Parish of South Gillingham
We have four churches in our Parish: All Saints at Hempstead, St Matthew's in Wigmore, St Paul's in Parkwood and St Peter's in Bredhurst.
Please note that from January 2023 all four churches will have their main Sunday service at 10.30am - details of which type of service is each week in a particular church will be on the church pages linked below.
Over the years our four churches have developed their own unique approach which enriches our Worship and gives people living in the Parish greater choice. We share common ministries and activities. Details of what is coming up can be found on the pages below:
All Saints at Hempstead - A Church Near You Page / Facebook page
St Matthew's in Wigmore - A Church Near You Page / Facebook page
St Paul's in Parkwood - A Church Near You Page / Facebook page
St Peter's in Bredhurst - A Church Near You Page / Facebook page
The Parish of South Gillingham - building community, nurturing faith, and growing disciples of Jesus Christ.
Who are we?
The South Gillingham Team Ministry was established in 1990. Clergy and Lay Ministers work together with the Team Rector throughout the parish.
Rev Canon Brian Senior, Team Rector
Address: The Rectory, 4 Drewery Drive, Wigmore ME8 ONX
Telephone: 01634 231071
Email: [email protected]
Unavailable Friday
Rev Pat Dickin, Team Vicar
Telephone: 01634 379667
Email: [email protected]
Sue Jelfs, Focal Minister
Telephone: 07889 960062
Email: [email protected]
Rev William Davie
Telephone: 01634 239538
Email: [email protected]
How Our Team Ministry Works
The Team Rector leads the Team Ministry and is chairperson of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Each Church has its own District Church Council (DCC) which reports to the PCC. The Rector leads the Parish in its mission and ministry.
Vivien Fuller and Janey Sayer are our lovely Parish Administration Team
Telephone: 01634 231736 (There is an answerphone if the ladies are unable to pick up, so do leave a message and your number they will call you back.)
Email: [email protected]
You can give them a call to find out more about Weddings, Baptisms, and other general matters. The Parish Office is open:
Monday 9:00- 1.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am - 1.00pm
Wednesday 9.00am - 1.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 1.00pm
Friday 9.00am - 1.00pm
If you are looking for information on how to book St. Matthew's Community Centre, please call 01634 235507.
Churches in Benefice
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1
Hempstead: All Saints'
Rochester
The Parish of South Gillingham: All Saints' is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Rochester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services."
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2
St Matthew's Wigmore
Rochester
St Matthew's Wigmore is one of four churches which make up the Parish of South Gillingham - building community, nurturing faith, and growing disciples of Jesus Christ. We are open for Worship every Sunday, at 10am for our main service, and at 5pm for [email protected] - a more informal gathering. The church is open each weekday morning, and there are a range of midweek groups at various times including the 139 coffee morning on Mondays - for babies and toddlers and the adults caring for them and The Place of Welcome - for anyone in the community - every Thursday morning.
The parish of South Gillingham: St Matthew is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Rochester’s safeguarding pages: www.rochester.anglican.org/safeguarding/ contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
For enquiries about Weddings and Baptisms and Funerals please call the parish office on 01634 231736
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3
Parkwood: St Paul
Rochester
St Paul's is a family church with lively worship. It has an enthusiastic congregation, both in worship and service to the community. St Paul's is one of four churches within the parish of South Gillingham.
Our church building is open for services and all our welcome. Despite official permission to remove face coverings to sing, we continue to ask the congregations to sing with coverings, expect for those leading worship or singing as performance pieces. In line with Government guidance please do consider taking a free NHS Lateral Flow Test (LFT) before attending.
The life of the parish continues with safely distanced pastoral care, and weekly newsletters to the congregation. For enquiries about Weddings and Baptisms and Funerals please call the parish office on 01634 231736
The parish of South Gillingham: St Paul's Parkwood is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Rochester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
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4
St Peter’s at Bredhurst
Rochester
St Peter's Bredhurst is now open for worship every Sunday at 11.00am for our main service. Our early 8.30am service is on the second and fourth Sundays of the month and our evening 6.30pm service is on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in public indoor spaces, but we are aware that some of our congregation are vulnerable and may choose to wear these to protect themselves or others.
Online pre-recorded South Gillingham Parish services on YouTube stopped at the end of 2021, but for those unable to be present in person there are still weekly newsletters to the congregation. To be added to the circulation list of the weekly "Keeping in Touch" newsletter please call Viv or Janey at the parish office (01634 231736).
To find out more information about weddings, baptisms and funerals please call the parish office on 01634 231736.
Everyone is welcome to any of our services. There is a large car park next to the church with the space opposite the church available for those needing assistance. The church and toilet are fully accessible. We have a T loop (but sit nearer the front for best effect.) Our congregation are friendly and will help you find your way around.
We look forward to seeing you!
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St Peter's is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officers, PSOs. The Diocese of Rochester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.