Business Details
Welcome to St Paul's Marton - A Welcoming Church Community
St Paul's Marton is an inclusive Christian community dedicated to worship, community engagement, and spiritual growth. Established to serve the Marton area of Blackpool, our church embraces diversity and welcomes all individuals regardless of background. We offer regular worship services, community outreach programs, and safeguarding initiatives aligned with the Diocese of Blackburn's Vision 2026. Our modern, accessible church building hosts both religious and secular events, while our team of clergy and lay leaders provide pastoral care and support.We prioritise safeguarding through formal policies and training, ensuring a safe environment for all. Our mission extends beyond traditional worship through initiatives like Freedom Church Mereside, community gospel choirs, and prayer-based outreach programs.
Services
Worship Services
Baptism Preparation
Community Gospel Choir
Prayer Walking
Church Hire
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive worship services accessible to all community members
- Our clergy provide comprehensive baptism preparation and pastoral care
- We maintain strict safeguarding standards with trained personnel
- We operate community outreach programs in Mereside housing estate
- Our modern church facilities accommodate diverse events and needs
Associations and certifications
- House of Bishops 'Promoting a Safer Church' policy
- Parish Safeguarding Handbook
What people say
Inclusive community
Welcoming atmosphere
Strong safeguarding
Accessible services
Services
Worship Services
Our modern worship services combine traditional and contemporary elements in a flexible space. Services include Holy Communion on Sundays and midweek services with music. We adapt our liturgy throughout the year to maintain engaging worship experiences while maintaining Trinitarian doctrine and liberal modern catholic traditions.
Baptism Preparation
We provide comprehensive baptism preparation through personal meetings and educational sessions. Our process includes understanding Christian commitments, Godparent requirements, and alternative services like Thanksgiving ceremonies. We ensure families understand their spiritual responsibilities while maintaining a supportive, non-judgmental environment throughout the preparation journey.
Community Outreach
Our Mereside initiatives include Freedom Church services, community gospel choir, and weekly social gatherings. We engage with local schools and implement prayer walking programs to spiritually support our parish. These activities aim to share Christian values through practical community involvement and accessible spiritual experiences.
Safeguarding Program
We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards with trained personnel and formal policies. Our approach includes DBS checks, incident response protocols, and survivor-focused support systems. We collaborate with diocesan authorities and external agencies to ensure complete protection for children, vulnerable adults, and all community members.
Prayer Ministry
Our prayer initiatives include online morning prayer meetings, doorstep visits, and prayer walking across the parish. We offer multiple prayer formats through our 'Talking Tent' and ribbon prayer tree. These services aim to strengthen spiritual connections while providing practical support through listening, intercession, and community engagement.
People
Revd Lesley Atkins
Vicar
Revd Lesley leads our congregation with compassionate pastoral care, overseeing worship services and baptism preparation. She maintains personal connections with families while guiding our spiritual direction.
Rev Linda Tomkinson
Associate Priest
Rev Linda serves as Pioneer Minister in Mereside, establishing Freedom Church and leading community outreach initiatives. She coordinates gospel choirs and weekly social gatherings in the housing estate.
Pete Tomkinson
Church Army Evangelist
Pete supports community engagement as Church Army Evangelist, working alongside Rev Linda in Mereside. He facilitates informal worship services and community-building activities.
Sue Sankey
Church Safeguarding Officer
Sue oversees our safeguarding operations, implementing House of Bishops policies and providing confidential support. She maintains compliance with diocesan standards and statutory requirements.
Diane Emery
Churchwarden
Diane serves as elected Churchwarden, supporting clergy and lay leadership in maintaining church operations and community relations.
Questions
What worship services do you offer?
We offer Sunday Holy Communion at 10am and midweek services with music. Additional services resume when social distancing allows.
How can I get baptised or have my child baptised?
Contact Revd Lesley for preparation sessions covering commitments and requirements. We also offer alternative Thanksgiving services.
What community activities are available?
Freedom Church Mereside includes Sunday services, gospel choir on Mondays, and weekly coffee mornings at the Freedom Centre.
How do you ensure child and vulnerable adult protection?
We follow House of Bishops safeguarding policies with trained personnel, DBS checks, and formal incident response procedures.
Can I hire your church facilities?
Our modern accessible building is available for hire with sound system and catering options. Contact our office for details.
How can I participate in prayer activities?
Join online morning prayer, doorstep visits, prayer walking initiatives, or use our prayer tree with coloured ribbons for specific intentions.
