Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in the life of our parish at St Peter and St Paul Church in Great Missenden, as well as St Mary’s Church, Ballinger and Little Hampden. Whether through volunteering, music, bell ringing or community projects, or whether you fancy a chat over coffee, everyone is welcome to play a part in the life of our churches.

You can find out more about some of our activities, community events and support initiatives below.

New to Church

Find out more about joining our friendly congregation on our dedicated page for newcomers.

Serving

Do you feel called to serve? There are opportunities to get involved at our Sunday services and in the life of the parish throughout the week across our churches.

Click here for more information.

Support our Church

Without the time and generosity of our wonderful parishioners, we wouldn’t be able to continue running the church and serving our community.

If you would like to make a one-off donation or give regularly, please click here to find out more.

Music

Music is at the heart of our worship.

Our choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music, and aims to achieve the best possible standards to aid worship within our church. There is also a children's Marimba Band. We’re always keen to welcome new members!

Read more about Music at St Peter and St Paul’s here and find information on how you can get involved.

Marimba Band

We invite any interested children to come along to find out what it's about so that they can make an informed decision before committing. No musical experience is needed. The band plays at the 10am Family Service on the 3rd Sunday of the month during term time.

Bell Ringing

We’re fortunate to have 8 bells which were re-hung in a new frame in 1990 – but we often don’t have enough ringers to ring all of them! If you are interested in an opportunity to get involved in something a little different and want to know more, read more on our dedicated Bell Ringing page or come along to one of our practices on a Monday evening from 7.00pm!

Food Bank Collections

We have a labelled box in the Church porch for you to make a donation. We are also looking for volunteers to help with the organisation of the collections. Find out more here.

Support the Fabric Team

The Fabric Team need your help to evolve and develop a “Statement of Need’ to be our mission for futureproofing our church building and connecting church and community as well as preserving it for generations after us.

Find out more here.

Join The Friends of Great Missenden Parish Church Charity

Since its foundation in 1997, Friends of has played an integral role in Parish life. Led by members of our own congregation, the charity holds fundraising events throughout the year to support restoration and repair projects in our Parish Church. Everyone is most welcome to join the Friends!

If you are interested in becoming a member, please visit the Friends' page to find out more.

If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you about planning a visit.
Click to see more

Visitors click here

Planning your Visit

New to Church?

Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have a new interest in our church, we hope that you can find all of the information that you need within our website.

Of course, if you have further questions, we welcome you to get in touch.

FAQs and Key Information

Where & when does the church meet?

We hold a number of services across the parish:

We have a Communion service at St Peter and St Paul Great Missenden at 10am every Sunday. We also hold services at 8am and 6pm each Sunday.

Services at Ballinger are generally at 9.30am on the first Sunday of every month, and services at Little Hampden on the second and fourth Sundays at 11:30am with coffee at 11am.

Details of all our services can be found on our Services page.

What should I expect when I visit the church?

You will be welcomed by the sidespeople who will give you the books you’ll need. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have. There are no set seats, so please sit wherever you feel most comfortable.

The service lasts for one hour and follows the order set out in the booklet.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the 10am service, where there is plenty of time to meet people and ask any questions you may have.

Are there any activities for my children?

We have two Junior Church groups that meet regularly. Head to our Children & Young People page to find out everything you need to know.

We also have an unsupervised crêche area within the Church and your children are welcome to play during the service.

Children may stay with their parents at the start of the service, or sit with their friends as we begin our worship. Junior Church usually leaves our main service after we have started our worship with some singing.

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your 'normal' clothes.

Do I have to take communion?

It is completely up to you. God's table is open to all. You are welcome to come up for a blessing, or bring your children up for a blessing. Alternatively you can stay in your seat.

Am I expected to make a donation during the service?

No, donating is entirely optional. We have a time of offering during each service when a plate is passed around for cash or contactless card donations. There is always a contactless card reader and cash box near the door to the church, or you can donate online. You’re very welcome in church whether you make a donation or not.

Can I get married, Christen my children or have a funeral at the Church?

For more information on marriage, christenings and funerals at our Church please visit the Weddings & Christenings and Funerals pages of our website.

I have more questions, how can I get in touch and ask them.

Please feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have.