ST. MARY'S CHURCH AND THE CHAPEL, DENTON
Denton is a village of approximately 360 people with no shop, no pub and no full time Post Office. What it does have is incredible community spirit, with volunteers running a wealth of clubs and societies. On Thursday mornings there is a sub-Post Office in the Chapel vestry, although it has more the feel of a social coffee morning. A produce market runs in the Village Hall on Friday evening, coinciding with the opening of the Social Club bar. Representative of organisations and clubs organise events to cater for all interests, which are open to all; whenever possible these are provided free of charge (and they almost always involve food!). There is a very strong culture of community responsibility.
The Church in Denton is an LEP, affiliated both to the Earsham Benefice and the Bungay URC/Methodist Circuit. There is a Joint Church Council which represents what we consider to be one church family, worshipping in two buildings. The church of St Mary the Virgin is a Grade 1 listed building of somewhat unusual appearance. It is in good repair and we are currently working on a project to provide toilet facilities. The regular congregation is small, although we have many more who attend on an occasional basis. There is no church/village divide in Denton; the cleaning and flower rotas, churchyard maintenance parties and church fundraising groups contain regular, occasional and non-attendees alike. The working relationship between the Rector and the Minister is excellent, with a long tradition of shared services, particularly over the Christmas period.
Every first Sunday there is a well-attended all-age service which starts with breakfast. On the third Sunday there a Communion service. We are concentrating our efforts on young families, encouraged by the success of the annual Holiday Club. We are well represented on the governing body of Alburgh with Denton School. We have recently started a home group, meeting twice each month, and have been very encouraged by the response.
The Church in Denton is strong, but is committed to looking outward and to evangelism in the community; although there is support from a core group to Benefice events, the majority of the church family tends to concentrate its worship and mission within the village. The involvement of so many regular worshippers in the running of village affairs is a strength; we are a church family which seeks to demonstrate its faith in practical Christianity.
St. Mary's Church interior
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