Could You Volunteer at St Mary & St John’s or St Alban’s Church?
Have you ever thought about volunteering in your local community?
At St Mary & St John’s Church and St Alban’s Church, Cowley, we are blessed by an incredible team of volunteers who help make the church a place of worship, welcome, learning, and community life. As our ministry and heritage work continue to grow, we are looking for people of all ages and backgrounds to join us.
You do not need to attend church to volunteer, and no previous experience is necessary—training and support will be provided. Whether you can spare an hour a month or a few hours a week, there is a place for you.
Ways You Can Help
Welcoming and Hospitality
- Serving tea and coffee.
- Helping at community lunches.
- Welcoming visitors to the church.
- Supporting concerts and special events.
- Helping with fundraising events and fetes.
Heritage and History
- Leading heritage tours.
- Assisting with churchyard walks.
- Helping to research local history.
- Recording oral histories.
- Supporting our National Lottery Heritage Fund project.
- Assisting with exhibitions and interpretation materials.
Children and Families
- Helping with children’s activities.
- Supporting family events.
- Assisting with holiday clubs.
- Helping with craft activities and storytelling.
Community Support
- Helping at our Warm/Cool Space.
- Supporting refugee lunches.
- Assisting with community outreach activities.
- Helping with our monthly community lunch.
Churchyard and Environment
- Gardening and planting.
- Caring for wildlife areas.
- Helping maintain the churchyard.
- Supporting biodiversity projects.
- Assisting with seasonal clean-up days.
Administration and Digital Support
- Data entry and archiving.
- Website and social media support.
- Photography and videography.
- Graphic design and publicity.
Buildings and Maintenance
- Light maintenance tasks.
- Helping with setting up rooms and events.
- Monitoring supplies and equipment.
- Supporting improvement projects.
Music and Worship
- Joining the choir.
- Assisting with concerts.
- Serving during services.
- Helping with flowers and church decoration.
- Bell ringing (where available).
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Meet new people.
- Learn new skills.
- Gain experience for your CV.
- Give something back to the community.
- Help preserve local heritage.
- Make a real difference in East Oxford.
Many of our volunteers tell us that they have found friendship, purpose, and a sense of belonging through their involvement with the church.
Training and Support
We will provide any necessary training, including:
- Safeguarding.
- Heritage interpretation.
- Visitor welcome.
- Health and safety.
- First aid (where appropriate).
- Role-specific training.
You do not need to have any particular skills—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help.
Interested?
Whether you are a student, retired, working full-time, looking for work experience, or simply wanting to support your local community, we would love to hear from you.
There is no expectation that volunteers attend church or participate in worship (unless they wish to do so). Everyone is welcome.
To find out more, please contact the Parish Office at admin@cowleystjohn.co.uk or the Vicar, at vicar@cowleystjohn.org.uk or speak to a member of the team when visiting the church.
“Volunteers are at the heart of the church. Together, we are preserving our heritage, serving our community, and helping this remarkable place continue to flourish for generations to come.”