Larkfield and East Malling
Methodist Church
Called to Love and Praise
Minister: Rev. Naomi Oates naomi.oates@methodist.org.uk
Larkfield and East Malling
Methodist Church
Larkfield and East Malling
Methodist Church
Called to Love and Praise
3/4/2026
On this page:
Welcome Hub now has its own dedicated Welcome Hub page available from the main menu above.
Also check out the new, extended Notices page which now includes diary events and more...
Fruitfulness on the Frontline
During lent Naomi led a lent course, Fruitfulness on the Frontline, where we discussed how we make a difference where we are, whether that is at work, school, home or in the community.
Welcome
We are a friendly, welcoming Church, of all ages with a membership of around 64, and many more in our wider Church family.
Our Church family comes mainly from the villages of Larkfield, East and West Malling, Kings Hill, Addington, Leybourne, Ditton and Aylesford, all of which are just west of the County town of Maidstone in Kent.
We enjoy worship in a variety of styles from traditional to modern, and our congregations usually include a wide variety of ages, from toddlers to octogenarians.
See our Services page for full details of in-person and on-line services and opportunities for worship.
There are a large number of regular groups and activities (see activities and Children and Family pages).
Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade and Messy Church are term-time only.
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Methodist Church?
We have a small number of people currently exploring becoming members of their local Methodist church. I'll soon be running some sessions for anyone exploring membership (thinking together about what it means to be a Christian, a Methodist, and a member of the Methodist Church), after which attendees will be invited to be received into membership, if they wish. These sessions usually take place over lunch, or tea and cake, and are a great chance to explore faith in a small group. If you'd like to be involved (or know someone who might), please let me know. You can find some FAQs about Methodist membership here.
News from the hot seat...
2/4/26
Dear friends,
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day when we remember Jesus' final meal with his friends before his death, and when we give thanks for the gift of Holy Communion. The word 'Maundy' comes from the first words of the traditional Latin anthem 'Mandatum novum do vobis,' which means 'A new commandment I give to you,' from John 13:34. The new commandment Jesus gives to his friends is to love one another as he has loved them, which notably comes shortly after he washes their feet.
At this point in Holy Week, I like to read George Herbert's poem Love III, which you can find here. It reflects the reluctance we might sometimes feel to come to the table of the Lord's Supper, or to receive any of the good gifts God has in store of us, because we feel we are not worthy. Lent is a time when we are confronted by our own sinfulness, and our need of God's grace. But it is also a time when we are brought face-to-face with the miracle that we are nevertheless invited to the table where Jesus welcomes us, feeds us, and even washes our feet. As it says in the Methodist communion liturgy for Lent, you are invited to 'come to this sacred table, not because you must, but because you may.' Each of us has fallen short of what God wants for us, and yet 'it is [God's] nature always to have mercy, and on that we depend' (Methodist Worship Book, p. 196).
So, this Maundy Thursday, I hope you know that you are invited. You are welcome. You are wanted. You are forgiven. And, as we approach Good Friday and beyond, may you know always the height, depth, length and breadth of God's love for you.
Some news and updates for the coming weeks...
Worship this week
We would love to see you at the following during the remainder of Holy Week, and as we celebrate Easter: (see notices page for details)
Preaching series
We're looking forward to a new four-part preaching series at Larkfield that begins on Sunday 19 April, based on Stephen Matthew's book, Building Church. We'll be taking four biblical 'pictures' of church, and using them to reflect on what God is calling us to do and to be today. The services will be led by Jacky and Brian, Monica, David Newell and myself, and we look forward to sharing this series with you.
Annual leave
I'll be taking annual leave from 6 - 17 April inclusive, so your next weekly email will be on Thursday 23 April. I wish you all a blessed Easter!
Remember...
I AM MARK - Could you help?
As you know, on Saturday 25 April, Churches Together in Malling are hosting I AM MARK, a dramatic new staging of the whole of Mark's Gospel, at 7pm at Brookfield Junior School. We do hope that lots of you will be able to come along, and to bring a friend - please speak to Valerie (valeriet_17@hotmail.com) to book your free ticket.
We are hoping for a team of volunteers from across the churches to help on the night. If you could help (as a car park attendant, a welcomer, serving refreshments, etc) then please let me or Valerie know.
Sabbatical dates
As most of you know, I'll be taking a sabbatical over the summer (the Methodist Church very generously offers its ministers a three-month sabbatical once every seven years). My sabbatical will begin on Monday 8 June, and I'll be back at work on Wednesday 16 September. I'll be breaking my sabbatical for just over a week in August, so I can be Chaplain to the Camp that Larkfield's Brigades will be attending on the Isle of Wight. Over the coming months, we'll be making more detailed preparations for my absence (although I know you're all more than capable, not least after two periods of maternity leave!). While I'm away, Rev Robert Zachar will cover Larkfield (including Burham) and Eccles, and Rev Alex Terrett will cover Tonbridge Road and Hextable. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to be in touch.
Could you be an e-steward?
Six years after they began, our weekly circuit online services continue to be greatly appreciated. The circuit is seeking someone to act as 'e-steward' on the first Sunday of the month - monitoring the chat thread, greeting worshippers as they arrive, and posting information in the thread about the order of service. Training will be provided. If you might be able to help, please contact James Walker on operations.nkmc@gmail.com
Exploring vocation
The Methodist Church offers an 'Explore' programme for anyone wishing to explore church leadership, whether lay or ordained. The next cohort begins in May 2026. If you might like to join them, you can book here to join a taster session on 14 April 2026 at 7pm.
Church WhatsApp group
Did you know that the church has an informal WhatsApp group, so we can share news and prayer requests? If you'd like to join, please send me your phone number.
Every blessing,
Naomi
Diary Notices
To find all upcoming events, please visit our Notices page, which includes the following:
Other Notices
Could you be a BB Leader - or do you know someone who could?
Our fabulous Boys' Brigade team are still looking to recruit new Leaders and Helpers. I've reattached the advert - please have a think and a pray about whether you know someone who might be suited to the role (or whether you might be!). Please do pass the advert to anyone who might be interested.
Could you help look after the church website?
As many of you will know, Martin and Irene are planning to move in the not-too-distant future. We're delighted for them (although we'll miss them terribly!). Martin does an excellent job of looking after our church website and keeping it up-to-date. Is this something you might be able to help with in the future? If so, please take the opportunity to have a chat to Martin and find out what the role entails. The website is an excellent tool for outreach - I know we've had folks come to join us because they've found our website to be attractive and interesting. So we'd love to keep it going! Larkfield Methodist Church | North Kent Methodist Circuit | Kent
On the subject of the website...
Greetings fellow Larks, this is Martin reporting from the Shropshire town of Cleobury Mortimer. Today, for the first time, I am editing the website from the old Methodist Church, now used as a community hub. It is a vibrant space full of love and energy. It is well used, with the grey-haired running group popping in after their run, youngsters gaining self-confidence through using the climbing wall and several people just meeting up over a cup of coffee. A young lady, toddler in arms, is wearing a jacket quoting Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me". So although the Methodist church is here no more, the Spirit goes from strength to strength.
Booking Church Facilities
We have a variety of rooms to suit your requirements, each with its own kitchen. The Church Hall and the Sycamore Tree rooms are available for booking at competitive rates. More details on our bookings page.
Church funds - We need your help!
It's not always easy to talk about money, but at a recent Church Council, we spent a long time doing just that. Unfortunately, due mainly to rising costs, our church is currently running at an annual deficit of up to £10k - which means we're in danger of running out of funds in just a couple of years. Larkfield is a brilliant church, with a huge amount of energy, creativity and a real desire to reach out and share God’s love. It would be such a shame if that work came under threat, due to a lack of funds. As Brian said: 'I don't want to be shopping at Morrisons in a couple of years and hear someone say - didn't there used to be a church over there?'
There's not much we can realistically do to reduce our expenditure, so the Church Council has agreed various ways to try and increase our income. We appointed three small groups, to look at finding new lettings, applying for grants, and organising church fundraising events.
There are things that all of us can do - whether or not we're in a position to give financially. Here are some ideas:
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If you donate to the church, and are eligible for Gift Aid, please ensure you're signed up - it's easy, and means we get an extra 25% at no extra cost to you. Please speak to Tricia for more details.
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If you’re in touch with any groups, organisations and classes locally, ask whether they might be interested in hiring our hall or the Sycamore Tree. Chat to Mike, our lettings officer, about availability.
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Support our fundraising efforts.
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If you generously buy resources that we use at church, and don't claim the cost - you could claim, and then donate the same amount to the church, so we can claim the Gift Aid (assuming you're eligible).
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Let me know if you'd like to join one of the groups looking at lettings, grants, and church fundraising events. We're looking especially for someone else to join Mike and Val on the 'lettings' group - making contact with local organisations and advertising our premises.
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Pray! For God to provide the resources we need to do his work in our community.
No Cash?
No Problem!
Donate to the church the cashless way
You can now donate to the church with your smart phone!
Scan the QR code on the Donate page of the website or any of the QR codes displayed in the church.
For more information or questions contact Martin White
You can also now make contactless donations direct to Martin White's phone using card or smartphone!
Spreading the Word - Our Website
Latest Traffic
In February there were 118 new visitors to the site, 83 from directly entering the site, 55 via Google, 14 from theplaymap.co.uk (a site for parents/carers)! Together with returning visitors, that was a total of 124 unique visitors and 163 site sessions, viewing 288 pages.
Obviously, most visits were from within the UK but we had 10 hits from Germany and 7 from France! Even the Chinese (1) are watching us, so I had better be careful what I write!
Popular pages visited were:
Notices
Services
Kids
The 25th February was especially busy but you are always welcome.
We are a busy church with many activities. If you spot any omissions or errors please the webmaster will be delighted to hear from you - email quantum.martin@btinternet.com
Welcome everyone.