Drawn together to worship Jesus

‍Sent out to live for Him

We are a Church of England parish rooted in the heart of Kemsing and stretching up over the North Downs to include the Woodlands area. Our story reaches back through 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.

See what we're up to →
Interior of a church with a wooden altar and stained glass windows, congregation seated, some raising their hands, crucifix with Jesus and statues of angels or saints above.
White painted brick wall with the word 'Welcome' painted in green text.

New to church?

Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have lived here all your life, we hope our website helps you to find out everything you want to know about our Church.

Of course, the best way to find out about what we’re like and what we’re about is to come along to one of our services! When you do, there are a few pointers below:

Stepping into church for the first time can feel a bit like stepping into someone else’s living room for the first time - so we want to make it as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Come As You Are (Even If You're Running Late!)

Life happens, traffic happens, and Sunday mornings can be chaotic! If you’re running late, please don't let that stop you. Just come on in - our welcome team will give you a friendly wave, hand you whatever you need, and you are welcome to sit anywhere you like.

While every service has its own rhythm, you can generally expect:

Singing: We love music! Depending on the service, words will either be projected on a screen or provided in a booklet/hymnbook. Feel free to join in as much or as little as you like - whether that’s singing along, humming, or simply sitting back and listening.

Prayers: We take time to talk to God - thanking Him, praying for our world, and lifting up local needs. If there’s something on your heart, we’d love to pray with you (privately or in our public prayers). Just let someone know!

Bible Readings: If you have your own Bible or prefer using an app on your phone, bring it along! If not, don't worry - we have plenty available for you to use. And if you don’t have one, we’d love to give you your own Bible from the stand at the back of church as a gift.

A Talk from the Bible: We believe the Bible is God’s Word, and is living and active – it’s not just a text to study, but it’s how God speak directly to us today.

For us, this isn't about filling our heads with information or accumulating religious knowledge. It's about letting God’s Word work deep inside us by his Spirit - reshaping how we think, love, and live from the inside out.

So, every Sunday, we simply open up the passage together in clear, plain English, exploring what God is showing us and allowing His truth to bring real hope, practical wisdom, and lasting change to our normal, everyday lives.

Holy Communion: Communion is a simple meal of bread and wine for all who know and love the Lord Jesus, trust Him as their Saviour, and are baptised members of His church - whatever denomination. If that's you, please feel free to join in! If you wouldn't say you're a follower of Jesus yet, please don't feel awkward - you're welcome to come up for a blessing, or stay in your seat if you prefer.

Drinks, Treats & Good Conversation

Join us around 10:40am (right between our 9:30am and 11:00am services) for tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and biscuits or cake! It’s the easiest way to catch up with old friends and make new ones too.

  • Attending the 9:30am service? Stick around afterwards to unwind and chat.

  • Coming to the 11:00am service? Arrive early to grab a hot drink first!

Holy Communion: Communion is a simple meal of bread and wine for all who know and love the Lord Jesus, trust Him as their Saviour, and are baptised members of His church - whatever denomination. If that's you, please feel free to join in! If you wouldn't say you're a follower of Jesus yet, please don't feel awkward - you're welcome to come up for a blessing, or stay in your seat if you prefer.

What should I expect when I visit the Church?

Where and when do we meet?

Kemsing Church offers both traditional and contemporary services week by week, and our aim is to offer a service to suit different preferences and styles. So, our 9:30am weekly Sunday service offers a more traditional Communion service, followed by a cuppa, and the chance to meet friends old and new. Our 11am service is more informal, with a family friendly vibe, people are welcome to arrive from 10:40am for a cuppa, hot chocolate and of course a biscuit or two! Once a month - generally on the first Sunday of the month at 8am there is a quiet traditional communion service which we hold in the chancel area.

Parking isn’t a problem in Kemsing village car park, where you can also find public conveniences, particularly useful while we await the opening of our church hall with accessible toilet facilities! Church is only a few minutes walk from the top righthand corner of the car park. A slightly shorter and more level mobility-friendly route is from the small  car park at the top of Church Lane. Please be mindful of our lovely neighbours as you park.

Kemsing Church (St Mary the Virgin)

Church Lane

Kemsing

Kent TN15 6LU

(See map on Contact Us page)

What do the children and young people do during the 11am service?

Most weeks we offer ‘Sunday Special’, our groups which are tailored for those who are Primary and Secondary-aged. Sunday Special pauses on the first Sunday each month, because that’s when we all stay in church to learn about Jesus and worship him together.

Children stay with their parents for the first part of the service as we worship (sing songs and pray) together. Someone will announce when the children can go to their groups or they can stay with you if they or you prefer.

If you are coming for the first time, you will need to go with your children and register them, as we take safeguarding seriously.

For more information about what happens in the children's work, please visit the relevant age groups for you under church Comunity page.

Other frequently asked questions

  • No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your 'normal' clothes, or smart-casual if you prefer.

  • Not at all!

    You are free to simply observe or participate as much as feels comfortable for you.

    It is your village church.

  • We are delighted to welcome a growing number of people from the Woodlands area to our regular Sunday services in Kemsing church. Currently, Woodlands Church offers seasonal services at four points during the year, always at 4:30pm. Everyone is warmly welcome to these special services which are followed by the chance to chat to friends old and new over refreshments in the church hall. We do encourage liftsharing where possible, and please be mindful that parking is only available along the road - please park considerately!

    The church is located:

    Tinker Pot Lane

    TN15 6AA

  • You can reach us anytime via the details on our contact page. We aim to respond quickly.

Connect With Our Team

Submit the inquiry form today, and let us explore how we might walk this sacred path together.