Your spiritual home in Sedlescombe and Whatlington
A warm welcome to you from all of us at the Parish of Sedlescombe with Whatlington. Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you will find it a useful place for information on upcoming services, events and groups connected to the Parish and it's two church, as well as a place for history, memories and learning.
Enjoy browsing the site, and please get in touch with us if you need any further information.
Safeguarding
The parish of Sedlescombe with Whatlington 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 (PSO).
Our Safeguarding Officers are:
Sedlescombe: Mrs Sandra Davies – Tel No 01424 720728 or email here.
Whatlington: Mr Jeffrey Bridges – Tel No 01424 772535
The Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding Team at Church House, Hove may be contacted on 01273 425792 or 07500 771210 or by email (click here).
East Sussex Children’s Services can be contacted during office hours on 01323 464222 and out of hours on 01273 335905 or 01273 335906
Our Safeguarding Policy is reviewed each year, and details can be found on our main notice boards.
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adult Services.
News and updates from the Parish
Parish notices and information
Family service
On the 1st Sunday of every month in Sedlescombe and the 2nd Sunday each month in Whatlington, a non-communion family service is held.
Coffee mornings
Held on the first Thursday of every month at 10am in Sedlescombe Village Hall. See Services for more details.
For details of upcoming services or events being held at St Mary Magdelene church in Whatlington, or St John the Baptist church in Sedlescombe, please click here.
Newcomers and Frequently-asked Questions (FAQs)
Information for newcomers and answers to frequently-asked questions
The Parish of Sedlescombe with Whatlington will provide you with a warm welcome at either of our churches and to any of our services and events - whether you are a regular, a newcomer, or someone who hasn't been to church for many years.
In this section, we try to give you an idea of what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
If you have any questions which are not covered here, please feel free to contact us using our form, or call us on the number listed on our contact page. We hope to see you soon!
What to expect
If you've never been to church before, are new to the area, or have not attended a service in a long while, it's understandbly a little daunting to come along for the first time. However, rest assured that you will be warmly welcomed and not forced to take part in anything you don't wish!
As you come in to the church before the service, you'll be given a service sheet which will list each part of the service, and what the congregation will say. You'll also be handed a book of hymns, so you can join in singing (or not!) as you feel comfortable. The congregation are always instructed as to when they need to stand (if able to do so), and when to sit. So, throughout the service, you will not have to guess what to do or say at any point.
After the service, tea and coffee will usually be servered and you are welcomed to join. It is a chance to meet others in the congregation, to introdouce yourself and to learn more about your fellow worshipers. But, if you'd prefer to head off once the service concludes, you won't be pressured into staying. It's always your choice how involved you'd like to be.
FAQs
Frequently-asked questions
Every other Sunday, a Communion service is held at both churches. Similar to the family service in format, however at these services the Communion service is at its heart. See below for more on this.
St John the Baptist, Sedlescombe
Directions and location:
St John the Baptist church can be found on Church Hill, just north of the main village of Sedlescombe.
From A21:
Take the Sedlescombe turn off, opposite Blackbrooks garden centre. Follow the B2244 (Tollgate Road) along, passing through Sedlescombe village itself. Continue along the B2244 up the hill (Church Hill), and St John the Baptist church can be found on the right before the sharp right hand bend. Limited verge parking can be found opposite the church.
From Hawkhurst:
Head south on Highgate Hill (A229) towards Mercers. Turn left onto the B2244 (at the sign to Bodiam and Sedlescombe). Continue on the B2244 for approximately 7 miles. The church can be found on the left hand side, just after the sharp left hand bend at the junction with Stream Lane. Parking is available oppostite the church.
Services:
To discuss holding a service at St John the Baptist church, please contact xxx in the first instance on the telephone number below, or use the contact form underneath.
General enquiries:
Please complete the form below, or if the matter is urgent, you can contact us on the telephone number listed below. We will respond as soon as possible.
Activities and groups:
For more information on the various groups connected to St John the Baptist church, please see our Groups page. All enquiries and new members are welcome.
Church Hill, Sedlescombe,
Battle TN33 0QP
01424 870 471
St Mary Magdalene, Whatlington
Directions and location:
St Mary Magdalene church can be found just south of Whatlington Village Hall, on Whatlington Road.
From A21:
Take the Whatlington Road turn off. Follow the road down through the width restriction build out, past Whatlington Village Hall, where the church can be found set back from the main road on the left.
From Battle:
Travel along Batte High Street until you reach the junction with Mount Street. Take the Mount Street turning and follow the road past Virgins Lane and Oakhurst Road. As the road moves away from Battle it will lead you on to Whatlington Road. Keep following the road for approximately half a mile and the church can be found set back from the road on the right.
Services:
To discuss holding a service at St Mary Magdalene church, please contact xxx in the first instance on the telephone number below, or use the contact form underneath.
General enquiries:
Please complete the form below, or if the matter is urgent, you can contact us on the telephone number listed below. We will respond as soon as possible.
Activities and groups:
For more information on the various groups connected to St Mary Magdalene church, please see our Groups page.
Whatlington Road, Whatlington,
Battle TN33 0ND
01424 772 535
We will respond as quickly as possible.