Worship
Our Parish Eucharist is at 11am every Sunday.
In our service we use liturgy from Common Worship (sung and said) and enjoy congregational hymns. You will be given everything you need to join in. We usually share refreshments after the service. We welcome visitors and pilgrims – all are welcome.
There are changes to the normal pattern at certain times, especially during Holy Week and Easter, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas. On the fifth Sunday of the month we share a Benefice Service.
Link to: St Thomas’s History
History
We are open for visitors every day.
The church is dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his cathedral on 29th December 1170. We celebrate our patronal festival on the Sunday nearest to 7th July, which is the anniversary of the translation of his remains to a special chapel in the cathedral in 1220. The chapel was dismantled in 1538 on the orders of Thomas Cromwell during the reign of Henry VIII.
Link to: Stained Glass by Douglas Strachan
Stained Glass
“It is the first thing you see upon opening the church door!”
The stained-glass windows by Douglas Strachan were part of a series of gifts made to the Church between 1929 and 1933 by Lord Blanesburgh, a senior lawyer and member of the Younger family who lived at Greyfriars. Strachan is considered to be the last of the great stained-glass artists of the Arts and Crafts era. There are many of his windows in Scotland, not least in Paisley Abbey and at the National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle. His Winchelsea windows are arguably the best complete set in England.
Friends of Winchelsea Church
The Friends of Winchelsea Church is an unincorporated charity, established by Trust Deed, whose charitable objects are to:
- Arouse and foster interest in the parish church at Winchelsea
- Cooperate with the Parochial Church Council (PCC) in the preservation and improvement of the fabric, furniture, stained glass and monuments of the church and churchyard.
Community Life
‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ Psalm 133:1
We hold regular events in and around Winchelsea that help foster a sense of community. It is also important to us that we support other community groups and projects by way of sharing in our common life.
Church Market
On the first Saturday of the month we host a Church Market – 10:30-12noon. This is an open space for sharing homemade produce, purchasing locally made items, and catching up with friends and neighbours. It is also an opportunity to enjoy the church space and hear about upcoming services and events.
Fellowship Lunch
On the final Friday of each month we hold a Fellowship Lunch at Winchelsea Beach Community Hall (12:30-2pm). A team of volunteers cook up some wonderful food and all are welcome to share the meal. It is free of charge but donations can be made to the chosen charity. It is helpful to know numbers so please be in touch to book.
Our Charities
On the fourth Sunday of each month we take a collection for local charities:
Demelza House Children’s Hospice
Snowflake Night Shelter Hastings
You Raise Me Up – Supporting bereaved families
There may be other services and events in the year that focus on particular causes or respond to immediate need. For example, Harvest or Christmas services are often opportunities for charitable giving.
Church of England
