New to Church?
Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have lived here all your life, we want you to know just how welcome you will be at your parish church and we hope the information below helps.
You are very welcome to attend church in person or to join a service via Zoom. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
Key information about the church...
Where and when does the church meet?
Our Church meets every Sunday at 10:00am and also at 8:00am on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month for Sunday Services. If you are coming in person, aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure you're comfortable in time for the service to start.
We meet at:
St. Peter and St. Paul's Church
Church Walk
Aylesford
ME20 7BB
You can see a map on our Contact Us page.
If you would like to join the 10am service via Zoom please click here for the link and other information.
Where do I park?
There is limited parking available in the churchyard behind the church. If you are mobile and able to park in the (free) village car parks it really helps, as it means those who are less mobile can park closer to church.
What should I expect when I visit the church?
You will receive a very warm welcome particularly from the welcomers who will be able to answer your questions and help you find a seat. We follow Common Worship liturgy at all services, which means that there is a pattern to the service that is more formal or less formal, depending on the type of service. The main service on Sundays at 10am includes singing (hymns and Christian songs), Bible reading(s), a sermon or talk and some prayers. On every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday of the month, the service includes Holy Communion, the sharing of bread and wine around the table, to remember Jesus as he asked us to. At the 10am service on the 4th and 5th Sundays, we still follow a pattern, but there is no Communion in the service. The 4th Sunday Service is a Family Service. However, that does not mean that children are not welcome at other times! Children are welcome at every service - we are a non-sshhh church! See more below.
You can read more about the different types of services here.
Tea, coffee and biscuits (quite often cake!) are served after the service when there is plenty of time to meet people and ask more questions.
What happens to the children at church?
Children are welcome at any service - we are a non-sshhh church!
There will always be something on the children's table - an activity sheet, and/or books and objects to help children express their spirituality in their own way. We are building up the children's area in church - a place where you can sit comfortably with them. There is also a sensory kit, containing items like ear muffs children for whom the experience may be overwhelming.
If you are thinking in terms of accessible content for your children, then Family Services on the 4th Sunday will be the most accessible, followed by the 2nd Sunday. Traditional Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays will have the least child-centred content, but they are still welcome (and older children may well get caught up in the sense of wonder)! And if they want to contribute by singing, whether or not everyone else is, or by letting us all know exactly how they feel - that is absolutely fine. We LOVE it when children are here.
Occasionally, the services move around. Please check the calendar for the latest situation.
Is there a dress code?
No! Please just be yourself and come dressed as you are comfortable.
Will I have to join in?
Not at all. You can simply observe or participate as much as feels comfortable for you.
Who are the people involved in leading this church?
Please see Who's Who.
I have more questions, how can I get in touch and ask them?
Please feel free to contact us.