St Mary’s is geographically in the very centre of Farnham, and continues to be at the heart of Farnham’s community.

St Mary’s has an excellent relationship with Farnham Primary School. The whole school visits for services at Easter, the end of the academic year, harvest, Remembrance Day, and twice at Christmas (once for a Christingle service, and once for carols). The verger and vicar also go into school for worship and teaching sessions, and there are also educational visits to church, where the children get to explore the church building, and find out what is distinctive about the Christian faith.

The church is a focal point of community life several times in the year. A church fete happens in September, and the Remembrance Sunday service (planned jointly by the church and the parish council) always brings the whole church together.

Christmas is a busy time for church and community. The church hosts the annual tree festival at Christmas, which is an exhibition of Christmas trees made by residents – some are pretty, some are quirky, some are satirical, and some are mechanical marvels! On Christmas Eve, there is a tradition of the vicar leading Christmas carols. Sometimes it is held in the church, and sometimes in the village hall.