Saint Eanswythe's Church, Folkestone

16/06/2026

Lectionary – 16th June

Today the Church remembers Joseph Butler (1692–1752), bishop, moral philosopher, and one of the most penetrating Anglican thinkers of the 18th century. Born in Wantage, Butler first trained for ministry among the dissenters before entering the Church of England, where his gifts for clarity, reason, and pastoral insight quickly became evident.

As a theologian, Butler is best known for his Analogy of Religion, a work that defended the Christian faith not through polemic but through patient, thoughtful argument. He believed that God’s truth is woven into the fabric of human experience — in conscience, in moral intuition, and in the deep patterns of creation. His writing shaped generations of clergy and remains influential in Anglican moral theology.

As Bishop of Bristol and later of Durham, Butler served with integrity and seriousness of purpose. He was known for his personal holiness, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to the renewal of the Church in an age of spiritual drift.

Joseph Butler’s legacy is one of reasoned faith, moral depth, and steady pastoral care. He reminds us that the life of the mind and the life of the spirit belong together, each strengthening the other in the search for God’s truth.

As we remember him today, we pray for theologians, ethicists, and all who help the Church think faithfully and live wisely.

16/06/2026

Lectionary – 16th June

Today the Church remembers Richard of Chichester (1197–1253), bishop, reformer, and a model of pastoral holiness. Born in Worcestershire, Richard studied law at Oxford, Paris, and Bologna before returning to England, where his gifts for wisdom, integrity, and gentle leadership soon became clear.

As Bishop of Chichester, Richard worked tirelessly to strengthen the life of the Church. He insisted that clergy live simply, care for the poor, and teach the faith with clarity and compassion. He travelled his diocese on foot, visiting even the smallest communities, offering encouragement, correction, and kindness in equal measure. His humility and personal austerity stood in sharp contrast to the political pressures of his age.

Richard is especially remembered for the prayer attributed to him - a longing to know Christ more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly - a prayer that continues to shape Christian devotion today.

Richard’s life invites us to faithful service, integrity, and steady love for Christ. As we remember him today, we pray for bishops, pastors, and all who shepherd the Church with humility and courage.

15/06/2026

💐 Mindful Monday: Seen with Compassion - a reflection on Matthew 9:35-10:8

There are weeks when we feel stretched thin or a little lost - like those “sheep without a shepherd” Jesus sees in the Gospel. And yet his first response is always compassion, never criticism.

As I look back on my own difficult seasons, I realise how often Christ’s compassion reached me through people - small kindnesses, quiet prayers, steady presence. That is ministry, even when we don’t name it as such.

This week, let’s pause and notice the places where compassion is needed in our own community. The harvest is still plentiful. And the labourers? They are ordinary people doing extraordinary good, often without realising it.

May we see as Jesus sees.
May we give as freely as we have received.
And may we be present where compassion is needed most.

15/06/2026

Sorry we've been a bit quiet with this over the last couple of weeks but, finally, here's a weekly mailing! Don't forget to subscribe...

At the heart of what we do is our faith in God and our love for him as we seek to serve our parish and community. We hope that you can feel St Mary & St Eanswythe’s is your church and that, whatever you value about the church, you will always know you’re very welcome!

15/06/2026

Lectionary - 15th June

Today the Church remembers Evelyn Underhill (1875–1941), one of the most influential Anglican spiritual writers of the 20th century. A poet, novelist, theologian, retreat conductor, and guide to countless seekers, she helped renew the Church’s understanding of prayer, contemplation, and the mystery of God.

Born in Wolverhampton, Underhill’s early adult life was shaped by intellectual searching. Her landmark book Mysticism (1911) introduced generations to the depth and discipline of the mystical tradition. Her own spiritual journey led her back to the Church of England in 1921, where she became a highly regarded retreat leader and spiritual director.

From the mid‑1920s onward, she devoted herself to helping ordinary Christians grow in prayer. Her later work, especially Worship (1936), expressed her conviction that all of life is sacred and that true spirituality is rooted in humility, obedience, and love. She died on this day in 1941, during wartime London, still encouraging believers to seek God in silence, service, and steady faith.

Evelyn Underhill’s legacy is one of gentle wisdom, contemplative depth, and practical holiness. She reminds us that the life of prayer is not an escape from the world but a way of being fully present to God within it.

As we remember her today, we pray for spiritual directors, retreat leaders, and all who help others grow in the life of prayer.

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Picture credit: https://www.schleckicons.com/iconsofsaints.htm

14/06/2026

12/06/2026

🎪 Festival Friday – St Eanswythe’s Fair Edition
🎉 Today we’re celebrating the return of the St Eanswythe’s Fair - coming up on Saturday 12th September.

Expect a joyful mix of crafts, music, food and drink, all set around our beautiful church and churchyard. It’s one of the warmest, most colourful days in the festival calendar, and we can’t wait to welcome you.

And yes… by popular demand, the St Eanswythe’s Dog Show is back! Last year it was one of the runaway hits of the festival - full of wagging tails, questionable obedience, unexpected talents, and a great deal of laughter. Whether your dog is elegant, enthusiastic, or simply enthusiastic about snacks, it’s always a brilliant watch.

The fair also coincides with Ride & Stride, so expect plenty of friendly cyclists and walkers passing through as they explore Kent’s historic churches.

We’re still building our line‑up - so if you’re a craftsperson, maker, musician, or performer who’d like to be part of the day, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Send us a message here on the page.

Save the date, spread the word, and get ready for a brilliant day in the heart of Folkestone.

11/06/2026

Thursday Thought: A Thousand Years of “The Rectory”

On Sunday our PCC accepted the Bishop’s nomination for Fr Chris to become our Vicar - a joyful and hopeful moment for our parish. Afterwards, in the way these things often happen, a simple question opened a door into a much bigger story:

“Did Folkestone ever have a Rector?”

The short answer is yes - but not for nearly a thousand years.

Back in 1095, when the Priory of St Mary & St Eanswythe was refounded, the entire parish church was granted to the monks. From that moment on, the Priory itself became the “Rector” of Folkestone. The monks held the tithes, the rights, and the responsibilities, and they appointed a vicar to serve the people on their behalf.

So for most of our history, Folkestone hasn’t had a rector in the usual sense. We’ve had vicars - priests rooted in the life of the town, caring for its people, and carrying the cure of souls in this place.

When the monasteries were dissolved, the “rectory” passed into lay hands, but the pattern continued: Folkestone remained a vicarage, shaped by the ministry of those called to serve here.

And now, as we accept Fr Chris as our Vicar - not just Priest‑in‑Charge, but Incumbent - we step into that long, faithful line. A reminder that our parish is part of a story far older and deeper than any of us, and one we continue to write together.

(Not sure what he’s laughing at, or what has earned the over the glasses stare from me!)