United in Prayer and Fellowship: A Celebration of ‘Churches Together’

There is a profound strength to be found when we set aside our specific denominational labels and stand together simply as Christians. Today, St Thomas of Canterbury Parish had the distinct privilege of hosting Churches Together, a gathering that beautifully demonstrated the unity and love at the heart of our community.

The afternoon began in the Church, where we came together in a service of prayer led by Fr Adrian. It was a time to align our hearts and reflect on the shared faith that binds us, regardless of which specific church building we usually attend on a Sunday.

Breaking Bread and Building Bridges following the service, the congregation walked together to the Medway, transitioning from spiritual communion to social connection. In sharing tea, coffee, and snacks, we were essentially breaking bread together - a simple yet profound act of fellowship that deepens the bonds formed in prayer.

Please take a moment to look at the montage above. It captures the true spirit of the morning better than words ever could.

• Joyful Connection: The collage is filled with happy faces - candid snapshots of laughter and animated conversation.

• Warmth: You can see the warmth in the room, not just from the winter woollies and scarves, but from the genuine smiles shared across the tables.

• Fellowship: Over cups of steaming tea and plates of scones, strangers became friends and neighbours became spiritual kin.

Why This Matters - The importance of Christians from different denominations coming together cannot be overstated. In a world that often focuses on what divides us, gatherings like this serve as a powerful witness to what unites us. When we share a pew in prayer or a table for coffee, we are weaving a stronger fabric for our local community. We learn from one another, we support one another, and we remind ourselves that we are all part of the same family.

Today was not just about tea and cake; it was about the joy of belonging to a faith that is bigger than any single parish. It was a blessed afternoon of prayer, friendship, and the simple, sacred act of being together.