Welcome to the website of the Darent Valley Benefice:

** Churchwardens **

St Mary's, Horton Kirby contact Mrs Williams on 01322 862 551

St Margaret's, Darenth contact Mrs James on 01474 703 497 or Mrs North on 07790 287 877

St John's, Sutton-at-Hone contact Mrs de Winton on 01322 863 869

** The Vicar and the Vicarage **

The Vicar - Revd Emma Young 

Currently on maternity leave: please contact one of the churchwardens above with any enquiries.

The Vicarage is at Lane End (off Darenth Hill), Green Street Green Road, Darenth, Kent DA2 7JR 07563 276794

** Safeguarding **

If you have any questions about safeguarding, or need to report an issue, the Darent Valley Benefice's Safeguarding Officer is Sue James, who may be contacted on 01474 703497.

The policy statement "Promoting a Safer Church" can be read here.

The diocesan safeguarding team can be called on 01634 560000 or find out more here.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public worship is currently suspended and we are not permitted to open our churches.

For information however, our usual monthly Sunday service pattern is below:

• 1st Sunday - St Mary's, Horton Kirby:
  10am - Family Communion 
• 2nd Sunday - St Margaret's Darenth:
  10am - Family Communion
• 3rd Sunday - St John's, Sutton at Hone:
  10am - Family Communion
• 4th Sunday - check this page for venue:
  8.30am - Holy Communion (1662)
  10am - Family Praise
• 5th Sunday - check this page for venue:
  10am - Cafe Communion

We have changed the name of our main Sunday service (on the first three Sundays in the month) to Family Communion instead of Holy Communion to reflect that this service, like all our services, are open to everyone, including families with little ones. We have a children’s area in each church and please free to make use of it.

Our Family Praise Services, on 4^th Sundays, are a more informal service and again, all are welcome!

Please see diary for venue for each Sunday.

Our weekday service is a Holy Communion most Wednesdays at St Margaret's, Darenth starting at 9.30am. If there is no communion Morning Prayer is said.

New for 2020: at 9.10am on the fourth Sunday (before Family Praise) we will be showing an episode of The Story Keepers with breakfast - croissants, fresh fruit, juice and hot drinks.

The Story Keepers is an animated series following a small community of Christians living in the year 64AD and passing on the stories of Jesus, despite danger from Roman soldiers under the orders of Emperor Nero. It's a great introduction to the impact of the life of Jesus whose first followers were inspired to love, to forgive and to live with immense courage.

All are welcome. There's plenty of space for little ones to play. The Story Keepers has a 'universal' film rating and episodes are about 25 minutes long. The first one is on 26th January at St John's - see you there!