The Work of the Church

St Laurence's is an Anglican Church in the Diocese of Coventry, England. The church is  located in the centre of England in the delightful village of Meriden.  Reputedly founded by Lady Godiva and originally thatched, the church of St. Laurence, Meriden goes back to Norman times.  People have worshipped in this place for almost 1000 years and continue to do so.

At heart, our work at St. Laurence's is to proclaim the the Christian gospel in all that we are and in all that we do; that is our privileged calling as we seek to glorify God in all  of our life and work in this place.

Our location at the centre of England gives us a pressing sense of the national as well as local context of our life of prayer and worship in particular; and our long history gives us an abiding awareness of the witness and devotion of  our countless Christian  forebears in this place which we seek to honour and continue in our time. 

We worship each Sunday morning at 10.30 a.m., and our regular sevices are described on the 'Noticeboard and Information' page of this website.  We also hold a regular service on Sunday evenings at Bablake Nursing Home in Meriden for the residents there. 

A prayer group meets normally at 9.30 am each Sunday in church although timing may vary;  please ask the Churchwardens for more information.

The Church is also open for visiting.  In addition to services, this ancient and  beautiful church is open for visiting every Sunday afternoon until 6pm from now until late October.  If you would like to call in to visit the church you are very welcome.  Maybe while out walking or cycling, or out for a Sunday 'drive' in the area,; or if you are just looking to spend a little reflective and refreshing time, perhaps somewhere to pray or just to find some space to be quiet and peaceful; whatever, we will look forward to seeing you; teas and coffees are provided.

The Forum page on this site is a place for you to ask or discuss questions about faith, spirituality and relationships with God. If you are perhaps searching for meaning and a deeeper understanding in these matters or maybe are just curious then please feel free to use the Forum, or come and see us for a chat; we'd love to see you.  Please also respect our Forum.

Church school.  As an Anglican Church we are actively linked with the Meriden Church of England Primary School, which is our parish church school (www.meriden.solihull.sch.uk/ ). Three members of the church serve on the Board of Governors of the school as well as participate in school activities.  A Christingle Service and several other services with our church school are held at St. Laurence during the year.  

In overseas mission we seek to support the work of a number of charities including Water Aid and Samaritans Purse.

Annually we hold a special 'Bereavement Service', a simple, quiet and dignified service of remembering and support for those who are bereaved, their families and friends; indeed anyone who travels the long road of bereavement.

For cyclists in the region we hold a special Christmas carol service each year and in May each year we hold a special Cyclists Memorial Service in conjunction with the Cyclists Touring Club. This service takes place before the impressive Cyclists' Memorial obelisk on Meriden Green as it has done since it began in 1921.  The next Cyclists' Annual Memorial Service will be the 90th one.  It will take place on Sunday 22nd May 2011 at 11.00 a.m. on Meriden Green.  All are welcome to this special Memorial Service. For further details contact the Churchwardens.

We host the work of the Meriden Village War Memorial Committee in conjucntion with our local partners overseeing the upkeep of the village war memorial, a striking roadside one dominated by the figure of Christ on the Cross.

'Carols on the Green' are held every Christmas on Meriden Green.

We are pleased to be able to work closely with the other churches in Meriden, the Meriden Methodist Church and the Meriden Christian Fellowship, and to be able to share many of  our worship and other activities with them. 

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals 

In addition to all our regular and occassional services, of course are the ongoing baptisms, weddings and funerals that characterise our regular pastoral care and service in and for the community of Meriden and, not infrequently, beyond.  Baptisms are normally held in the 10.30 service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month .  

Enquiries for Baptisms Marriages and Funerals: please contact the Church Wardens on 01676 523277 or 01676 523475, or, if not available contact 01676 522414. 

Renovation

 A major part of our work is in caring for the ancient church building and the beautiful extensive churchyard with its special views.  We are currently undertaking essential renovations.  As described in the renovations pages this is a major and vital work; our forbears built St. Laurence starting nearly a thousand years ago and generations have maintained it, sometimes with great difficulty. 

We in our turn are now doing the same.  This is equally part of our calling, to ensure a stake in the ground for God for future generations that the Christian gospel will contiue to be proclaimed and witnessed to, and that God be glorified through His church here in the centre of England.  We greatly appreciate all suppport offered to help us in this essential task. Please take a browse through the rest of our web site and visit the renovations pages to learn more about this major part of our work and the help needed.  Donations are always welcome and can be made online by clicking the 'Donate' icon at the foot of this page or elsewhere on this website; or please use the Contact Form to find out how you can donate in other ways.

Thank you for visiting our website.