St Leonards is a 13th century church largely rebuilt in the 19th century. It was built to serve the farms in Chelsham, and still sits in farmland in the centre of the roads and bridle ways of the parish. Many of the services are from the Book of Common Prayer, usually with BCP Communion on the 3rd Sunday of the month and Mattins on the second Sunday.
We are resuming Sunday services in September with a pattern of twice a month, 2nd and 4th with Covid 19 precautions.
Communion services are traditional language from the Book of Common Prayer (1662) and Common Worship Order One, with Mattins and Morning Praise on other Sundays. We also celebrate Country services - in addition to the regular services, there is a yearly cycle of services celebrating the farming year and creation, staring with a Plough Sunday service in January, and including services for Rogation, Lammas and Harvest.
During the year there are other special services, including services to remember all those who have been baptized and married at the church,an Animal Blessing service , a service to remember the departed, and the Kelly service to remember the charitable giving of a local man who became Lord Mayor of London and who is buried in the churchyard. There are also Taize services on some evenings.
Most services start at 11.15am, with delicious cake and coffee after the service, provided by Nancy. Anyone is very welcome to visit our church and join in one of our services. Please check for times and services on this website /facebook page or on the benefice website
The parish of Chelsham: St Leonard is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Southwark’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
