In the winter of 2022, during a time when many households across the UK were struggling with the cost of living and energy bills, the government launched the Warm Spaces initiative, a call for places to open their doors and provide warmth, safety, and hospitality.
Holy Trinity answered that call, and what started as a warm room with hot drinks quickly became something much more.
Recognising a deeper need in the community, not just for physical warmth but for connection, support, and a place to belong, the church evolved the initiative into a weekly community drop-in.
'Brew and a Bite' was born: a safe, welcoming space open all day every Tuesday, offering free food, drinks, games, conversation, and friendship.
A place for community
The Tuesday sessions began to flourish. By the afternoon, the church was buzzing with energy as families came through the doors.
Mums with buggies, primary-age children and teenagers all found a place where they could relax, be welcomed, and enjoy community life together.
As attendance continued to grow, especially among local young people, it became clear that this was something special; a consistent group of teenagers from the nearby secondary school became regulars.
In response, Jen Tobin, one of the church leaders, approached the Parochial Church Council (PCC) with a request: to extend Brew and a Bite into the evening so these young people could stay until 7pm.
The PCC agreed, and with that decision, Holy Trinity took another step in shaping its mission for the next generation.
Faith blossoming from community
'Brew and a Bite' has not only filled the church building, it has begun to fill the pews on Sundays too, with some of the young people who first came for hot chocolate and board games exploring faith.
A few have even decided to take the next step: baptism.
When asked why they wanted to be baptised, the girls’ responses were heartfelt and deeply moving:
“I just love Jesus so much and want to show this through my baptism.”
“I want to become closer to God.”
“My dad is a Christian and now I want to commit myself to God too.”
On 13 July 2025, Holy Trinity, Coxheath host its first-ever, full immersion baptisms, a milestone moment in the church’s history, and a powerful sign of new life among the next generation.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Jen, from the Children and Young People team says:
“God has been doing some amazing things in our community, in the local secondary school and amongst children, families and young people.
"We should never be surprised at how big our God is, but he always manages to wow us! We are so blessed to have welcomed these young people into our church family and are excited to journey alongside them as we grow in their faith together.”
A new direction for Holy Trinity
This transformation marks a wider shift for Holy Trinity.
While still honouring its traditions, the church is embracing a new calling—one that opens the building not just on Sundays, but throughout the week; not just for services, but for connection, curiosity, and community.
People are walking through the doors to find warmth and discovering something much deeper.
'Brew and a Bite', say the church team, has shown that when the church steps into the needs of its community with compassion and creativity, lives are changed, and faith is kindled.
Holy Trinity Coxheath has become more than a place to worship. It’s become a place to belong.