An ordinary church, with a big hope
A church for Marston Moretaine
Vale Community Church is a warm, hopeful community in the heart of Marston Moretaine, trying to follow Jesus and love our village well. We’re a Baptist church and a registered charity, part of the Central Baptist Association — but more than that, we’re a family of ordinary people who believe you can belong here long before you’ve got faith figured out.
We gather on Sundays, eat together through the week, and try to be church beyond walls — showing up in the everyday places of village life, where God is already at work.
Where God has already turned over the soil
We began as a small group of people who sensed God calling us to plant something new in Marston Moretaine — not a building-first church, but a community that meets people where they are. From a Sunday gathering to a free community meal, from Messy Church to conversations in the pub, we’ve watched God grow something real.
Today we’re a church of around 40 on a Sunday, reaching hundreds more across the week through The Table, Messy Church, Storytellers in our local school, and seasonal celebrations. We’re led bi-vocationally by pioneer ministers, and we’re only just getting started.
Belong before believing
We hold to the historic Christian faith in the Baptist tradition: that God loves the world, that Jesus is good news for everyone, and that following him changes everything. We take the Bible seriously and try to live it out honestly — with room for questions, doubts and real life.
You don’t need to believe a certain thing, dress a certain way, or have any church background to be welcome here. Come as you are, bring your questions, and find a place at the table.
Our values
Six things that shape how we try to be church together.
Belonging
You can belong here long before you’ve got faith figured out.
Everyday faith
Church beyond walls — faith lived out in the ordinary places of village life.
Everyone included
Whatever your age, ability or story, you’re wanted here.
Around the table
Food, hospitality and friendship are at the heart of how we love people.
Pioneering
We try new things and meet people where God is already at work.
Better together
We’re humble enough to know we can’t — and shouldn’t — do this alone.
Who leads Vale
Dan & Annie Dupree — Pioneer Ministers
Dan and Annie share one full-time pioneer minister post, leading Vale bi-vocationally. Dan preaches regularly and encourages other pioneers. Annie is training as a locally accredited minister and works as an NHS physiotherapist. Both also steer our partner mission organisation ‘Tek Ura’ in Albania.
Together they’re passionate about a church that breaks down barriers, builds people up, and brings people together.
Our partnerships
So much of what happens at Vale happens alongside others.
The Heart of Marston
Serving our village side by side through community projects and volunteering.
Local schools
Weekly Storytellers assemblies and walking alongside families.
St Mary’s & the CBA
Partnering with our Anglican neighbours and the wider Baptist family.
FareShare & the Co-op
Making The Table’s free community meal possible each week.
Tek Ura & At the Bridge
Our mission partners in Albania and the UK, shaping our vision.
Safeguarding
The safety and wellbeing of children and adults is a priority — we follow CBA safeguarding policy and have a trained lead. Details on request.
Come and see
The best way to get to know us is to come along. You’ll be warmly welcomed — no pressure, no strings.
Plan your visit