Photo: Preparing for the Little Fishes toddler group at St Mary's Island Church
In the heart of Gillingham High Street and on the welcoming community of St Mary’s Island, two churches are faithfully serving God, their neighbours, and one another.
St Mark’s Church, Gillingham, and St Mary’s Island Church may be in different settings, but they are united by one clear vision: creating spaces where people can encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and live it out in everyday life.
An open door at St Mark’s
Every Tuesday morning, St Mark’s opens its doors for an activity called 'Open Church'.
Visitors come for tea, coffee, warm conversation, and often, to simply find out what’s happening inside this friendly, family-centred Anglican church.
St Mark’s prides itself on being a community where all are welcome, from students and young families to those seeking a new spiritual home.
Children and young people are a priority here, and the church family embraces the privilege of nurturing them in faith.
During the week, the building is buzzing with activity: a Parents and Toddlers group, a Dementia Café, the Medway Foodbank, and 'Peace and Hope' - a special Saturday home group for those with learning difficulties where God’s love is tangibly at work.
Spaces to encounter God at St Mary’s Island.
Across the water, St Mary’s Island Church gathers for worship in the school hall every Sunday at 11am.
Their mission is clear: “Creating spaces for our community to encounter Jesus.”
This is lived out in their lay-led services, where every member has the opportunity to take part, children included. Young ones often share what they’ve learned, adding vibrancy and joy to the gatherings.
Beyond Sundays, the church continues to care for the community with initiatives like Little Fishes, their toddler group, and regular visits to the local care home, bringing prayer, fellowship, and hope to residents.
A Shared Journey: Alpha Courses
What unites St Mark’s and St Mary’s Island most powerfully is their shared commitment to the Alpha course.
Whether someone is brand new to faith or has been a Christian for many years, Alpha offers the chance to ask questions, explore the Bible, and deepen their understanding of Jesus.
Time and again, members from both churches have found their faith renewed through Alpha, leading many to make the joyful decision to be baptised.
The churches say, 'These stories remind us that discipleship is a lifelong journey, and God is continually raising-up mature Christians who are eager to live out His Word.'
God at work in Medway
The ministries of St Mark’s and St Mary’s Island are different in style and setting, but both are driven by the same Spirit-filled desire: to love God, serve their communities, and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
From toddler groups and foodbanks to Alpha courses and care home visits, these churches are living examples of how God’s Word is both mighty and relevant in everyday life.
Together in Medway, they are welcoming all who seek to know Christ more deeply and to share His love with the world.