Welcome to St Mary’s church, Fishponds!

Nestled in an oasis of green in the urban sprawl of northeast Bristol, next to Fishponds Park, the congregation of St Mary’s Fishponds has been worshiping God and serving our community for over 200 years. We offer a warm welcome to anyone who wants to come, wherever you are on your journey through life and faith, through hospitality, worship, prayer and pastoral support. As half of the benefice of All Saints and St Mary, we work closely with our partner church All Saints. We believe in a God who is compassionate and surprising, just and merciful, and we would love you to join us.

Coming Up

This week:

• Week beginning Sunday 16th August 2026

  

  One of the joys for me of holiday time is the space to read. As soon as one book is finished, another is selected from the pile to start something new. I enjoy following the real and fictional life stories of different people and how they cope with the ups and downs that life presents them with. I find that for me “rest” comes from the pure escapism into another person or characters world, and how that feels. I find reading, be it fictional or non-fiction, is a way in which to expand and explore and practice empathy – the ability to walk a little in someone else’s shoes.

  Empathy is a key way of living, connecting and relating as humans. As the fires burned in France, Spain, Canada and the UK after one of the hottest summers on record, who could not feel empathy for all those who have been impacted directly by the chaos and fear that they have brought? On the other side of the coin, empathy can also teach how to share the joys and excitement of others, that way in which we can genuinely feel glad at other’s achievements, hopes and dreams, being able to delight with them. ​​

  In the gospel reading this week, a woman approaches Jesus and say’s “Have mercy on me, Lord”. She appeals to his empathy, a desire for him to know her world and her needs. At first Jesus appears to ignore her, but her persistence and challenge to Jesus to see her and help her are finally answered. Her story is one of many, ones in which we can step into her shoes and ask – What would I do? How would this make me feel and act? And it is again one of many where Jesus meets that need with compassion and grace. May we also know that compassion and build on our own empathy through knowing other people’s stories and the paths that they walk.

  Services this Sunday – 16^th August 2026

  10am – Sung Holy Communion – St Mary’s

  10:30am – Holy Communion with Hymns – All Saints

  The Week Ahead

  Wed 19th Aug

  9:00am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints

  2:00pm – Bible Book Club

  Thu 20th Aug

  10:00am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s

  Fri 21st Aug

  11:00am – Living after Loss, St Mary’s

  Sat 22nd  Aug

  12:00pm Saturday Lunches, St Mary’s

  Sun 23rd Aug

  8:00am – Holy Communion, All Saints

  10:00am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s

  10:30am – Café Church, All Saints

  Revd Lizzie

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If you wish to worship at home, you may find this service helpful.

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