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Coronavirus/covid-19
BEXLEY TEAM MINISTRY: St Barnabas, Joydens Wood, St James, North Cray, St John’s, Bexley, St Mary’s, Bexley
"Welcome to St James Church, - the Church of England parish church serving North Cray.
The church building is situated on the North Cray Road on the edge of the beautiful Footscray Meadows. There has been a place of worship on this site for many centuries, although much of the original building was restored in the nineteenth century. The church is well-loved in the North Cray community. For a map of the immediate area, please click here
There is one service each Sunday morning at 9.30am lasting about an hour. This is usually a service of Holy Communion, with hymns, bible readings and a talk which leads us into the sharing of the bread and wine of communion. On the second Sunday of each month there is an All-Age service at 9.30am, suitable for all ages with lively singing and a rather more informal atmosphere.
In August 2018, St James Church, North Cray became part of the Bexley Team partnering with the parish churches of St John's, Bexley, St Mary's, Bexley and St Barnabas, Joydens Wood.
Please do explore our website and visit our church here in North Cray where I know you will be given a warm welcome"
Team Rector
To contact the Reverend Ren Harding Tel: 01322 528923.
Like all Church of England churches, safeguarding and safer recruitment are paramount. The PCC are committed to ensuring that our church and hall are safe places for all who use them. For more detailed information and guidance click the Parish Safeguarding Handbook or visit https://www.rochester.anglican.org and click on safeguarding. Produced by the National Safeguarding Team, it is a comprehensive guide, summarising the key areas a parish needs to address with regards to safeguarding.
Parish Safeguarding - Past Review
If you are concerned about something you have experienced in a church, now or in the past, or you are worried about another person - perhaps a vulnerable adult or a child – there are people you can talk to and you will be taken seriously. You can contact the Diocese of Rochester’s Safeguarding team on 01634 560 000 or visit their webpage Click to read more
One of the Sacred Spaces created by the congregation at St James
Team Rector’s Letter February 2021
It’s been quite a while since I’ve had to pack for a trip away!
Like many of you, I had no holidays in 2020 and no overnight stays. Future travel seems very uncertain at the moment.
When you are able to go away, are you a careful, organised packer, or a last-minute one? What counts as a ‘travel essential’ for you? My main travel essential is my Kindle, as it saves me packing a suitcase full of books. What you take with you depends of course on where you are going, and what you plan to be doing. For some holidays it will be sturdy boots, a torch and sleeping bag, for others an elegant outfit for dining out and a good supply of sun-cream and beach-towels.
Spiritual writers have often seen human lives as like a ‘journey’. We may encounter times in our lives when it is as if the sun is shining and the sky is cloudless or others when it seems that the storm clouds gather and the temperature seems to drop dramatically. At these times, the spiritual equivalent of ‘travel essentials’ are vital for our survival.
In good times and dark times, we have a deep need of God in our life-journey! God can offer us some sense of direction, for He is our destination and our guide. He offers us nourishment and refreshment, through the powerful words of the Bible. He brings light into our lives through the kindness of other people. And whatever our circumstances, He enables us to have a sense of security and peace.
May you know God’s presence with you on your ‘journey of life’.
Reverend Ren Harding (Team Rector)
contact me at Joydens Wood Vicarage,
6 Tile Kiln Lane, Joydens Wood, Bexley, DA5 2BB
01322-528923 renharding@hotmail.co.uk
I am pleased (and slightly shocked!) to have been invited by Bishop James to accept appointment as an Honorary Canon at Rochester Cathedral, one of four others appointed in the present round.Read the full article here
In December we had our usual Toy service where we collected donations for Bexley Womens Aid. It wasn’t our usual service due to Covid restrictions but as usual the people of North Cray came up trumps!
We contacted Womens Aid before the service, and asked if they had any particular requests for the children this year. They asked for chocolate selection boxes and sweets and small toys. The word soon went around and we had many generous donations.
Comment from one of the Residents: “Such kindness and thoughtfulness of strangers to give so much, it has restored my faith in people and made Christmas magical for my children for the first time in years!” - See the whole letter we received after Christmas ....here.... |
As we reach the terrible milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, we invite everyone in our nation to pause as we reflect on the enormity of this pandemic. Read the Archbishops' letter here
The link to the material can be viewed here.......
Revd Ren visited St James, during the first period of lockdown, and recorded this video clip.
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him
Rev Ren's Reflection for Sunday 21st February 2021 Read More
My first Beatles record was ‘Do you want to know a secret.’
PERAMBULATING READER - David's Reflection for Sunday 14th February 2021 Read More
.. a bit of History first, so sit up at the back of the class and pay attention!
Rector's news for Sunday 7th February 2021 Read More
Rector's news 31st January 2021
PERAMBULATING READER Read More
There are Weddings in both our readings today!
Revd Ren's Reflection for Sunday 24th January 2021 Read More
This week's Music choice for Sunday 21st February 2021
Lord, Have Mercy On Me - Esther Mui and Keith & Kristyn Getty - He Will Hold Me Fast Read More
This week's Music choice for Sunday 14th February 2021
From the highest of heights.( Indescribable); Jesus shall take the highest honour ; How great is our God.(The Splendour of the king) Read More
This week's Music choice for Sunday 7th February 2021
Take Heart by Matthew West.& Light of the world (Here I am to worship) Rev Mark Pettit Read More
This week's Music choice for Sunday 31st January 2021
Let all mortal flesh keep silence by Fernando Ortega. Simeon's Canticle ( Nunc Dimittis ) and King of kings by Hillsong Read More