Church of England · Diocese of Chichester
A parish church at the heart of West Worthing
Welcome to St John the Divine — a Church of England parish church serving West Worthing, where everyone is invited to attend any of our services or events.
This Sunday at St John’s
Full weekly timetable8.00am
Mass
A quiet, said celebration to begin the day.
9.30am
Parish Mass
Our main Sunday service, with hymns, sermon and refreshments afterwards.
5.00pm
Evening Prayer & Benediction
A reflective close to the Lord’s Day.
Mass is celebrated every day of the week — see the weekday timetable, or read this week’s pewsheet for the current week’s intentions and notices.
Welcome
Welcome to our parish church
Welcome to the home page for the parish church of St John the Divine, West Worthing, in the Church of England Diocese of Chichester.
The parish is bounded by the railway line to the north, George V Avenue to the west, the sea to the south, and Grand Avenue to the east. The church is situated on the corner of Elm Grove and Ripley Road, just north of Goring Road. The parish has a population of approximately 11,000.
Ours is a parish in the catholic tradition of the Church of England. The Mass is at the centre of everything we do, offered every day of the week, and the daily round of Morning and Evening Prayer is said in church throughout the year. Around that worship has grown a warm and unfussy community — people of every age and background who look out for one another.
Explore
Find your way in
However you have come across us — looking for a baptism, a quiet weekday Mass, a hall to hire, or simply somewhere to belong — here is where to begin.
Sacraments
Baptism, confirmation, marriage, confession, anointing of the sick and funerals.
Life eventsGroups
Children’s and youth groups, Bible study, badminton, social events and our preschool.
Get involvedHall for hire
A refurbished hall with a fitted kitchen and stage, available for parties, classes and clubs.
Rates & bookingGiving
How the parish is funded, the Parish Giving Scheme, and how Gift Aid adds 25%.
Support St John’sRead & pray with us
This week’s papers
Printed copies of the weekly pewsheet, the liturgy of the day and the parish magazine are all available in church. If you cannot get to church, you can read them here.
A place to pray
The lamp at Our Lady of Walsingham
A lamp burns daily at the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in the church, lit for special prayer intentions.
If you would like the lamp lit for a special occasion, an anniversary, a departed loved one or any other request, please add your request to the list by the north door and place a donation in the candle box. The suggested donation is £3.
You are also welcome simply to come in and sit quietly. Mass guides and prayer diaries are printed in the parish magazine.
Safeguarding at St John’s
The parish is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Ros Ashton, who can be reached at safeguarding@stjohnwestworthing.org.uk or c/o the Parish Office.
St John’s Preschool
Our preschool welcomes children aged 2–5 years in the church hall, and has its own website with full details of sessions, fees and how to register.
You would be very welcome
Whether you have been coming for fifty years or have never been inside a church before, there is a place for you at St John’s. Come as you are — you will not be singled out or asked to explain yourself, and someone will be glad to see you.