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.
To our neighbours
We commit to our neighbours in the world.
We will join in with Jesus and go out in his love to strangers and friends, enemies and those on the edge of society. We want to be good news with you as we get to know you.
As we do this, we pledge to embody these key values:
Belonging
We make room for people — neighbours, newcomers and strangers alike — so no one is left standing on the outside looking in.
Romans 15:7Love
We love because God first loved us: practically, patiently and without strings attached — the kind of love you can see.
1 John 4:19Compassion
We notice who is hurting and we show up — with a lift, a listening ear, practical help, or simply our time.
Colossians 3:12Hope
We hold on to good news that changes things: in Jesus, no one is beyond hope and nothing is the end of the story.
Romans 15:13Faith
We trust God together, in good seasons and hard ones, and keep following Jesus even when the way ahead isn’t clear.
2 Corinthians 5:7
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
It all starts with Jesus — so if you’re wondering who he is, start there.
What matters to us
Those five values are who we want to be. These are the everyday habits that shape how we actually do church together.
Questions welcome
Doubts and honest questions are part of the journey here, not something to hide. Bring yours.
Church beyond walls
We meet in a school hall, the community centre and the pub — wherever village life already happens.
Every age, every ability
Toddlers to people in their eighties, in the same room — with step-free access and help on arrival if you need it.
Around the table
So much of what we do starts with food — Tuesdays at The Table, breakfast at Messy Mornings, Life Groups round a shared meal.
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.
See how this is lived out week by week — around the table, in the school hall and out in the village.
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.
Leadership Team
- Anita Hanwell
- Kevin Hanwell (Secretary)
- Chris Read
- Sherri Read
- Elaine Rupasinha (Treasurer)
- Dan Wilson
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.
The Central Baptist Association
Part of the wider Baptist family — sharing people, training, prayer and support.
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. Read the story, and how to get involved.
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.
Where we’re heading, and what’s been happening
Two places to look if you want more than a snapshot.
Where we’re heading
The things we believe God is asking us to start next — and the honest admission that some of them don’t exist yet. If you’ve been waiting for someone to begin something, read this one.
News & stories
What’s actually been going on — written by the people it happened to, rather than a newsletter nobody reads.
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