Rooted in history,
living for eternity
We are a Church of England parish rooted in the heart of Kemsing and reaching on up over the North Downs to include the Woodlands area. Our story goes back many generations of prayer and community, and we are privileged to carry that legacy forward today - holding firm to timeless truths while creating space for people to find a place to belong.
At the centre of all we do is Jesus Christ. Rooted in the Bible, our teaching and leadership align with the Evangelical Alliance basis of faith. We believe that Jesus not only transforms our everyday lives here and now, but offers the sure hope of eternal life with God. Faith is a journey to be explored honestly and lived out together - with all of life's questions, pressures, and ultimate purpose in view. Whether you are taking your first steps of faith or looking for a church home, we are here to walk alongside you.
We are also committed to serving our local community in practical ways, with a growing range of activities and our new church hall opening soon to support and encourage people of all ages across the parish.
Our core values
We seek to live in the light of eternity, guided by three core values agreed by our Parochial Church Council (PCC). These values are the principles that shape our life together, guide how we worship, direct our practical decisions, and help us discern where God is leading us.
1
Rooted in Jesus
Everything we do begins with and points back to Jesus Christ. He is our anchor, our hope, and the centre of our life together. Being rooted in him means we prioritize prayer, listen carefully to God through Scripture, and depend on his grace rather than our own efforts. Whether we are gathering for Sunday worship, making decisions about our resources, or supporting one another through life's ups and downs, we seek to stay grounded in who Jesus is and what he has done for us.
2
Nurturing His Love
Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. We are committed to fostering a caring, genuine community where people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God and each other. Nurturing his love means walking alongside one another through every season of life - offering grace, practical help, and space to ask honest questions. It means creating an environment where faith can take deep root, mature, and flourish in everyday living.
3
Growing His Church
Living with an eternal perspective means looking beyond ourselves. We long to see God’s church grow - not just in numbers, but in depth, confidence, and reach. This value drives us to talk openly and warmly about what Jesus means to us, serve our local communities in Kemsing and Woodlands with generous hands, and equip every person to use their God-given gifts. We actively look for new ways to make space for others, ensuring that future generations can come to know the life-changing love of Christ.
Woodlands Church
High on the North Downs, St Mary’s Woodlands holds a special place in the hearts of many. Tucked away amidst the trees, it is a building cherished for its quiet stillness, rich history, and nostalgic charm.
As part of the single parish of Kemsing and Woodlands, our main weekly services take place in Kemsing, but Woodlands comes wonderfully to life for special seasonal gatherings throughout the year—and we would love to welcome you along, especially if you live locally in the Woodlands area. Every service we offer across our parish is designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone, no matter where you are on your journey of faith.
Whether you are planning a wedding, arranging a baptism, or saying goodbye to a loved one at a funeral, Woodlands’ intimate rural setting offers a wonderfully distinctive space to mark life’s most significant moments.
A Quick Note on Visiting: Because of its historic, secluded setting, there is no dedicated car park at Woodlands. Parking is along the surrounding country lanes, so we encourage visitors to liftshare where possible and ask that everyone parks considerately to respect our neighbours.
Registered Charity
Charity Commission
Annual Report
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF KEMSING AND WOODLANDS
Charty Number: 1131431
Please find below a copy of the latest Annual Report & Financial Statements:
Connect With Our Ministry Team
Please fill in the contact form overleaf and a member of our team will get back to you.