The High Weald Benefice

The Benefice of Penshurst and Fordcombe is three worship buildings, two churches, one community of faith

Week by week we gather to worship God, then disperse to share her love with our neighbours, colleagues and families. We believe that no Protected Characteristic can affect our relationship with God, and try and make everyone feel safe and welcome. If you are visiting us, whether passing through, or exploring with a view to joining us, do see Worship and What’s On for more detail about our services.

As a unity, the benefice is both brand new, and very old. The area has been part of Penshurst over the centuries as the parish boundaries have shifted, Fordcombe has been formed out of the old parish of Penshurst. Fordcombe has shared a Rector with Penshurst since 1974. 

We are currently, as a newly formed community, going through a period of review and change, particularly regarding our regular worship, so now is the time to join us if you want to have an input into how we worship together! At our heart, however, we are a local family of churches, looking to serve our communities and share fellowship in this place, for the people of Penshurst and Fordcombe.

Membership 

You can become a member of the church by joining the electoral roll for one of our parishes.  Please complete an Electoral Roll Application Form and return it to the Electoral Roll Officer by email to office@highwealdchurches.org.uk

Giving 

We rely entirely on donations to run these churches and their work in the community. Please help us if you are able. You can support the work of the Churches in this place by going to parishgiving.org and giving either a one-off donation, or signing up for a regular direct debit. 

Volunteering 

Similarly, apart from our clergy, all our assistance in these churches is voluntary – and the more volunteers we have, the lighter the load! You can help the running of the church by volunteering in many ways – for example, helping during or after the services, arranging flowers, cleaning, or by assisting with the administration of the church’s building or finances. Please register your interest through our administrator at office@highwealdchurches.org.uk