St.Martin's Work & Mission For the people of this Parish and beyond, the Church of St Martin's is a Spiritual centre. A focus for Worship, an Oasis of renewal for many thousands of people in their journey of life for over nine hundred years. We are one part of the network of Churches and Parishes that comprise the Diocese of Rochester under a succession of Bishops throughout the ages and now the Right Reverend Nazir-Ali. From this centre the Church spreads out into the Community in co-operative engagements with the Arts and the general needs of the Society. Included within the Parish is the Well Hill Mission Church, one of a chain of such 'missions' along the Shoreham valley. At Easter 2005 there were 199 members on the Electoral Roll of whom 51 are resident in the parish. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) elects representatives to the Parochial Church Council (PCC), co-opting when necessary. The First concern of both PCC and Standing Committee are worship and for those who are unwell or in need. Committees A Standing Committee meets and acts in accordance with legal requirements. A 'Focus' group to draw attention to the needs of people in other countries, to draw together the prayer requests of the church and to decide appropriate charity giving. A PCC 'Church Extension' sub committee to progress the church extension. Pastoral Care is spread through the congregation with a specific group of six. Such groups operate on a 'network' system with attempts to meet needs as they arise. Worship The Worship of the Church is reviewed at each PCC meeting. St.Martin's is committed to the continued use the Prayer Book Liturgy authorised by Common Worship. As part of our liturgical pattern Compline is used regularly. The Family Service has become a main part of our Worship for all ages. It is well attended and presents the 'faith' of the Church creatively and worshipfully, and is a team effort. The PCC have considered Diocesan matters as required Contact with the Deanery, through our representatives, keep us in touch with local Church concerns. Active participation by some members in Churches Together in Orpington extends our contacts still further. Church Attendance (2006 figures) The average attendance at Sunday Services is 117 adults and 16 children. There were approximately 155 communicants on Easter Day and 206 on Christmas Day. Attendance at all Easter Day Services was in excess of 270 and Christmas Services was in excess of 550. Occasional Services are a significant part of the life and mission of the Church. During the year there have been 26 Baptisms, 15 Marriages and 24 Funerals. Church Mission The Mission of the Church is emphasised in the candles lit at all services for Amnesty; AIDS and all terminally ill, World debt and poverty; Alcoholics and Addicts, and one before the figure of the BVM for all oppressed women. These concerns are extended into the work in the Community. Child Protection St.Martin's support and adopt the Diocesan Child Protection Policies. Review of the Year The number of elected members on the PCC is 15 plus 3 Deanery Synod Members plus 2 churchwardens. The average attendance over the six meetings has been 18. Attention is given to introducing children from local schools to the Church, its history and meaning. Assemblies are taken in the Village School. The Bell Ringers and the Choir provide more than an excellent and essential service in the work of the Church in that each group gives social and care support not only to its own members as a source of contact and help for others in need. Leisure Learn offers an opportunity for those with skills to share them with others. The Housemartins group for the elderly; the otherwise housebound, and people with disablements, provides weekly meetings, lunches, outings and care for over 40. The service requires the co-operation of a number of our members in transporting, helping and caring. A large Ladies' Group meets regularly and helps actively in the Church as well as making their own contribution to Charities. A Mini-Market is run on a monthly basis at the local Methodist Church Hall in Windsor Drive, acting as both mission and resource. Resources are an essential element in our Church life. As Advisor on Pastoral Care and Counselling for the Diocese, the work of the Rector is divided between the Church and the Diocese, as well as for the National Church. His work includes supervision and counselling of Clergy and others, facilitation, training and the supervision of work in a Christian Residential Home for those with psychiatric and developmental problems. He is Chairman of Child Support for the Diocese. The Rector, an Integrative Psychotherapist and former Senior Lecturer for London University, runs courses on Pastoral Care held in the Parish Room. He is a Moderator for the Minster Centre and a Facilitator for the British Doctor and Dentists Alcoholic Group. The upkeep and maintenance of the Church and the Churchyard is given constant dedicated work. The Churchyard is a Grade 1 listed site of importance for Nature Conservation in Bromley. We are the guardians of a building of great beauty and grace, of historical significance and spiritual power, set in a Churchyard best described as a garden to which many come for solace and peace. Current small change appeal see Charites. To return to the St.Martin's Welcome page click 'Back'.