As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to look back and given thanks for all that has been shared through our Growing the Kingdom series of stories.
Month by month these stories have witnessed the quiet, steady, and often simple way God is at work across the diocese growing faith, deepening community, and drawing people into hope.
January
The year began in Erith, where Christ Church continues to flourish through its deep and joyful partnership with Christ Church Primary School.
Children gathered for worship led by Rev Anthea Harris-Faulkner, the school choir lifted hearts during the church’s 150th anniversary celebrations, and artwork created by young pupils became treasured pieces in a commemorative calendar.
As 2025 began, a new after-school Bible Club opened its doors—an invitation for children to explore the stories of God in a warm and welcoming space. It was a reminder of Jesus’ words: “but Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matthew 19:14).
Not long after, we travelled to Underriver, where Anastasiia, a Ukrainian refugee, found safety, love, and a future she never expected.
Supported by St Margaret’s Church, she now runs the much-appreciated Heavenly Café, a place filled with laughter, homemade cakes, and a sense of belonging that speaks of God’s hospitality.
Together with St Lawrence in Seal Chart, these churches have become vibrant hubs of generosity and compassion, living out Romans 12:13: “Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
In Gravesend, at St George’s Church, Bishop Simon Burton-Jones offered a reminder that faith is woven into the ordinary fabric of daily life, as he anointed people for their work, their families, and their everyday calling.
Vicar, the Rev Jim Fletcher and the team have cultivated a church community that takes seriously the task of discipleship beyond Sunday mornings, helping people discover what it means to follow Jesus in offices, homes, schools, and care settings.
Their ministry echoed Paul’s encouragement: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
Spring brought us to St Barnabas in Gillingham, where the Wednesday Afternoon Club, founded fifteen years ago by Pam and Mavis, continues to be a lifeline for many.
What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a place of friendship, nourishment, and spiritual support, a living example of 1 John 3:18: “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”
At St John’s Bromley, we saw how long-faithful ministry can shape a whole community.
With Andrew McClellan, St John’s relationships with local families and the primary school have grown into deep bonds of trust and joy. Children explore faith through fun and creativity, and adults rediscover the love of God through patient, consistent relationships.
Here the church is living the call of Jesus in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
In Strood, St Francis Church has been renewed in purpose, guided by their vicar, the Rev Adam Pyrke, and Pioneer Minister, Giovanni Parrales. A committed team, they have reshaped ministry around the needs of their community.
Café Francis has become a place where friendships form, isolation is eased, and people encounter the love of Christ often before they ever step into a service.
It is the simple ministry of presence described in Psalm 34:8: “O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.”
Summer took us to Langton Green, where All Saints Church continues to flourish during an interregnum.
Churchwardens Sally Anne and Emma have led with warmth, creativity, and unwavering faith, offering an open door to all who arrive.
Their church family has grown through imaginative worship, steadfast care, and a joyful welcome that reflects Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
In the same season, St Paul’s within the South Gillingham Parish continued to nurture families through its lively Family Fun Service, a place where strangers become extended family, where worship is playful and profound, and where God’s grace feels tangible.
Autumn revealed the flourishing ministry of St Augustine’s in Slade Green, where the church is truly “growing younger.”
Toddler Church, Messy Church, Junior Church, and, most recently, Sensory Church for neurodiverse families have created pathways for children to grow in faith and for parents to rediscover it.
More families are now stepping into Sunday services, living out the truth of Psalm 145:4: “One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
We also shone a light on the invaluable ministry of chaplains like Ellen and Vic within the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Their quiet presence, compassionate listening, and faithful companionship offer staff much-needed support in challenging and emotional moments. Their work reflects Galatians 6:2: “Bear one other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
Later in the year, St Nicholas Chislehurst shared how worship, tradition, joy, and thoughtful pastoral care have shaped a growing, intergenerational church family.
With intentional discipleship and attentive listening, Rector, the Rev Rachel Curley and her team have seen children, young people, adults, and even care-home residents take important steps in faith - moments that beautifully capture Philippians 1:6: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
We ended 2025 in Medway with St Mark’s on Gillingham High Street and the church on St Mary’s Island. Here, Alpha has become a bridge between congregations, helping many explore or return to faith with courage and curiosity.
Recent baptisms and testimonies speak of a community alive with the Spirit, echoing Revelation 21:5: “See, I am making all things new.”
As we reflect on all these stories, which showcase hospitality, compassion, creative ministry, deepening discipleship, and faithful service, we give thanks to God, who continues to grow His Kingdom in ways both gentle and glorious.
To every church leader every volunteer, every child, every congregation who welcomed us into your story this year: thank you. To everyone who watched, shared, commented, prayed, and encouraged: thank you.
As work continues now in 2026 around the Called Together vision, these stories remind us that, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)
Watch all the Growing the Kingdom stories here