The Six

Hartlip   Iwade   Lower Halstow

Welcome to The Six!

Newington   Stockbury   Upchurch (with Uplift)

We are a Benefice of six village parishes in the countryside between Sittingbourne and Rainham in North Kent, with seven diverse congregations. Down through the centuries, our ancient buildings speak of the presence and promise of God in our communities: "I am with you". We seek to be "the people who bless", seeking to embody Jesus in our daily lives sharing by our presence, service and words the Lord's transforming love and grace. We see church as a community we belong to, not just a place we go to. So come and join us. Everyone is welcome to join us at any of our services, which provide different flavours of traditional and contemporary worship. Our regular Connect magazine provides information on the different activities of our congregations.

Covid-19

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

We live in unprecedented times when many are anxious about the present never mind the future, given the Covid-19 pandemic and its knock-on effect on the economy. At this point in time our six church buildings remain closed until further guidance on when and how they can be re-opened. This is part of the Church of England's support for the Government measures aimed at avoiding the virus transmission risk.

However your local church community is still here, working with others (other churches, parish and local councils, Foodbank, other volunteers) where we can to serve you, to be available to you and especially for the most vulnerable in our village communities. Although the church building in your village will be closed, as a “dispersed praying community” we are praying for your village community each day. 

We invite you to join us to pray, as you can, wherever you are at home as follows:

We invite you to light and place a candle (or any light) in your window each Sunday evening as a sign of hope. In doing so please be conscious of fire safety. Let’s see as many lights as possible as the weeks pass!

We are aware that many may be worried and struggling in some way during this period. Do not struggle alone. There are many who can help and listen. Do ask. If you wish for help from our churches, do contact me in the first instance. I can then put you in touch with others in the communities who can and are willing to help.

"The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not (cannot) overcome this light". These words from John’s Gospel remind us of God’s promise that no matter what life brings, the Lord says “I am with you”. In the midst of the storms the Lord Jesus met his panicked disciples and said "It is I, do not be afraid. Where is your faith?" In the midst of this particular storm engulfing our individual lives, our nation and our world at this time may we hear the Lord’s promise “I am with you”.

If you would like to speak to someone, please do get in touch with the Clergy team in the first instance. Safeguarding is an essential part of our churches being safe for everyone. Follow the link here.