Deanery in the Weald - St Dunstan, Cranbrook

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Canterbury Diocese

St Dunstan, Cranbrook

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Vicar_1

Revd. Richard Williams, Priest-in-Charge

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
St Dunstan’s has been nicknamed “The Cathedral of the Weald” on the account of its magnificence and perhaps the central role Cranbrook has played in the past. There are a few remaining signs of the church's 12th Century heritage and the interested visitor will be able to trace the many changes and restorations that have allowed this building to retain its beauty whilst at the same time keeping pace with contemporary needs. The church is the venue for a rich variety of worship and is also the venue for regular concerts.

STYLE OF WORSHIP
We offer a very wide range of worship styles every Sunday, from a BCP Holy Communion service at 8am, to the Morning Worship service based on Common Worship ( All Age Service 1st Sun; Choral Eucharist 2nd and 4th; Mattins 3rd) at 9.30am, to an Informal Praise service at 11.15am(Holy Communion 1st and 3rd). There is a midweek BCP Communion service every Wednesday at 9-30am followed by coffee.

YOUTH AND CHILDRENS MINISTRY
St. Dunstan’s has a wide range of activities for our children’s and young people at both main morning services. There is also a creche for the very young. Midweek Youth Cell is an opportunity for 14-18's to meet together, to study the Bible and to discuss issues of faith. Babies, toddlers and pre-school children are welcome to bring their parents and carers to the weekly 'Tots Plus' meeting on Thursday mornings.

FELLOWSHIP, NUTURE GROUPS, HOUSE GROUPS
St Dunstan’s currently has 4 Cell Groups. They meet in peoples' homes during the week, some in the morning and some in the evening. ALPHA courses are a regular feature of life in St. Dunstan's and 'graduates' from these courses frequently move on to be regular members of the Cell Groups. We also offer courses from time to time for marriages and parenting.

DETAILS OF OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES
St Dunstan’s has a team of bell ringers who rehearse every Tuesday evening. A robed choir leads the 9.30 service and rehearses every Friday evening. For those coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, there is the opportunity to meet informally over a cup of coffee at the monthly Grief Support Group.

SOCIAL/FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
There is a chance to meet with friends every Saturday Morning at Church House Coffee. The Friends of St Dunstan promote a variety of events over the year including the popular Quiz Evening and a series of Thursday Lunchtime Concerts. Some of the funds raised by the Friends go towards the care and maintenance of the fabric of the church.

LINKS WITH SCHOOLS IN THE PARISH
St Dunstan’s is linked closely with the 2 Church of England primary schools in the parish, Cranbrook CofE and Colliers Green, and also with Dulwich Preparatory School and the two secondary schools in the parish, Cranbrook and Angley. The clergy lead regular assemblies. The church is used by by many of the schools for end of term and carol services.

OVERSEAS LINKS/PROJECTS
We have missionary links with Uganda, and Nepal.

AFFILIATIONS/LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS/CHURCHES
St Dunstan’s has good relations with the other churches in Cranbrook and there are occasional joint services as well as involvement in the Ecumenical Team that meets monthly for prayer in Angley School. Holy Communion Services are held once a month in the local nursing home, Hartley House.

SPECIALITIES OF THE CLERGY
Richard is serving his second title. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and used to work in Investment Banking. He brings a wide range of skills and energy to the role of Vicar.

OPENING TIMES OF THE CHURCH
St Dunstan’s is open daily from 8.30am until dusk.

Our Parishes

St Dunstan's Cranbrook