WHO WE ARE
In 2010, The Church of Saint Mark with Saint Margaret joined with The Church of the Ascension to form the Plumstead Common United Benefice.
So what is Plumstead Common United Benefice?
We are two parishes with separate identities as worshipping communities, but striving to unite by combining our resources, our gifts and the responsibility to profess and live out the Christian faith in the Plumstead Common area.
We belong to the Church of England. We see ourselves as both traditional and modern. We seek to be open and inclusive.
The assistant vicar of both parishes is Fr Berhane Asmelash. He can be contacted on 07838167198.
Some questions we have often been asked about church:
I HAVEN’T BEEN TO CHURCH SINCE I WAS A CHILD AND STARTING UP AGAIN IS A DAUNTING PROSPECT – I’M NERVOUS THAT I WON’T DO THE RIGHT THING AND KEEP PUTTING IT OFF. IS IT JUST ME?
No, it is not just you. Many in our congregations have experienced this apprehension about coming back into the church after a long absence only to find they were not alone in this and soon settled into church life. It is only human to have doubts and uncertainty, and people often report back that our friendly reception put them at ease. We have service booklets to follow for the service and there are always people around to help you find your place. Do come, relax and enjoy our service!
IF I CAME TO CHURCH, WOULD I BE EXPECTED TO COME EVERY SUNDAY? I HAVE SO MANY OTHER COMMITMENTS.
Worship in church has its own special meaning for each one of us and we discover this as our personal church attendance grows. We all have other commitments and the Church understands this. It is up to each one of us to decide what our priorities are and the regularity of your coming to church will never be questioned.
I HAVE NOT HAD A CHURCH UPBRINGING AND NEVER BEEN BAPTISED OR CONFIRMED SO HOW WOULD I BE RECEIVED IF I CAME?
We are all equal in the sight of God and you would be welcomed at either of our churches just as you are. Baptism and confirmation are important decisions and the people here on Sunday morning usually includes those who are in the process of exploring how they respond to God. In fact, all of us, even long after receiving baptism and confirmation, are still on that path of exploration.
I DON’T KNOW IF I BELIEVE IN GOD SO HOW COULD I POSSIBLY COME TO CHURCH AND SAY THAT I DO?
The fact that you have asked this question shows that you have given the matter some considerable thought. Church is full of people who would give very different answers to the question of what they believe. In worship we join each other and the faith of the strong encourages the faith of the uncertain, just as the questions of the doubters challenge the confident. No one has all the answers, but if we come with open minds, then from our different perspectives we can be a gift to each other.
I’VE DONE SOME BAD THINGS IN MY LIFE AND FEEL I’M JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO COME TO CHURCH. I WOULD FEEL A FRAUD IN DECEIVING EVERYONE.
The truth is that none of us is good enough! Jesus reserved harsh criticism for those who thought they were and high praise for those who recognised how much they need God. One of the beautiful things about Christianity is God’s free gift of forgiveness when we turn to him with genuine sorrow. This is a gift which is all about making a fresh start.
The Acension
Timbercroft Lane
Plumstead
London
SE18 2SG
St Mark with St Margaret
Old Mill Road
Plumstead
London
SE18 1QE
Assistant vicar (both churches): Fr Berhane Asmelash 07838 167 198
St Mark’s Hall hire: Jill Creed 0208 317 3907 (evenings only)