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St Mary's, Standon is one of three churches that make up the UBSMS (United Benefice of Standon, Mundens and Sacombe)
About the benefice
Link to the benefice virtual church: UBSMS YouTube
We are united in name and the desire to welcome every person, young and older, into our wonderful community minded church families. Our hope is to help everyone discover who Jesus is, and then to grow in understanding and faith.
We have beautiful church buildings, a large and committed worshipping choir, various styles of worship, partnerships with two excellent Church of England Schools, and a clear Bible based ministry. We believe that our benefice is a great place to be and great fun as well... we look forward to welcoming you into any of our activities some time very soon!
About St Mary's, Standon
St Mary’s church, which is listed Grade 1, is situated in Standon High Street, close to the adjoining village of Puckeridge. Originally a Saxon church, and with what is probably its original Saxon font, it was added to in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 12th century it was bequeathed to the Knights of St John. It is a processional church, the nave and chancel forming one long, rising sweep, with steps between nave and chancel, and again between chancel and sanctuary.
The bell tower was added in the 15th century, and later joined to the main part of the church. No two of the six bells are the same age. The oldest was cast in 1630, the most recent in 1907. They were rehung by Eayre and Smith in an eight-bell frame in 1994 and are rung regularly for services and by visiting bands.
There is a fine organ, re-built in 2000 by Saxon Aldred and a Grand Piano. A new sound system was installed in 2013, and the church was recently reordered to provide for more flexibility of use.
As a church family, we meet together to explore our faith and deepen our understanding of the teachings of Jesus.
The church is regularly used for concerts and recitals enjoyed by many from our local community and further afield.
The Friends of St Mary’s (FOSM), an independent charity, was set up in 2000, and makes grants to the PCC for particular projects for the preservation and restoration of the church building. The extensive churchyard is maintained by another Friends organisation (FOSC), not independent of the church, the work generally being done by members of the church and of the local community.
Other churches in the benefice
Please take some time to visit the ACNY sites for the other two churches that make up the benefice:
All Saints, Little Munden ACNY site
St Catherine's, Sacombe ACNY site
Safeguarding
The benefice is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of St.Albans’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.