And so into Kent – 11th July 2012

Another week,another area. This time East Kent, but what a contrast in churches! On the way down I visited the Isle of Sheppey, reached by the very impressive bridge which spans The Swale- high and blustery. First stop-

Holy Trinity, Queenborough. A great little church in this former port. Firmly locked with no indication of when it might be open nor where a key could be obtained from. Very disappointing as this church is in many of the guide books and would be quite well visited. If only.

Then onto Minster Abbey. An imposing building in a pretty down at heel part of Kent. I had sent them a questionnaire and it sounded like a place worth a visit. The church website says that ‘The parish endeavours to keep the Abbey open during the summer months but this cannot be guaranteed.’ Today it was firmly shut and with no indication of when it might be open.

The Isle of Sheppey had been a bit of a let down so once more over the bridge for a lunch stop at Sittingbourne. I had just found a nice little cafe when a thunder storm let forth. Needless to say this was a leisurely lunch but the storm soon abated.

Right on the High Street sits St. Michael’s church. An impressive looking building of Kentish rag. Again no sign of when it might be open. The sign outside says, ‘You are welcome to any of our services.’ but apparently not at other times. A wasted opportunity I think but how can a church like that be persuaded to take the risk and open its doors? I m not sure that I have an easy answer to but it is not a good witness to the good news of Jesus Christ to be shut like that.It reminds me of that scene in Sister Act when the nuns are persuaded to relinquish their fortress mentality and open their doors.