, Sunbury, VIC, 3429
Facebook:
St Mary’s Community Store:
Tel: (03) 9740 5547
Address- 7 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury
We have a removable ramp which can be quickly placed over the front stairs to enable wheelchair, walking aid and pram access to the church. Please advise the welcomers/greeters if this is required.
A wheelchair accessible toilet is available in the parish hall. Please ask a welcomer/greeter or staff member for directions and/or assistance.
If you are unable to approach the Communion table for communion we will gladly bring Communion to you in your seat.
There is an induction hearing loop installed in the church in the back left corner ( as you enter, on the same side as the baptism font)
Building Project
St Mary’s Anglican Church is building for the community of Sunbury and the future.
Following Council approval and the raising of funds, construction will commence shortly on new facilities on St Mary’s O’Shanassy Street site.
The new facilities will include:-
- a new auditorium, capable of seating over 400;
- a café;
- upgraded meeting and counselling room facilities; and
- child safe areas for children’s and youth activities.
The new facilities will be available for schools and other community organisations to use for larger gatherings, including larger funerals and end of year functions.
The Bluestone Church and Community Store will remain and preservation of the Village Green as open space for use by the community was a priority in our planning.
Construction will most likely take up to 15 months to complete.
Enquiries regarding the plans and constructions works can be made to:- admin@stmarysanglican.org.au
Donations towards the building project can be made to the following account
Account name- St Marys Anglican Church Sunbury
BSB number- 703122
Account Number- 05004990
Click on the link below to download our
To view the latest proposed floor plans please click the link below
(uploaded 13th October 2016)
(uploaded 13/2017)
To view the architects impressions or how the project will look click the link below
(uploaded 13th October 2016)
St Mary’s Calendar of events
Party Hire
St Mary’s Hall is available for hire for children’s parties, afternoon teas etc .
The historic hall features high ceilings, timber floors that are easy to clean, trestle tables and chairs for 60- 70 guests, central heating, ceiling fans and large glass doors that open on to a beautiful backyard with unobstructed views to the Village Green!
The backyard has childrens play equipment, a sandpit, and enough space for a jumping castle.
Our hall has a fully equipped kitchen with two upright gas ovens, two microwaves, a large urn and huge bench space for food preparation.
The historic hall is located on O’Shanassy St with plenty of parking.
We do not hire the hall for 18th or 21st parties, and it is not available for hire on Sunday mornings.
A $500 security deposit is required, which is fully refundable provided that the hall is left clean and tidy and there is no damage.
To discuss your requirements or make a booking please email admin@stmarysanglican.org.au or call 9744 1347
To discuss your requirements or make a booking please email admin@stmarysanglican.org.au or call 9744 1347
Community Group bookings and Permanent Hire
The Hall is available during the week and some evenings for community groups looking for meeting spaces and for groups looking for a permanent weekly/monthly meeting venue. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and hall hire prices. (prices quoted above are for parties and are not the same rates as the community groups and permanent hire rates)
Click here to watch some testimonies from couples who have recently completed the Marriage course.
Video Testimonies
St Mary’s Policy Documents
St Mary’s Contact with Children Policy (November 2017)
St Mary’s Safe Ministry Policy (November 2017)
St Mary’s Commitment to Child Safety Statement (November 2017)
St Mary’s Privacy Policy (March 2017)
Christmas at St Mary’s
CHRISTMAS EVE
7.00pm Family Service- A fun and lively all-ages service with a message that will help children understand the true meaning of Christmas.
11.00pm Holy Communion- Join us on this Holy night for a traditional Holy Communion service with carols, followed by sparkling wine and cake on the Village Green.
CHRISTMAS DAY
9.30am – Traditional Holy Communion service with Carols
For other Christmas service times, including our Carols and Lessons, and Quiet Christmas service, please see our “EVENTS” page.
Children at St Mary’s
Children are welcome at all of our St Mary’s services. We have a special area in our church where parents can sit with their children whilst they play with quiet toys, and still be very much part of the body of the church.
Music Playtime
Please note that due to COVID density restrictions in our hall, music playtime is not currently operating
Music Playtime is a playgroup which meets each Thursday from 10.00am til 11:30am in the Hall. The hour incorporates actions, rhythm, singing and stories and open to anyone to come along. Gold coin donation.
Join our Music Playtime Facebook Group by clicking here
Baptism
For more information about Baptism at St Mary’s please click here
Do you have questions?
Join our Alpha Online where you can grab your favourite spot on the couch and explore life, faith and meaning in an open and friendly environment.
Join us by emailing stmarysanglicansunbury@gmail.com
Find out more about alpha: http://australia.alpha.org/
Our Mission & Vision
St Mary’s is a community. Loving God, Following Jesus, Sharing God’s love with all
St Mary’s Anglican Church is a beautifully maintained 150 year old bluestone church nestled in the heart of Sunbury. Its walls, slate roof and stained glass windows contribute to the picturesque image of an old country town church. It is a popular venue for weddings and baptisms and has a long history of serving the community of Sunbury. However, don’t let it’s looks deceive you…. St Mary’s is also a modern church with a constantly growing membership of more than 200 regulars. Behind its romantic walls are people who care about people and who serve and love each other and the community of Sunbury.
We acknowledge the triune God, the Creator of heaven and earth and His ownership of all things. We recognise that He gave stewardship of these lands upon which we meet to the First Nations Peoples of this country. In His sovereignty, He has allowed other people groups to migrate to these shores. We acknowledge the cultures of our First Nations Peoples and are thankful for the community that we share together now. We pay our respects to the Gunung-Willam-Balluk people of the Kulin nation and their elders/leaders, both past and present, and those who are rising up to become leaders.
Click on any of the headings below to find out more
Contact Us
All the information you need to know to get in contact with St Mary’s and where we are located.
Our Staff
Meet our staff and put a face to the names
History of St Mary’s
150 years and stronger than ever!
Community Store
Volunteer your time, donate goods and find yourself a bargain!
Being a Christian
Find out more about God and what it means to be “a Christian”
Join us as we worship God
Weekly Services
8:30am Sunday- Traditional Holy Communion service with Hymns
10:30am Sunday- All ages service with holy communion on the 1st and 3rd Sunday
5.00pm Sunday- All ages service with contemporary music and monthly Communion.
10:00am Wednesday- Traditional Anglican Communion
To find out more about a specific service please click on the menu on the left
Our church is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop installed.
How Do I get Involved?
St Mary’s Anglican Church is not a place for spectators. It is a place for team members. Whether you are a five-year old child, a ninety-five year old grandmother, a busy mum, or a businessman with big responsibilities, we want you to be a part of our vibrant church community. Here is how you can learn, serve, and grow at St Marys.
Home Groups
Often, small groups of people are better able to interact and learn about a topic than larger groups are. For that reason, St Mary’s has small bible studies held in member homes. The size of the group is anywhere from six to twenty people. At a time, designated by your group, you can participate in the small group study.
Pre-schoolers
Children are welcome at all of our St Mary’s services, and we have a family area in our church where small children can play quietly, Mum’s can feed babies and families can be part of our worshipping community. Music Playtime meets every Thursday during school terms from 10.00- 11.30am in the Parish Centre.
Please note that Music playtime is not currently meeting due to COVID density restrictions in our hall
Youth
Youth United is a youth group for Secondary school students, and meets every Friday night in the Parish Hall.
Young Adults
Life can get complicated once you cross that nebulous threshold into adulthood. There are complicated decisions. Bigger stakes. Serious relationships. And a whole lot more decisions. The young adult group of St Mary’s provides a welcoming atmosphere for university and early-career aged young people.
Stitch n Sew
This group meets weekly in the parish centre on Tuesday afternoons for a great time of sewing and chatting and encouragement. They have produced some marvellous pieces of work and welcome new members.
Mothers Union
Mothers’ Union is a worldwide organisation with the Anglican Church with over four million members. Our primary focus is to support and encourage Christian marriage and family life. This year 2020, MU Australia are financially supporting PNG through a new Parenting Program. Melbourne MU supports the Karen displaced people along the Thai/Burma border. Five Christmas Cards are also given to every incarcerated woman within the Victorian Prisons, for her personal use. Funds have already been distributed this year from its Disaster Fund, as a result of the recent natural disasters, to eight Dioceses across Australia.
St Mary’s Sunbury branch meets on the third Wednesday of each month.
Further information is available from the Melbourne Diocese website at:
www.mumelbourne.org.au
Mission Outreach
St Mary’s is thrilled to be part of the spread of God’s kingdom around the world. We are active in supporting missionaries with our money and with our prayers. Every second year, a small team from our church travels to Chibobo, Zambia to assist in practical projects and evangelistic outreach. We encourage all of our people to respond to God’s call for laborers, whether it means that they move to a foreign country or live and minister in our own community.
For more information on our outreach activities, and other mission activities and agencies that St Mary’s supports please click on one of the links to the left.
Chibobo
Chibobo is a rural community in Northern Zambia, and ST Mary’s has a a very close link with the community, through our support of the HMP Orphanage there. St Mary’s have a mission team travel to the orphanage in Chibobo every two years.
Kids Hope
KIDS HOPE AUS. is a mentoring program that helps Australian children needing additional support, and their families. Through a partnership between local churches and primary schools, Kids Hope Aus. works to improve opportunities for mentored children in the areas of education, self confidence and wellbeing.
Events
Coming Events
Details of our coming events and a full calendar can be found by clicking on the events tab.
For further information about any of the events listed, please contact the office on 03 9744 1347.
The Marriage Course
The Marriage Course is eight sessions designed to help couples strengthen their relationships.
Click here for more information and to watch testimonies from couples from our community who have undertaken the course together.