Starting with the quinquennial survey of the fabric at All Saints Church, it was discovered that stonework repairs are essential to parts of the North, West and East walls of the Church building.

A firm of architects and surveyors were employed, with the assistance from our diocese and a programme of work to restore the stonework was outlined and agreed by the PCC.

As the scope of this work unfolded before us, the Social Group planned a rolling programme of monthly events to raise money for the building work. "Pennies from Heaven" one of their many ideas - a line of coins around the church in All Saints - and also the evening to promote the Miyana Charity,  were the beginnings. 

At the same time, the group looking at our response to the challenge of essential repairs to the stonework widened the scope to include the inside of the church as well. "Living Stones" is the title and covers the whole project to assess both requirements for inside our church and the largely invisible repairs outside. 

This will be a considerable challenge for us all and so there will be times of prayer to bring to our needs and aspirations to our heavenly Father and to seek the guidance of His Holy Spirit.

Our Present Building:

First built after the Norman Conquest in the eleventh century. Extended by a south aisle in the fifteenth century, expanded by a north aisle in the nineteenth century - our church building has been a beacon overlooking the Medway for 900 years.

Our Vision:

is to both maintain this fine structure AND develop its interior facilities to continue our physical witness to Jesus Christ and to enhance our worship and fellowship in His name for another millennium!

Our Challenge:

Phase 1 of the project

is to fund stonework repairs to the fabric of the building ( especially on its North side ).          Estimated cost £30,000.

Phase 2 of the project

is to fund new RESOURCES inside the building, including

    - better disabled access

    - a toilet facility

    - proper creche area

    - built in refreshment area

    - enhanced west entrance

    - literature, information and concourse area

Estimated cost £30,000

Phase 3 of the project

extends to the remainder of the church building, enhancing its worship and seating areas.

Our Response

    - grants and fundraising events have so far raised £15,000

    - further grant applications are in the pipeline

    - we have a generous bequest and the PCC will decide how it is used in this project.

St Peter's vision for the church was a stone fabric built upon a strong rock foundation;

We, the church, are the stones,  Jesus Christ is our foundation! and so as we 'come together' on the rock of Jesus we become the spiritual building God intended us to be!

We are the 'LIVING STONES'!

The Living Stones Planning Group

    Peter Robbins

    Pam Cresswell

    Jan Young

    John Bloomfield

    Kim Hodgson

    Tom Conlin

    Ian Brown

For more information, or if you wish to offer prayers, talent or time to a fund raising event, or to pledge a gift, please contact Sue Jones, parish administrator.

"As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him, you also like Living Stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ".   1 Peter Chapter 2 v 4-5