Coronavirus/covid-19

“The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of England have urged everyone to follow the instructions given by the Prime Minister to stay in their homes in a national effort to limit the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19). But they called on the Church to “continue to pray, to love, to care for the vulnerable”.

It follows the announcement by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson of sweeping restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.

It means all Church of England churches will close with immediate effect in line with the Government’s instructions. There will also be no Church weddings or baptisms. Funerals at the graveside or in crematoriums can still take place, but only in line with the Prime minister’s Statement.

In a joint statement the bishops said: “In the light of the Government’s measures, announced by the Prime Minister this evening, we urge everyone to follow the instructions given. We will give a fuller statement of advice as soon as possible. Let us continue to pray, to love, to care for the vulnerable, and build our communities, even while separated.”

Please note that events shown on our website calendar have been cancelled, postponed or suspended until further notice.

Recent Government announcements have enabled Clergy to enter their Church buildings to visit the premises and to pray. See the quick link below or St James Church Building to view Rev Ren's video of her visit to St James Church. 

"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" 

Revd. Ren Harding

Team Rector

To contact the Reverend Ren Harding Tel: 01322 528923.

Safeguarding - Statement			Quick Updates
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. 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			St James Re-opening!! Update from Revd Ren 1st July I wanted to let you know as soon as I could, the joyous news that we will be holding a Service of Worship at St James North Cray on Sunday 5 July at our usual time of 9.30am . Social Distancing and Hand Hygiene will be strictly observed of course. Singing is not yet permitted – nor are the hugs we really want to share! We recognise that for a variety of reasons some will feel unable to attend and we will continue to send all communications via email, so that all feel included. A Quick Virtual Visit to St James Church Sacred Spaces created by members of our Congregation		Meet our new Curate Matt Hodder “We welcome our new curate, Matt Hodder who has moved to the Bexley Team with his family.” Read Matt's Hello Message here   St James North Cray Church building will be open (for Private Prayer only) every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm      Hear my prayer O Lord by Maranatha Click for more music videos