St Paul’s Church, one of four churches in the South Gillingham Parish, alongside St. Matthew’s Wigmore, All Saints Hempstead, and St. Peter’s Bredhurst, is building a pathway for families to explore faith together.
Their mission is simple: to build community, nurture faith, and grow disciples of Jesus Christ.
At the centre of this mission is the Family Fun Service, a vibrant, monthly all-age gathering created by the Rev Pat Dickin and longtime children’s team volunteer, Tracey.
Their vision was clear: to craft a space where families could worship side-by-side, where biblical stories are made accessible for children, and where adults might rediscover them with fresh eyes.
Each service bursts with joy and belonging through songs, crafts, storytelling, and shared refreshments. But more than that, it’s about connection, where strangers become friends, and families become community.
“It’s a room full of strangers who’ve become extended family, bonded by faith” Pat reflects, “All are welcomed with open arms and hearts full of grace.”
More than just a service
The Family Fun Service is not just about simplifying Scripture or adding crafts - although the church team says they are very much enjoyed - it’s about an encounter with God, and with others, while understanding the Word of God.
Tracey notes that even adults are deeply impacted. “You can see it in their eyes during storytelling,” she says. “Some are hearing these stories for the first time. And they’re moved, really moved. That’s the power of hearing the Word of God.”
Watch a short film about the Family Fun service
This local evangelism is already bearing fruit, with six children choosing this year to be baptised.
“To see these children ask for baptism because of what they’ve experienced here is a blessing beyond words,” says Pat, “The Holy Spirit is truly moving through this parish.”
Faith in Action
Chelsea, a parent of one those children baptised, agrees.
“This church has been a lifeline,” she says, explaining that she first attended the service through an invitation from her aunt, who later suffered a serious accident and is now in a coma.
Chelsea feels like her entire family has been supported by the church during this difficult time.
“We’ve felt so welcomed, like we’re part of something bigger. A family full of love and hope.”
From laughter and storytelling to baptisms and bold faith declarations, the Family Fun service shows what can happen when the Church opens its doors and its heart to all generations.