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.
For all enquiries about our Church Hall, please do not contact the Vicar, but follow this link.
RISTI CHURCH, ESTONIA
Following our Group visit to our link Church in Estonia, Pastor Annika has been in contact and sent greetings. "A heartfelt thank you from Annika to those who visited the Church and people of Risti." They were particularly grateful for our donation. Currently they are trying to finish the work in the vestibule of the Church and Annika has asked if we could possibly help with raising funds. They do need to preserve and protect their Church and fund raising is difficult. The sum they have managed to raise to date is about €2,200, which is short of the €4,800 needed. There is a video of the Church and a Church member explaining about the work still needed to restore the vestibule. Please do watch it. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/ristikirik/videos/1715409112094400/
CHARITIES BEING SUPPORTED 2017
Following consultation with Church members, the PCC decided to support the following charities this year: Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance, Porchlight, Sevenoaks Christian Counselling, as well as 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.
The first will be for Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance on Sunday, 17 September 2017.
RIDE & STRIDE 2017
Help restore Kent's fine churches – some dating back to before William the Conqueror! Bike, Walk or Run from Church to Church - around Sevenoaks - perhaps even beyond! Talk to friends and family - work out your plan - seek sponsorship! Be ready for 'Ride and Stride' on 9 September 2017. Forms are at the back of the Church together with the list of Churches taking part. About 700 Kent Churches will be opening their doors. SIGN UP NOW! Any queries – contact Tess Fox
COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES
You may have seen this sign, near the bottom of the main steps that lead from the main road up to the Church. Read more about it by selecting via the main menu: 'Other Information / Grave Locator / War Graves'.
BRING & SHARE LUNCH AT THE VICARAGE
Thanks again go to Revd Martin and Maggie for so generously hosting another Bring & Share Lunch in the Vicarage garden on Sunday, 23 July 2017. About 50 people attended, enjoying the fellowship and wonderful spread of food, while keeping a close eye on the ever threatening weather. Some photos can be viewed here.
SUNDAY SCHOOL - END OF TERM
During the service on Sunday, 16 July 2017, and marking the end of term for Sunday School, Revd Martin mentioned various ideas being considered for the future. Presentations were made to children leaving Sunday School, as they progress to secondary schools. Following earlier presentations to retiring Leaders Helen Hall and Jo Adams, Revd Martin also thanked Anne Straights for all that she had done for Sunday School over a number of years. Sunday School children themselves wanted to make the presentation.
BLOCKBUSTER 'DUNKIRK'
During the service on Sunday, 16 July 2017, Revd Martin mentioned that Harry Garrett had featured in the Express newspaper the previous day. On the occasion of the release of a new film about 'Dunkirk', the article was based on an interview with Harry and his overall message that, for him, those horrific 10 days are as fresh and moving today as in 1940.
GROUP VISIT TO ESTONIA
Through the Rochester-Estonia Link, the opportunity arose for a small group from St Mary's Church, Riverhead to visit Tallinn, Estonia over the weekend of 8/9 July 2017. The highlight was taking part in the Sunday morning service at the Harju Risti Church and to meet with Anneka again, along with her congregation. There was also plenty of time for sightseeing. Photos (courtesy Janet, Christine and Diane) can be viewed via this link. Below are Janet's notes:
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND
There is a notice at the back of the Church with details of this McCabe tour. The fully escorted tour is: 'Pilgrimage to the Holy Land', 4-10 October 2018, and the cost is £1,375 based on sharing a twin-bedded room with private facilities. At this stage, showing an interest does not commit you in any way.
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.