Unfortunately, earlier this year we had to take the sad decision to cut down the large ash tree in our grounds as it had succumbed to die-back.

In this year of Celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, St. Matthew’s Church decided to hold an Afternoon Tea for the more aged members of our community. We decided to take the opportunity of the Afternoon Tea to also plant two trees to mark the occasion of the jubilee and to replace the tree we had lost.

Salix Integra “Flamingo” – Willy the Dwarf Willow – this tree has a flamboyant foliage in spring with a marbled mix of green and white with flamingo-pink tips. The leaves fade to green in summer and when they drop in autumn, coral orange stems are revealed. Before the foliage appears again in spring, yellow catkins appear.

Magnolia Daybreak – Madge the Magnolia – this is a small to medium sized columnar deciduous tree with cup-shaped, splayed, creamy-pink flowers with a citrus fragrance. These open to around 23-25cm (9-10inches) and appear on the upright stems in late spring, before the leaf buds. Pale green leaves with wavy edges appear after the flowers and last throughout the summer.

St Matthew’s is a friendly and inclusive church in the heart of Borstal Village in Rochester. We meet together each Sunday to celebrate the love of God and to learn more about the divine goodness of Jesus Christ.

We have Communion and Services of the Word as well as Dementia Friendly services and events aimed to include our younger community members. Please click on the Church Services, Upcoming Events and Community links for more information.

You will find more information about Weddings, Christenings and Funerals by clicking on the relevant page above.  Christenings are generally held within our Sunday Communion Service. To speak to someone about any these services, get in touch with us via the Contact Us page and we will be pleased to help. Cleave Warne Hall is also available for private hire.  Please click on the Contact Us page for the relevant contact information for enquiries and bookings.

Although we are currently without a Choirmaster, we enjoy singing during services and are supported either by CD or the wonderful Markham Chesterfield playing the organ for us.

All are welcome at St Matthew’s, whether you are regular worshippers, new to the Christian faith or ‘just having a look’. Our worship takes place every Sunday morning at 10:30am. Our music ranges from traditional hymns to modern worship songs. We have colouring activities for children and young people are always made welcome. Tea and coffee are served after morning worship. We have some parking spaces round the back of church.

To contact St Matthew’s please see out Contact Us page.

 

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