From the Rector

Welcome to the Church of St. George Beckenham.

The parish of St George’s is an ancient one, the first recorded rector being William de Knapton in 1294. Over the years there have been many changes and our present building dates from 1885-87. But whatever changes there may be, one thing remains constant; over the centuries Christian worship has been offered week-by-week and day-by-day, the building being an expression of our faith in God’s presence with us, in and through all things. Over the years many people have used it as the setting for the great events, celebrations and dramas in life from birth to death and this continues today.

As an active part of the Christian community in Beckenham we seek to be a worshipping, witnessing people, faithful in our life of prayer and service, serving the needs of our community of whatever creed or of none. Sunday worship is at the heart of our journey, or perhaps a better word, pilgrimage through life – we join together to be fed and encouraged and our worship at the Eucharist enriches and enables us to ‘love and serve the Lord’. We are called to worship by a fine peal of bells, rung by our enthusiastic band of ringers, our worship is enhanced and enriched by our renowned choir, and we are blessed with a rich musical tradition.

From our worship grows other activities which include such things as study groups, nurture groups, work with children and young people, pastoral care and, of course, social events. We offer regular concerts, drama and our Arts Festival is a well-known and appreciated annual event. We are a community involved in a diverse pattern of activities and concerns, and we seek to encourage others to be involved. You will find further details of all this and more as you explore our website. "St. George's News" is our Parish Magazine and you can read my latest article for it here.

During September at the 9.30 Eucharist Service, I am giving four sermons on the subject of Growing Healthy Churches.

If you do not manage to get to hear these you can read the text of these here.

Above all, we hope that all find St. George’s to be a warm and welcoming place in which God’s presence is felt; a place where ‘prayer is valid’ – you are most welcome.

Paul Francis

Rector