Welcome to the Elham Valley Group of Churches
Welcome!
Hello, I'm the Rev'd Carol Bates and I'm the Rector for a mixed group of churches located across the beautiful Elham Valley.
Our vision is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all by offering different styles of worship, Christian fellowship, pastoral care and community events across our rural communities.
You are always welcome to come and join us!
Revd Carol Bates
The Vicarage
Vicarage Lane
Elham
Canterbury
CT4 6TT
Email: revcarolbates@gmail.com
Mobile: 0777 239 4855
Sunday Services: We have 3 types of services in the Benefice
Early Morning
Early morning services are at 8am or 8.30am. These are quiet services. The Breakfast Service is informal with food, bible discussion and prayer. No singing. Usually under 45 minutes.
Main Services
Our main services are at 9.30am, 10am or 11.15am. These are services with singing, and a variety of accompaniments, such as church organ, band or recorded music. Usually about an hour long.
Evening Services
Evening Services
Evening services are at 4pm, 5.30pm or 6pm. Evensong is a traditional church service. The Tea Service is informal with food, bible discussion and prayer with no singing. All are under an hour.
rector's wonderings
June 2026
I wonder if you ever have trouble sleeping…?
One Gospel passage tells us that ‘Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up to pray…
It would not surprise me at all if difficulty sleeping led Jesus to get up and pray.
He had much to be concerned about - powerful people in the community and places of worship were plotting and scheming to be rid of him; trying to balance his time amongst the many who wanted his attention and presence; thinking about how best to maintain his favour with people yet knowing there were systems and attitudes which needed to be challenged to bring about God’s righteous and just ways of love and kindness, mercy and truth.
Spending time in prayer is what enabled Jesus to be consoled or reassured. Comforted is another word we could use. There’s something about praying to God which opens up a new way of seeing things. We are able to view things through a different, more life giving lens.
There was an old song called Count Your Blessings which sums up what prayer can do - recalling the many instances which reassure or comfort us.
For example most recently during one early morning prayer time ( yep, I couldn’t sleep!).
I took great consolation from being warmly invited to a 90th birthday party and a wedding reception, being asked to conduct a loved one’s funeral, being given the gift of a painting with an affirming letter of appreciation.
Thankfulness, friendship and hope for the future are all common features which console and encourage us. When we are consoled, this can help us get a good night’s sleep!
I wonder if next time you pray you could ask God to direct your thoughts by his Holy Spirit ….then notice what happens next.
Prayer : Loving God, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – help me to think about such things (Philippians 4:8). Amen
Revd Carol Bates
