At St Mary’s, we provide compassionate pastoral care to anyone in our village seeking support.Our goal is to be a warm, dependable presence for those going through tough times, feeling lonely, or simply wanting someone to listen.Friendly Conversation & CompanionshipOffering a caring ear to anyone who appreciates heartfelt conversation.Regular Check-InsSupporting residents who are unwell, grieving, or facing difficult challenges.Practical AssistanceProviding meals during hard times or helping with transport to appointments and community events.Quiet Reflection and PrayerAvailable gently for those who find solace in spiritual support.Gill Bennie, Office Administrator 📞 07485 445716 📧 admin@stmarys-leigh.org
Please contact Gill Bennie on 07485 445716admin@stmarys-leigh.org
St Mary’s Church, Leigh, St Mary’s is supporting The Friends of Kent Churches Sponsored Ride & Stride Saturday 12th September 2026. What is Ride & Stride? Ride & Stride Day is a wonderful opportunity to support Kent’s churches and chapels by: · Cycling · Walking · Being a welcomer in your church Why take part? Your involvement helps care for Kent’s historic places of worship, ensuring they remain open, safe, and cherished for generations. If you would like more information or a sponsor form, please contact Gill Bennie admin@stmarys-leigh.org - 07485 445716
WARDEN’S BRIEF WARDEN’S BRIEF September always seems a busy month. It begins with summer’s final fling: flower show, pet service and the last of the barbeques. Then for children and young adults the beginning of term -for many this marks the beginning of a new era, the start of school or a new school, college or university; for others it is the chance to catch up with friends not seen all summer. We wish everyone well especially last year’s Y6 from Leigh.Too often we overlook the impact these changes have on parents too. When the last baby starts school, suddenly the day feels empty; when children move to secondary school we no longer see friends at the school gate, and the start of University can leave behind a house that feels empty. Sometimes September brings the start of a new job too or perhaps the realisation that retirement is more than just a long summer holiday. It takes everyone a while to adjust to these changes. God knows that sometimes we are hesitant to change, perhaps that’s why he asked the invalid at Bethsaida “Do you want to be healed?” John 5v6. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians 3:13-14 he writes: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal...". Don’t forget your goals and the goal to bring God’s kingdom here on earth. In July 3 children were baptised in St Mary’s. Baptism is also a symbol of change; the water symbolises the death of our previous life and a fresh start with the Holy Spirit helping us all the time. Baptism is also a promise made by Parents & God Parents to bring up a child knowing God, until they can make the promises for themselves at Confirmation. Have all your God Children been confirmed? If not, what are you doing to encourage them? If you want to explore your faith for yourself please tell me, Gill or one of our visiting priests as we would love to help you. Please bring your Pets to our annual Pet Service on the Green on 6th Sept. 12th September is the annual Ride & Stride event in aid of Kent Churches. If you would like to join in this fundraiser by visiting some local churches on foot, cycle or car or help welcome visitors to St Mary’s please contact Gill. Harvest Festival will be October 11th this year. Further afield Rochester Diocese is holding a conference on Environmental matters at which we hope to be represented. There was no PCC or SC meeting in August to tell you about. For me one of the most exciting ideas we agreed in the July PCC is to work with Bidborough Church to see if together we can support a ministry trainee; that is someone spending time working in a church to help them decide if they want to work towards becoming ordained. With the national shortage of priests this is one small way we can help. Thinking of churches around us we congratulate Rev. Hannah Glover, curate at Weald on her appointment as Rector, Brasted & Sundridge w Ide Hill & Toys Hill wef 12/11/2026 and wish her every success with her ministry there. Enjoy September, whatever it brings you. With God’s Blessings Richard (Churchwarden.st.mary.leigh@hotmail.com)
