Barham Downs Churches

  • The Rectory
  • The Street, Barham
  • Canterbury
  • Kent
  • CT4 6PA

01227 941561
Email Us

Welcome



Family worship in BarhamWe are a group of five rural church congregations (Adisham, Barham, Bishopsbourne, Kingston and Womenswold) that worship and work together in and around the Elham Valley a few miles south east of the Cathedral City of Canterbury.

Here you will find information about:
    

the Heritage of the five medieval churches. 

   
What’s going on in the next few weeks
.  
  
Considering a baptism or wedding
?  
 

Our lively program for children and young people.


2020 Mission Objectives for benefice was in line with that of the Bishop of Dover, +Rose, and should be a priority into 2021

 

*        Prayer – our communion with God, faithful and persistent

*      Scripture – read and inwardly note in guidance with the Holy Spirit

*      Generosity – to flow around us all in our community and for our Church

*      Evangelism – tell everyone about Jesus in our day-to-day journeys

 

Towards the end of 2020 the Diocese realised that the Pandemic situation had accelerated financial problems in our deanery so that +Rose commissioned each of the fifteen deaneries to produce a mission plan. Some considerations by +Rose are these ‘golden threads’ of our mission:

 

*      Discernment: God is helping us to leave aside our positions and preconceptions and to be open to critical reflection

*      Patience: We don't yet know where God is leading us and we need to stay with these questions

*      Practice: God is helping us to turn our discernment into action

*      Engagement: God is moving us to engage more deeply with one another


Between the five churches we offer a variety of activities and worship services, but our emphasis is on being the family of God's people, and on seeking to be the best we can be in his world. It is our belief that God loves us all, and is present in every part of life, not just Sundays. We also believe that Safeguarding in our community is incredibly important and essential to our Christian calling.

Whether you have been a Christian for a long time, or are still exploring what faith is all about, you are most welcome to join us at any time. Church services and other activities are listed on the  ‘What’s On’  page.

You can also find information about any 'Special Events' here.


Family worship in Kingston church.

A Family Communion in Kingston church


Bishopsbourne, which contains many interesting artistic and historic artefacts.

View of Bishopsbourne church and gateway