WELCOME
Welcome to the website of St. Mary's Church, Riverhead and Dunton Green. Whether you are a first-time visitor or enquirer, or a member of our Church community, we hope the information provided will be helpful.
A summary list of dates of Notable Church Services and Events for 2019 can be viewed via this link.
For all enquiries about our Church Hall, please do not contact the Vicar, but follow this link.
REVD MARTIN LEAVING
At the services on Sunday, 18 November 2008, Revd Martin announced that he and Maggie will be leaving during Spring 2019 as they had decided that Revd Martin should retire. He went on to say that all would not be lost, and he was sure there would be a really good future ahead for St Mary's. In this respect he asked the Churchwardens to say a few words about the Three Parishes Review.
TRAIDCRAFT STALL CLOSING
The final Traidcraft Stall took place on Sunday, 20 January 2019. The Vicar thanked Anne Straight who has coordinated the initiative over several years, and the 'brand' is now much more embedded in people's minds as they do their shopping in mainstream stores. Thanks to others who have also helped, including Bennet, Emma and Louise, and to everyone who has supported the enterprise.
BIBLE STUDY GROUP
We have recently started a new course 'THE BIBLE COURSE' (exploring the Bible) which involves watching a DVD and discussion plus private readings for preparation. We are at present meeting at Ronnie Todd's house on Mondays at 10am for 10.15. The introduction proved very interesting and if anyone would like to join us please get in touch with Ronnie or Daphne.
ECUMENICAL LENT COURSE 2019
Initial information has been received that Churches Together in Sevenoaks and District (CTSD) will, once again, be organising Ecumenical Lent Groups for five weeks in Lent, starting in the week beginning 11 March 2019. As in previous years the course being used has been produced by 'York Courses'; this year's is entitled 'Daring to see God now'. A poster can be viewed by following this link. Further details and application forms will be available shortly.
TALK AT ST LUKE'S - Refugees and Immigration Detainees in the UK today
A poster has been received (link) about a series of Talks at St Luke's Church, Sevenoaks. The first talk is on Friday, 8 February 2019, at 7:30 for 8:00pm; on the subject of "Refugees and Immigration Detainees in the UK today". Entry is free, with hot refreshments. There will be a retiring collection for 'Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees'.
CHARITIES BEING SUPPORTED 2018/9
Following consultation with Church members, the PCC decided to support the following charities this year: Maidstone Area Parents Support (MAPS) Group, Kerry West Orphanage Project, Mercy Ships, as well as the Rochester Diocese Povery & Hope Appeal. As usual, the intention will be to invite representatives to 9:30am Sunday services, spread throughout the year, and to have retiring collections. Our next speaker will be from Mercy Ships, on Sunday, 27 January 2019.
MOTHERS' UNION EVENTS 2019
1) The Rochester Diocese Mothers' Union are holding their Commissioning Service at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday, 23 March 2019 at 11.30 am. Come along and meet the new Trustees, other members of the Mothers' Union and see each branch banner being paraded during the Service.
2) The Rochester Diocese Mothers' Union Spring Council and AGM will be held on Saturday, 27 April 2019 at 9.30 am to 2.30 pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Paddock Wood.
THREE PARISHES CONSULTATION
It was announced to the congregation, in December 2017, that the Bishop was to give some consideration to a possible reorganisation of the three Parishes of Kippington (St Mary), Riverhead with Dunton Green (St Mary) and Sevenoaks (St Luke). Below is a collection of documents which provide the latest position on these developments. Further details can be obtained via the Churchwardens.
Please don't forget donations of non-perishable food are urgently required every week, as part of our support for the Community Food Bank. Contributions can be left in the basket at the back of the Church.