St Martin's Church, Cheriton

06/09/2026

It was a beautiful but bittersweet morning as we gathered together to say goodbye to our Rector, Zoe (pictured here at a previous service) at our Benefice service today.

September is always the loveliest of months to visit St Nicholas, Newington as the ivy flowers are just beginning to open and inviting in all manner of pollinators, including ivy bees, the 2,000 yew is shining with the luminous red chalices of her berries, and the September sun is soft with golden light on the old wood of the church pews.

Our readings today were taken from Roman's 13: 8 to end ~

"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves has fulfilled the law. The commandments...are summed up in this word, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law..."

and Matthew 18: 15-20 ~

"...Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

Revd Zoe told us that we must always approach the Gospel with a critical eye. What has been passed to us in translation from Jesus' Aramaic language is not necessarily just as he taught. It is important then to seek out Christ's words beneath the text we are given.

Today's Gospel reading gives us advice for journeying together with those who might not hold our same values and for handling disagreements between us. In each circumstance, we need to consider whether those ways harm or heal.

We all have power, even if we feel small, and Jesus' words may be leading us to consider what happens if we wield that power without love or care. Will we use our power to lift others up or to drag them back, to release or to bind? May we use all the resources that we have to leave others unbound.

Today, with love and respect to Revd Zoe, we end with The Lord’s Prayer For Transgender Awareness

Mother Father God

The hallowing of your name shines forth in the diversity of your children.

May your peace and love, justice and equality, inclusion and belonging reign here on earth as in heaven.

Grant that our transgender loved ones might have their daily needs met—that they might find gainful employment without discrimination; that they might have access to medical care without fear; that they might have their rights and lives protected, and that they might find a loving community to belong to and call their own.

Forgive us for the ways that we have fallen short and failed your transgender children. Forgive us of the times we turned away, or did not care; for the times we judged their unique expression of your image; for the times we have misspoken, asked too much, or failed to hear.

Lead us away from the temptation to be complacent in the face of injustice. But instead give us courage to stand up and stand with your beloved children. For your love and justice is to be made manifest now and forever.

Amen.

We wish Revd Zoe well as she moves on to a new adventure and thank her for all that she has brought to our community. We are diminished by her loss but will travel on together with her example of service, love, justice, hope, and care in our hearts and at the centre of our faith.

We hope that your Sunday has been a blessed one and wish you a wonderful week ahead.

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

Many apologies for the late sharing, but here is a reminder that the first Sunday in each month is our Benefice service, where all three of our sister churches gather together in fellowship and shared community. They are always so lovely.

For tomorrow's service (Sunday, 6th September 2026) we will be gathering at 10am at St Nicholas, Newington to rest in the warmth of our church family and to bid a fond farewell to our Rector Zoe whose final service this will be.

Do join us. You will receive a very warm welcome.

We believe in a loving God, a compassionate Gospel, and a Church open to all.

Limited parking is available in the village if you will be driving.

Disability Access:

There is quite a high step with a railing to get onto the church path. A ramp is available if needed. The path can be slippery if wet. There is a very small step to get into the church and then the main part of the church is flat. Some areas are only accessible via steps but these are generally not used by the congregation during services. A disabled toilet is available by the main door in the porch.

Please let us know if any of this information is incorrect or could be added to. And do let us know if there's anything we can do to make your visit with us more welcoming and accessible.

Image: Jacqueline Durban

19/08/2026

What a lovely lunchtime we spent today at St Martin's Teddy Bears' Picnic; a happy time of community surrounded by friendship, cups of tea, snacks, and bears. What could be lovelier?

And we also rejoiced in the blessing of the rain which, although untimely for a picnic, was so dearly needed by the earth and by us all. Luckily, our lovely ancient church kept us all snug and dry and we had the best of times.

Thank you so much to those who worked so hard to organise it and to everyone who came along.

13/08/2026

Photo by Pedro Silva on Pexels.com Andy Burnham could not have been any clearer about his priorities in his first few hours as the UK’s new Prime Minister. On his first morning as PM he visited The…

13/08/2026

A new season of Bible Study begins!

Our Bible Study group will be gathering in All Souls' Church Hall every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 14th September. We meet from 2pm for refreshments for a 2.30pm start. Everyone very welcome. Do join us for these gentle gatherings of community, reflection, and biscuit eating!

Dates until Advent are:

Monday, 14th September
Monday, 28th September

Monday, 12th October
Monday, 26th October

Monday, 9th November

We would love you to join us in our welcoming and supportive group.

Do get in touch below or via our PMs with any questions you might have.

Image: Jacqueline Durban

11/08/2026

Come and join us for our Teddy Bears' Picnic, Wednesday, 19th August from 12.30pm at St Martin's Church, Horn Street!

Fun for everyone.

Bring your picnic and your bears for a fun afternoon including games to play, a Lucky Dip, a teddy bear hunt, and toys to buy.

All very welcome!

Image: St Mary's Church of England Primary School, London

09/08/2026

It was another beautifully sunny morning as we gathered at St Martin's for the 10th Sunday in Trinity. It was a joy indeed to be together in our cool and shady church.

Our readings today were taken from Genesis 37: 1-28 and Matthew 14: 22-33.

In Matthew, the disciples are in a boat battered by a storm. Early in the morning, they see Jesus walking towards them across the water and fear that he is a ghost.

"...immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So, Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?"

Our Worship Leader Stephen led us in reflecting on the link between Genesis 37, the story of Joseph being taken into slavery, and Matthew 14, Jesus walking on the water, and said that the connection is faith.

Joseph is a strong leader, and yet he is also the favourite son of Jacob causing him to be boastful, selfish, and spoilt. Peter is impetuous and rushes into things without thinking. Yet, God uses all of this to teach forgiveness, love, and trust. Jesus reaches out to Peter to remind him to keep his focus. God reminds us that he is in control and that, even in frightening times, he is with us every step of the way.

We will, one day, have clarity but, for now, we send prayers to those who help us in times of fear and dis-ease; foodbank workers, NHS staff, the emergency services, and others.

And, our Collect prayer ~

Lord of Heaven and Earth,
As Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer,
give us patience and courage never to lose hope,
but always to bring our prayers before you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

We wish all our friends, our community, and everyone a blessed week ahead.

Image: Apples at Elham Valley Trust, 9th August 2026

09/08/2026

We are very blessed in our Benefice to have a vibrant Mothers' Union, which meets at All Souls' Church Hall on the first Wednesday of every month. We wish them a very happy 150th anniversary!