We have joined other organisations in the village to offer a Warm Welcome from Monday to Friday - a place for people to go for a few warm hours and a cup of tea and a chat so you don't have to turn on your heating at home - or if you simply want a time of fellowship and companionship with others. Our warm space will be the church centre on a Friday from 2.00 to 5.00pm - please let us know if you can help out at one or more of these on a Friday afternoon. We also hope to offer craft activities, jigsaws and more.The complete list of warm spots during the week is as follows:Mondays 11.30am - 1pm - Otford LibraryTuesdays 9.30am - 1pm - Otford Evangelical churchWednesdays 9.30am - 12.30pm - Hilal RestaurantThursdays 9.30am - 12.30pm - Otford LibraryFridays 9.30am - 1pm - Otford Methodist church hallFridays 2pm - 5pm - St Bartholomew's church centre.
We will be screening the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II in church on Monday, September 19th, live from 10.30amThis is especially for those who might be alone and would value sharing the moment with others rather than watching on TV at home. All are welcome.
Following the death of The Queen on Thursday, you are welcome to use the church to pray, reflect, or light a candle. You are invited to sign the Book of Condolence here in the church or you may prefer to sign an online condolence book at https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-her-majesty-queen Blessed Jesus, Lord of Lords and King of Kings, we give you thanks for our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II. for the grace and mercy she received from you, for all that she reflected of your gracious sovereignty, and for the great love she held for you and for her people. Enfold her in your everlasting arms grant her rest and raise her up at the last in the company of the saints in light. AmenWe will be holding special services of commemoration and prayer on Sunday, September 11th at 10.00am (Communion) and on Sunday, September 18th at 10.00am (Morning Worship) and 6.30pm (Prayer Book Evensong)
Visitors poured in to St Bart's Church Fair on Saturday to enjoy a wide range of stalls, activities for children, a BBQ and refreshments, plus the chance to see the latest work that has been carried out at the Otford Roman villa. It's the first time we've been able to hold the fair during the summer since 2019 and we were delighted to welcome so many villagers and visitors.In addition to the stalls and food there were plenty of children's games in the Vicarage garden, a children's art exhibition judged by local artist Ann Bridges, a raffle, trips to the nearby Roman villa currently being excavated and a lucky programme draw with a prize of a guided family tour of Buckingham Palace donated by the Royal Collection Trust.The event raised £5539.30 profit on the day and we are still receiving a few donations to boost this figure.
