Church life is so much richer than one hour on a Sunday and there’s a lot going on Monday to Saturday. Some roles are very visible and some are unseen, but why not consider being part of the network of volunteers that support our church’s life.
Whether you love people or practical tasks, creativity or cups of tea, music or mending, there’s a place in our churches where your gifts can make a difference.
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to have lots of time. You just need a willingness to join in and be part of something that helps our churches flourish.
If you’re curious about getting involved, we’d love to help you find a way that feels natural and life‑giving for you. If any of the roles look like they are a good fit or you’d like to find out more, please contact the Parish Administrator.
Ways you can volunteer
Hospitality
We are churches that love to make people feel welcome and offering hospitality is a big part of that. In Ottery and Wiggaton refreshments are served after the Sunday morning services and there are teams of people who serve on a rota. At Ottery St Mary Parish Church we hold a monthly Welcome Cafe and volunteers to help serve/wash up are always welcome, and we often serve refreshments at other events like concerts.
Cleaning
Ottery St Mary Parish Church receives a large footfall through the week and keeping our church looking clean and tidy is very important. The church is cleaned weekly by teams of people and we are always glad to receive new volunteers. Once a year we hold a big spiring clean too.
Flower arranging
Perhaps you have the gift of being able to turn flowers into beautiful displays. Ottery St Mary Parish Church has space and opportunity to do just that. Each week (except in Advent and Lent) the church has various flower arrangements. At major festivals the church always looks stunning thanks to the efforts of the flower arrangers.
Bellringing
A work out for the mind and body - bellringing is a very ancient part of church life as bells have been used to call people to worship for centuries. Whether you are new to the skill or a seasoned ringer, you are very welcome to join the team of ringers at Ottery St Mary Parish Church. Practice night is Monday at 7.30pm. Safeguarding training requirements apply.
Choir
At Ottery St Mary Parish Church we maintain a 4-part choir that sings for Sunday morning worship, our monthly Choral Evensong and major festivals. Ability to read music not essential but helpful. Rehearsals are on a Thursday evening 6.45 - 7.45pm and often followed by a visit to the pub. Safeguarding training requirements apply.
Fabric
Are you of a practical nature? Perhaps you love the challenge and privilege of maintaining church buildings? We are always looking for people who are fit and able to help with the day-to-day maintenance of our churches. At Ottery St Mary Parish Church we have a fabric working group who bring differing skills to bear - electrical, plumbing, joinery, health and safety and much more. Safeguarding training requirements apply.
Creation Care
At Alfington and Ottery we have large churchyards that are managed sensitively for wildlife. Every Tuesday morning at 9.30am a small working party works at Alfington and work at Ottery is on a more ad hoc arrangement. We have en eco group that works across our whole Mission Community providing challenge and support in the care of our creation. We have a strong link with Melanesia who are at the sharp end of sea level rise and climate change and we work to support them through prayer and practical aid.
Fundraising
Each of our churches raises money for their own mission and ministry as well as looking outwards to support other charities. Maybe you enjoy being part of fetes, plant sales, pop up cafes, quiz nights, cream teas and much, much more.
