We describe our services at Marton as being 'Celtic' - this page will try to explain what that means!

St Mary's Church is an ancient building, rooted in the history of the abbey and priory in Marton and Moxby and with an agricultural heritage. We try to nurture a culture of hospitality, generosity and a warm welcome. When visitors cross the threshold, or sit in the churchyard, they often comment on the sense of peace and stillness and solace they find here. Marton Church has been described as 'a thin place' between heaven and earth, where it's easy to just be yourself and relax. It's a quiet place, somewhere to rest and re-charge your spiritual batteries before you re-engage with the world.

Celtic Christianity is essentially all about the practice of seeking out God in all things, all places, all people, all situations in our everyday lives. Marton Church, which is simple, quirky, wild and beautiful, is one of those special places where this feels like a natural thing to do! Our services aim to be accessible and relevant to the situations and issues which concern us. How do you find 'peace' in such a troubled world? How can we make our harvest service relevant in today's changing climate? We borrow liturgy and music from other groups exploring these same themes, including the Iona and Northumbrian Communities.

We know from old books of prayers and blessings (especially the Carmina Gadelica, collected more than 100 years ago from the Hebrides and other Gaelic speaking communities) that what we call the 'Celtic' tradition involved praying and being aware of God's presence throughout the day. From first waking, there were prayers for re-kindling the fire, milking the cow, making bread, welcoming visitors, giving thanks for the sea or rain, until it was time to bank down the fire, close the curtains and ready yourself for sleep! Our aim is not to re-create this culture, but simply to learn from it and be inspired to find similar ways to develop what Brother Lawrence called 'The Practise of the Presence of God'.

Many people feel that coming to Marton is a little pilgrimage. We come as we are, carrying our burdens and troubles, ready ourselves to listen and pray, tell our story and reflect on what we have learned, and then we go back into the world hopefully feeling a little re-energised and encouraged and re-connected with God!

You can hear more about Celtic Christianity from a recent Sunday Worship on Radio 4 which came from St Illtud's church in Wales, where their worship is rooted in Celtic spirituality and where they endeavour to practice 'radical hospitality' - all are welcome - unconditionally. 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0018frn