Our Church is open daily 0900-1700
Christian people have worshipped God on this site for over 1000 years. Today, the people of Elham gather here every Sunday to worship in many ways, from the traditional Holy Communion, to a Service of the Word. All ages are welcome to our services and we have a children's corner where they can play.
Our church hall is very close by, as is the Church of England Primary School, with whom we have a close relationship, and pubs, all within walking distance. We have kitchen facilities within the church.
We are able to accept donations online via a Payez system.
Members of the community join together in the church for events other than worship, such as concerts and markets.
We maintain our church as the living centre of our own Christian life and worship, and we also seek to hand on to succeeding generations not only the building, but also the living faith symbolised by it.
Services at St Mary's:
Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for 1 hour:
1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday are Eucharist services.
4th Sunday is a shorter, less formal Eucharist, for 45 minutes.
Said Eucharist
Monthly, on every first Sunday at 8 a.m. for 30 mins - a short, traditional Book of Common Prayer Eucharist
Morning Prayer
Every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. for 30 mins - meeting in the Jesus Chapel ( Side Chapel). Prayers from the St Mary's Community Prayer Board are offered as well as prayers for the Church, the World and those in need.
Accessibility
We have step-free access, on well-maintained paths; an accessible toilet & baby change; hearing loop. Parking is in public areas- The Square, Church Walk- which are all a short walk away. There are no handrails within the church. The church is well-lit and heated, with additional comforts of blankets and cushions!
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS!
the rector's wonderings....
I wonder if you ever find yourself worrying about not having enough resources to do something? Perhaps there's something special you want to do or make or maybe an important task that is required of you, and you wonder if you have enough money, enough ingredients, enough time, enough of what the task requires…
Jesus was invited to a wedding along with his mother and disciples and once the reception was in full flow, his mother Mary came to him with the news that the wedding hosts had run out of wine. Imagine that - a wedding reception running out of celebratory drinks.
What a disaster!
Jesus didn’t seem too bothered about what his mother had told him but she told the servants to, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’
What happens next is nothing short of a miracle. Jesus asked the servants to fill some very large stone water jars with water ( each holding about 20-30 gallons) and when this was poured out it became the best tasting wine!
Jesus used the resources around him - willing servants, water jars and water to bless a wedding and God transformed the water into great tasting plentiful wine.
The Lord wants us to use the resources given to us, however small, to serve and honour Him, to reach out his love and care to others, and God will perform the miracle.
Things may not turn out exactly how we thought or planned but when we offer our gifts, God will do the work of transformation and God will provide generously - more than we could ever have imagined - when we do whatever he asks…
Dear Lord, help me to see the resources around me as gifts you have provided. Help me to see your amazing generosity as these gifts are given to bless others and serve you.
Amen
