Parish Safeguarding - Statement

Like all Church of England churches, safeguarding and safer recruitment are paramount.  The PCC are committed to ensuring that our Church and Bothy Hall are safe places for all who use them. For more detailed information and guidance click the Parish Safeguarding Handbook  for details of our Safeguarding Officer please see Safeguarding at St James and  for further information visit   https://www.rochester.anglican.org  and click on safeguarding. Produced by the National Safeguarding Team, it is a comprehensive guide, summarising the key areas a parish needs to address with regards to safeguarding. However, if you or someone you are concerned about is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999”

Parish Safeguarding - Past Review

If you are concerned about something you have experienced in a church, now or in the past, or you are worried  about another person - perhaps a vulnerable adult or a child – there are people you can talk to and you will be taken seriously. You can contact the Diocese of Rochester’s Safeguarding team on 01634 560 000 or visit their webpage Click to read more

One of the Sacred Spaces created by the congregation at St James

See more sacred spaces....

Rev’d Canon Ren writes-

Team Rector’s Letter August 2022

As I come to the end of my time as Team Rector of the Bexley Team, and vicar of North Cray, I have been reflecting on the past.

I began my time at North Cray at the end of 2015. My task was to look after St James Church in addition to my existing responsibilities for St Barnabas Church in Joydens Wood, where I had been Vicar since 2011. In 2018 St James and St Barnabas joined with St John’s Bexley, and St Mary’s Bexley to form one Team, with myself having oversight of all four, working with other clergy. After I leave this month, a new Team Rector will be appointed and there may be some changes in the way the clergy are deployed.  For the moment, our extremely capable Associate Priest, Reverend Sue Twynam will manage the day-to-day business of the church, alongside our curate, Reverend Matt Hodder.

I want to thank all those who have worked with me over the last seven years.

First, my warmest thanks go to church members and those who regularly attend our beautiful parish church. Your love and encouragement has been wonderful. There are many tasks that need to be done to keep the church and grounds in good shape, and I am grateful to all those who contribute in practical ways. It has been a pleasure to get to know residents of the local community, representatives of the local uniformed organisations, and the Royal British Legion. And there are many with whom I have had the privilege to walk at life’s turning points, baptisms, marriages, funerals. 

Each one of you has a special place in my heart, and I pray that God will bring you his comfort and peace in whatever the future may hold.

Reverend Ren Harding (Team Rector)

The Vicarage, 6 Tile Kiln Lane, Joydens Wood, Bexley, DA5 2BB

01322-528923        renharding@hotmail.co.uk

THE BEXLEY TEAM CLERGY

Associate Priest: 

Rev’d Sue Twynam setwynam@gmail.com 01322559501 07952468127

Team Curate: 

Rev’d Matt Hodder matthodder10@gmail.com 07889873125

Team Vicar: 

Rev’d Clive Wood revclivewood@gmail.com 01322 270942 

07982392809

Team Vicar: 

Rev’d Edward Barlow fr.edwardbarlow@gmail.com 01322 521786

Team Rector’s Letter July 2022

Ren and Steve’s Leaving Arrangements

Thank you all for your good wishes following the announcement of our leaving the Bexley Team . My ‘official’ last day, for diocesan and Cof E purposes is 31^st  August, but it has been agreed that as I have some leave owing, we will be moving our goods and chattels out of the Vicarage on Wednesday 17^th  August. My last service at St James North Cray will be the 9.30 am service on Sunday 31^st  July. There will be the opportunity for coffee and chat afterwards. My last service at St Barnabas, Joydens Wood will be at 10.45 am on Sunday 7^th August, and a ‘Bring & Share’ Lunch is being arranged.

Everybody is welcome to any of these events, and with a spread of dates, hopefully everyone will be able to make at least one event, to send us on our way! Ren

Reverend Ren Harding (Team Rector)

The Vicarage, 6 Tile Kiln Lane, Joydens Wood, Bexley, DA5 2BB

01322-528923   renharding@hotmail.co.uk

Please refer to the Church Magazine for Services and Events in August 2022

Church Magazine Link

Please contact the Team Rector or a member of the clergy team to be included on the emailing list or see our website for further information.

Also, do contact any of our clergy team if you are concerned, or if you would simply like a chat, or prayer.

There will be music on this link www.stjamesnorthcray.org.uk/welcome/music/

We hope you find the music helpful and inspiring.

Zoom  details are emailed out each week.

Please contact the Team Rector or a member of the clergy team to be included on the emailing list or see our website for further information.

Also, do contact any of our clergy team if you are concerned, or if you would simply like a chat, or prayer.

For further details see the Bexley Team News

Bexley Team Ministry - Clergy Contact Details.

View them here.....

Bexley Team Children's Church

This year we want to offer our families a weekly Bexley Team Children's Church.

The link to the material can be viewed here.......

We invite everyone in our nation to pause, as we reflect on the enormity of this pandemic. Read the Archbishops' letter here 

A virtual visit to St James Church .

Revd Ren visited St James, during the first  period of lockdown, and recorded this video clip.