Welcome to St. Mary The Virgin Church, Hartfield.

Questions and Answers

Here we have tried to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the Church.  You can use the headings below to jump to a particular section that interests you or you can just scroll through the whole list.

• What are services like? 
• Attending services.
• Taking Communion.
• Facilities in the Church.
• The Church buildings.
• Other questions.

What are services like?

Do you have modern music?
Both modern and traditional hymns are sung, normally accompanied by the organ in the traditional services; in other services and events, there may be a keyboard, a jazz combo or guitar misc.

How many attend services?
On average about 50 people come to the regular Sunday Morning Services.  There is of course a far larger congregation at Christmas and Easter.

What does the congregation do in these services?
The congregation has earned a reputation for vibrant singing! Members of the congregation play a central part by reading, leading the prayers and serving at Communion in the traditional services; at the children's service and the Café Church event, they might even take a more leading role.

Do you have a choir?
Yes, we have a small choir for the traditional 9.30 services.

Who gives the address?
Normally the Clergy; sometimes lay members.

What happens at the other regular services?
Early morning and midweek communion and evensong tend to be small, more formal services.  Conversely the Friday meeting for prayers for peace and justice is informal.
 

Do I have to be a Christian before I can attend a service?
No.  Everyone is welcome.  If you are not used to attending Christian Services, you may find our Café Church on the fourth Sunday of each month is particularly accessible.

Are the services easy to follow?
Yes, we work to make sure that everyone has an easy to follow text.

Are children welcome?
Certainly, they are most welcome.  The monthly children's service (2nd Sunday at 9.30am) is particularly aimed at them.  Toys and books are available at the entrance to the church.  Younger members of the congregation regularly take collections, read and lead prayers.
 

What is communion?
Members of the congregation approach the altar and kneel to receive the bread and wine in commemoration of Our Lord's last supper. 

May I take communion?
Yes, you are very welcome to join us in communion if you are a communicant member of your own church.

What if I am not?
You are very welcome to come up to the altar with the others to receive a blessing from the celebrant.  You signify this by bowing your head and by not holding out your hands.

What about children?
St. Mary's welcomes children into communion as soon as they are old enough to understand the significance and to take instruction.  If children are communicants elsewhere they are most welcome to take communion with us.  Otherwise they can receive a blessing.  If you attend the church regularly you can ask for your child to receive instruction and so take communion.

I thought you had to be confirmed to take communion.
No, you or your child just have to receive instruction.  However it is hoped that communicants will go on to be confirmed.
 

Is the Church heated?
Yes, from autumn to spring.

Can I get a cup of coffee after the service?
Coffee is served in the back of the Church after the Sunday morning services, except for Café Church when coffee and hot croissants are served during the event.

Does the Church have a toilet?
No.  Much though we would like to arrange this, planning and building restrictions have defeated us to date!

Will I be able to hear the service?
We have an amplification system so that services are plainly audible.  We do not however have a loop system.

Can I park my car by the Church for easy access?
Car parks are situated a short walk from the Church. For those needing easy access there is a drop-off point at the lych-gate and direct access through the west door.  A wheelchair can be provided on request.  Drivers for the disabled may park in the Rectory drive.

Anything else?
The Church has a bookstall and much of historical and natural interest that is described below.
 

Is the Church worth seeing?
Yes, it is a striking building with a long history and a beautiful setting. "St. Mary's Church with its tall spire is a magnificent local landmark." (Phillips Guide).

What is special about the setting?
The Church is approached through a picturesque 450 year old lych-gate incorporating an even older Tudor cottage.  The large churchyard is a haven for wildlife and has a marked nature trail (leaflets available in the Church) and headstones dating from the 16th century.

Anything else?
Yes.  For the Millennium the Church installed floodlighting that creates a dramatic effect by night. 

When is the Church open?
As the Church is much visited, you will normally find that it is open and someone is in it.  However some precautions have to be taken in the interest of security - therefore if you are planning to visit from a long distance do contact us to check first.

Does the Church do anything for the world at large?
Yes, we have made a firm commitment to social action.  This is described in more detail elsewhere.

Do you have a youth group or a Sunday School?
There is a regular Sunday School held at Coleman's Hatch, the parish with which we are united and that lies two miles to the west at 11.00am on Sundays.

Can I get married or have my child baptized in the Church? 
As long as you are a parishioner of Hartfield or are on the Church electoral roll.