St Mary and St Gabriel
Sharing the love of God
We are all delighted to have had the Institution of our new Rector, The Reverend Canon Simon Holland, which took place on the 28th July 2024.
Simon Holland, Rector of the Benefice of Harting with Elsted and Treyford cum Didling pictured after the Service with the Venerable Angela Martin, Archdeacon of Horsham and The Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner, Bishop of Chichester
The Reverend Canon Simon Holland has been interim Dean at Chichester Cathedral but has now stepped back into life as a parish priest where he has served for over 40 years. He brings with him an enormous scope of ministry, wisdom and service to communities throughout the Sussex region. These include very close ties with various schools, that will continue here in our own primary school in the village and a commitment to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Simon shares with us all in the parish a sense of community, love of the countryside and will, in his own words, 'be a faithful parish priest'. We feel very lucky to have someone of Simon’s experience joining us in the Benefice and look forward to supporting him and his wife Fiona in their lives here among us.
A congregation of over 100 welcomed Simon to the Benefice. The service was followed by refreshments and the opportunity to meet Simon and his wife Fiona.
Simon took the opportunity to thank those involved in the Interregnum, in particular Churchwardens Sarah and Hatti, the many priests who supported us and the members of the PCC.
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Welcome to our website. Please browse below and the web pages to learn about us. Should you require further Information, do not hesitate to contact us by letter, telephone, or email.
The Parish Church of St Mary & St Gabriel, in the West Sussex village of South Harting, is part of the United Benefice of Harting with Elsted and Treyford cum Didling (in the Diocese of Chichester).
For nearly 800 years, our Church has witnessed to the love of God. Over that period, people have gathered Sunday by Sunday for worship and to share in the Eucharist (Holy Communion). They have come here to be baptised, married, and finally to be buried.
The Church building is widely recognised as one of the finest in England, and we are pleased to welcome many visitors, especially during the Summer months. South Harting is on a popular cycling route, and is very close to the glorious South Downs Way. Our Summer cream teas (Sundays 2.30pm to 4.30pm) attract villagers and travellers alike.
Of course, although our building is very important to us, the essence of our Church consists of the people who belong to it. We seek to follow Christ, and to share God's love with our local community. Aside from our Sunday services, we hold regular courses (especially during Lent and Advent) where people can learn more about the Christian Faith, and dare to ask questions. We like to think of ourselves as very open minded. Authentic Christian Faith is not about blind belief, but about growing in faith and love and service.
We enjoy an excellent relationship with the local Congregational Church. The Rector and the Congregational Ministers work closely together, and meet together most weeks to share news and to pray.
If you are able to visit us, or to join in any of our activities, you will be most welcome.
From January 2024 - 1st Thursday of the month only
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Last updated - 25/09/2024
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding Policy Statement
As members of the PCCs of Harting and Elsted with Treyford cum Didling we are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of all our members.
We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
We are committed to implementing all safeguarding policies and practice guidance issued by the House of Bishops
We will carefully select and train all those who work or volunteer in positions of trust. We will use the Disclosure and Barring Service, amongst other tools, to check the background of each person.
We will respond, without delay, to every concern made that a person for whom we are responsible may have been harmed.
We will co-operate fully with statutory agencies during any investigation concerning a member of the church community.
We will seek to ensure that anyone for whom we have pastoral responsibility who has suffered abuse is offered support that meets their needs.
We will respond appropriately to those who have committed sexual offences who wish to join our fellowship, following House of Bishop's guidance and the advice of the Safeguarding Team.
We will review this policy annually and as part of
this process will ensure that all our procedures, particularly in relation to
the Disclosure and Barring Service, are up to date.
Our Safeguarding Representative is Jane Thwaites
Address: Pond Cottage, Elsted, West Sussex, GU29 0LA
Telephone: 07444299054 or 01730 825652
Email: jane.thwaites@btinternet.com
