Everyone is welcome

The Canonry Benefice has seven beautiful and unique rural churches across East Kent where we worship the living God and encourage one another through our weekly services. Our aim is to love others as Christ loved us, so our churches are places that are kind, safe, all embracing and inclusive, where everyone is valued wherever their journey with God is taking them.

In addition to our weekly services we have strong links with the community, with schools and with families. We want to grow a church which is vibrant, exciting, for all ages and all people, whoever you are and whatever you believe, reflecting the generous nature of God. We’re here for the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens on your journey through the seasons of life.

So come and get involved and be part of a creative, loving church family at the heart of each village, and know that you are so very welcome.

If you are new to your village, haven’t been to church before, or for a while, all the information about our churches is in these pages but please do reach out using our contact form and we will get back to you.

Alice & Luca wedding

sunday school 2024

preston cream tea 2

baptism adult 1

FIND YOUR CHURCH

LATEST PEW SHEET

A warm welcome from Reverend Caroline

I’m delighted to be with you at Canonry Benefice since March 2024. I previously lived in Doddington, working with ten village churches and communities and all that entails. I grew up in Kent, in the suburbs and moved out to the countryside when our children were small, so have many happy memories of village life and am pleased to bring my experience of rural ministry into this new season with you.

I’m married to Dan. Until recently he was a primary school headteacher and now works in an advisory capacity. We have four children, all in their twenties and living away from home…..most of the time!

There’s so much I could say about me, but the headlines are that I love to sing, swim in the sea (in all weathers), spend time with the family, have fun, enjoy entertaining, and have a deep, life-giving faith which we can all share in.

Please be assured of my prayers for you as we prepare for what, I believe, will be a time where we experience the fullness of God’s love.

We can’t wait to get to know you.

*Photo published with permission

Benefice Events

Important Notice:

It is with regret and sadness we have had to cancel the Benefice Walk Event on 21st September due to insufficient ticket sales to cover basic costs. Apologies for any inconvenience this will cause. Full refunds will be given to those who had booked tickets. We do hope to reschedule for a future date.

Concerts

Ash Concert – the Good Gnus

Goodnestone Concert September

Goodnestone Concert October

The Month of September

This month of generosity gives us the opportunity to look again at what we are giving back. Culminating in our service with Reverend Lindsay Yates, from the Diocese of Canterbury, on 29^th September 10.30 at our whole Benefice service in Ash. We hope all will attend

Generosity and Giving – Diocese of Canterbury (canterburydiocese.org)

Reverend Caroline Writes:

Generosity is a reflection of God’s love and a key aspect of our faith. Let us give not just from our abundance but from our hearts, understanding that every act of giving is a seed sown for God’s Kingdom. Be it time, money, resources, or encouragement, giving with joy and purpose strengthens the body of Christ. May our generosity be driven by love, not obligation, so that we mirror the grace & compassion that Christ has shown us. Being in this wide Canonry benefice we are in the wonderful position of making so many connections with people in our communities. Together, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus, blessing others as we have been blessed.

2 Corinthians 9:7:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MARRIAGES

It is always one of our great privileges and pleasures to welcome a couple who are considering marriage, and we want to help to make it a very special day.
The website Your Church Wedding has lots of excellent resources, however don’t hesitate to contact us to request more information. Please also enquire if you would like a blessing.

Make an Enquiry

FUNERALS

Although the arrangements for funerals and burials are normally made through a Funeral Director in the first place, the Church is always here to offer help and support in times of need and crisis. Please contact us if you would like to enquire about a funeral service (church or crematorium), service of remembrance or burial of ashes.

Request Support

BAPTISMS

One of our great delights is to welcome people of all ages for Baptism (sometimes also called Christening).

Baptism marks the start of a commitment to journey with Jesus Christ and, as such, all are very welcome to make that step of faith. Children will need the support of their parents and godparents in this undertaking.

Ask for Details