Saint Eanswythe's Church, Folkestone

08/09/2026

Lectionary – 8th September
The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today the Church celebrates the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary - a feast of quiet joy, marking the dawn of salvation history. Mary’s birth is not described in Scripture, yet from the earliest centuries Christians have honoured this day as the moment when God’s long‑prepared promise begins to unfold.

Mary is the child born into hope: the one through whom God will enter the world in humility; the one whose “yes” will open the way for Christ’s coming. Her birth reminds us that grace often begins in hidden places - in small households, in ordinary lives, in the quiet faithfulness of those who trust God’s purposes.

As the Church rejoices today, we give thanks for Mary’s steadfast discipleship, her pondering heart, and her courage to bear Christ into the world.

As we remember her today, we are invited to pray for mothers and families who nurture life with love, young people growing into faith and vocation, those who long for hope in difficult circumstances, the Church as it seeks to bear Christ with humility, and all who say “yes” to God in quiet, courageous ways.

07/09/2026

This Saturday is our annual St Eanswythe's fair - loads to see and do, including the return of our Dog Show!

The weather is looking much nicer than last years washout - we hope to see you between 10am and 3pm :)

07/09/2026

Reflection for the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Yesterday we celebrated the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, although she is on the Lectionary for tomorrow, so she will make an appearance again.

Mary’s Magnificat is a song of courage - the sound of a young woman saying yes to God with her whole life. It’s joyful, but it isn’t naïve. Mary’s “yes” led her to wonder and blessing, but also to sorrow no parent should ever face. Her faithfulness held fast in both.

Isaiah speaks of being clothed with salvation, and Mary shows us what that looks like: trusting God not only in the moments that feel glorious, but also in the ordinary, tiring, and sometimes uncomfortable parts of service. Most of us don’t always enjoy every task we do for church - I certainly don’t enjoy cleaning! - but service isn’t about enjoyment. It’s about love, faithfulness, and making space for Christ to be born again in our midst.

As we celebrate Mary, may her song become ours. May we rejoice in the work God gives us, and may our own quiet, everyday acts of service - the ones we love and the ones we don’t - help to magnify the Lord in this place and in our lives.

05/09/2026

🐭 The Church Welcomes All God’s Creatures

I was asked about the miniature stone fonts, and it reminded me of a tiny tale often whispered among those who love the church.

One quiet afternoon, when the light slanted just right and everything felt still, a small procession of mice slipped through the doorway with all the dignity of visiting clergy. They paused, whiskers lifted, then made their way straight to the miniature fonts as though they’d been attending services for years.

To them, those little carved basins weren’t just decoration - they were a sign of remarkable hospitality. Perfectly mouse‑sized, perfectly welcoming. One bold mouse placed a paw on the cool stone rim and nodded with great seriousness, clearly impressed. Another dipped its nose in the water and squeaked its approval.

From then on, the mice took the church’s message of welcome to heart. They greeted spiders politely, escorted beetles with great ceremony, and even attempted to usher in a confused hedgehog who had wandered too close to the door. In their own tiny way, they lived out the idea that the church family embraces all God’s creatures.

And so the miniature stone fonts became a quiet symbol of belonging - proof that hospitality can be carved in stone, and understood even by the smallest visitors.

This is, of course, a completely whimsical story and not at all true, except perhaps that everyone is welcome just as they are.

04/09/2026

Lectionary – 4th September
Birinius, Bishop of Dorchester

Today the Church remembers Birinius (c. 600–649), the missionary bishop known as the Apostle to the West Saxons. Sent by Pope Honorius I, Birinius arrived in Britain around 634 intending to preach in regions untouched by earlier missions.

Finding the Kingdom of Wessex still largely pagan, he devoted his ministry there. He persuaded King Cynegils to hear the gospel, and in 635 the king was baptised - with King Oswald of Northumbria acting as sponsor, sealing both a spiritual and political alliance. Birinius was granted Dorchester‑on‑Thames as his episcopal seat, where he founded churches and continued evangelising across Wessex.

Birinius baptised Cynegils’ son Cwichelm in 636 and grandson Cuthred in 639, helping to establish Christianity firmly within the royal household. His ministry shaped early English Christianity.

As we remember him today, we are invited to pray for missionaries who share the gospel with patience and humility, bishops and pastors who guide the Church with wisdom, new Christians beginning their journey of faith, communities seeking renewal and deeper discipleship, and all who teach the faith with gentleness and integrity.

03/09/2026

Regrettably, we've had a tree come down in the churchyard in the last couple of days and, sadly, it's now had to be taken down fully. Huge thanks to Folkestone & Hythe District Council for responding to the issue and making safe so quickly! (Thanks also to local residents for their patience with the sound of so much machinery too!).

03/09/2026

It’s that time again! Get your tickets before they sell out for our next Supper with the Saints. 🥗🧆🍽️🍷🕯️💕

Our saint for October 17th is Saint George. Born in Turkey, to a Palestinian mother, our resident chef Aïcha Mehrez will be cooking up a four course Turkish feast for your delectation. As always, all are welcome at our table!

Tickets are £25 and available from [email protected]. Bring your own drinks and maybe wear something warm!

03/09/2026

It's time for the weekly mailing!

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!