As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine passes, join us for a special service of Choral Evensong Music, Readings and Prayers for Peace in Ukraine and other war-torn places around the world. Music sung by our choir will include ‘A Prayer for Ukraine’ by Mykola Lysenko.
Join us at 6pm in church and online.
This year, Lent begins on Wednesday 22nd February. We will be marking Ash Wednesday with two services, our regular 10am Holy Communion, and a special Sung Eucharist at 7.30pm. The Imposition of Ashes is when a cross of ash made from last year’s Palm Crosses is placed on the forehead remind us to ‘remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return, turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ’. This will be a part of both services for those who wish to partake.
Following discussions between the PCC, Archdeacon and Fr David, the Churchwardens are very pleased to announce that Rev. Dr David Vannerley will be licensed as interim Priest-in-Charge of St Stephen’s during Choral Evensong on Sunday 21st January. This very generous offer from Fr David means that we will have continuity and priestly leadership over the next year or so as we look at what the next role of Rector of St Stephen’s will look like and subsequently an appointment can be made. David is, of course, already known to all of us at St Stephen’s and we hope that many of you will be able to join us at this special service at 6pm next Sunday.
David’s appointment is a part-time role which will mostly cover our services on a Sunday and Wednesday alongside occasional meetings and pastoral activities. Please note that this is not how the Archdeacon envisages a future appointment to St Stephen’s, but simply the time that Fr David is very kindly offering in what is his own retirement. Thank you, David!
6.00pm Sunday 2nd July 2023
We will be holding a ‘Songs of Praise’ service at St Stephen’s at 6pm on Sunday 2nd July 2023. All of the hymns at the service will be chosen by you – some will be chosen by popularity, based on the most votes that they receive, but others (as this is also an opportunity to raise some funds for St Stephen’s) will be selected by receiving the highest bid. However… it is also possible to bid to block a hymn from being sung!
To vote for your favourite hymn, please complete the form below and make your bid donation no later than Sunday 18th June. It would also be lovely to hear why you have chosen the hymn, so please indicate on the form if you’d be willing to speak about your choice during the service. If you’ve got lots of favourites, you can always submit an additional form or two!
This year’s World Day of Prayer is on Friday 3rd March. There will be a service at St Stephen’s welcoming people from across Canterbury at 11.00am, followed by a soup lunch in the church hall. It would be lovely to have a good number from St Stephen’s joining us if you’re able to.
This year, Lent begins on Wednesday 22nd February. We will be marking Ash Wednesday with two services, our regular 10am Holy Communion, and a special Sung Eucharist at 7.30pm. The Imposition of Ashes is when a cross of ash made from last year’s Palm Crosses is placed on the forehead remind us to ‘remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return, turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ’. This will be a part of both services for those who wish to partake.
Join us at St Stephen’s this Christmas as we celebrate the Birth of Jesus.
For details of all our services, pease see our special Advent and Christmas page.
Join us for our Festal Sung Eucharist for Ascension Day, this Thursday 26th May, held in the intimate surroundings of the Chancel of our beautiful church at 7.30pm. The service will also be live-streamed for those unable to get to church at this time.
There will be a special service for Christian Aid week for the whole of the Canterbury community, held at St Stephen’s Church on Sunday 22nd May at 6.00pm.
Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.
Following our PCC meeting on Tuesday 10th May, it was decided that we will be gradually returning to some of our pre-covid practices over the next few weeks. Please look at the Coronavirus updates page for more information.