Welcome to St. John’s.
We are a vibrant Anglican Church, in Folkestone.
We believe that Church is made up of the people and not of bricks and mortar. St. John’s is a community of around 300 people and on Sundays, we meet in three different venues, across the parish:
- in St. John’s Church, near Radnor Park
- in Grace Taylor Hall, Lucy Avenue
- in The Folkestone Academy, Lucy Avenue.
As a church, we long to see people come to know God’s love for themselves and to grow in their relationship with Him.
St. John’s Church has been welcoming people for over 125 years. We have lots going on during the week and at weekends for children, youth, young adults and the not so young! St. John’s is a place where many have found a ‘home’. We love to welcome new people and visitors, and would love to hear from you or to see you at one of our services.
“..IF CHURCH ISN’T FUN, WHAT’S THE POINT?”
A packed St John’s Church welcomed their new vicar, the Revd John Leach on Tuesday 28th April when he was licensed by Bishop Stephen Venner to mark the beginning of his new ministry.
Representatives from across the town and community, and other churches in the area were invited to share with St John’s congregation in supporting John, his wife Chris and daughter Vicki in this new chapter of their lives and the life of St John’s.
Among those who formally welcomed John and his family during the service were Cllr Peter Gane, Town Mayor of Folkestone, Josh Carter, Chairman of Churches Together in Folkestone, Guide Leader, Wendy Sharp and members of St John’s, each representing different areas of the church’s activities.
A service of licensing and installation is both a celebration of a new ministry and a recognition of the partnership between the new vicar and all those called to work in the service of the church in this locality. The service opens with a welcome to everyone present by the Bishop before the main door of the church is opened to admit the new parish priest, and then the service begins. Promises are made by both the people and priest to work together in their work and service.
Writing for the first time in the church’s weekly newssheet John wrote, “.....our prayers are for wisdom as I lead us onwards in God’s purposes, for fruitfulness in our ministries, and for fun as we do it. After all, if church isn’t fun, what’s the point?”