Faith tour @ St Andrew's Kinson 

When you visit, why not take a ‘faith tour’ around our historic church:

Visiting a Church can be a trip into history as you enjoy the building’s art and monuments that previous generations have left – like visiting a museum or stately home; or it can be a kind of pilgrimage – an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of life and our place within it as you discover the church’s spiritual treasures. 

This guide is for the second sort of visit. At each point on your journey round the church you are invited to consider both the spiritual significance of this ancient building and to reflect on aspects of your own life. 

Take time to pause and ponder at each point before moving on to the next. 

To begin your Faith Tour take a few minutes to sit quietly at the back of the church and remember that this place is dedicated to the service of God. 

Relax into the silence and enjoy the peace of this place. When you are ready, move on to the next section.

1. The Font – is placed near the door to remind us that we may enter the family of the Church through Baptism. 

Jesus commanded His disciples “go and make disciples of all nations baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. True to this command people have been baptised here over the centuries. The font that you see today is made of Purbeck Marble and has been used for baptisms since sometime during the 12th and 13th Century.

2. The Nave – this is the central section of the church. The word “nave” comes from the Latin for “ship”. Look up to the roof and you will see its beams are like the inside of a wooden ship upturned. 

Here they remind us that St Andrew, in whose name this church is dedicated, was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called him to be a disciple.

Reflection– What matters to you in your life and work? Where are you headed? What are your priorities? 

3. The Pulpit and the Lectern – from here the Bible is read and the Good News of Jesus Christ is preached. Christians believe that in Jesus Christ God Himself came amongst us to show us the true meaning of our lives. 

Reflection– What resources bring meaning to your life. Who or what shapes your values and sense of purpose? 

4. The Transfiguration: the window at the front of the church – Jesus (top centre), Moses (top left) and Elijah (top right). The three disciples Jesus took with Him look on; Peter (centre bottom), James and John.

Moses and Elijah were recognised as the supreme representatives of the law and the prophets of Israel. And here they were, in this vision, talking with Jesus who had come to fulfil what both the law and the prophets had looked forward to. The disciples get a foretaste of the Messiah's glory as Jesus is transfigured/transformed before their very eyes - truly a mountain-top experience indeed.

Reflection – What aspects of your life are in need of transformation, healing and reconciliation? Where do you find hope for the future?

5. Beneath is the Lord's Table – where we celebrate Holy Communion. 

In Communion we share the bread and wine remembering the Last Supper Jesus had with His disciples and His command that we are to do this in 'remembrance of Him'. We especially remember His death for us.

Humanity often misuses the gifts and freedom that God has given us. Christians believe that in His death Christ took on Himself the guilt of all that is evil in the world and all that burdens us so that we, by believing in Him, might be free to receive God’s forgiveness and live life anew.

Reflection– What burdens would you wish to hand over to God? 



“God loved the world so much that he gave His only Son Jesus Christ that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life”.

6. South East Windows – 

here the stained glass depicts Jesus (in the centre), the Prophet Isaiah (left) and John the Baptist (right). Both Isaiah and John proclaimed the coming of God's Anointed One (the Messiah). 

Jesus, the Light of the World, stands at the door knocking. There is no handle on the outside. The invitation is for us to open the door to our hearts and let Him in. 

The painting on which this centre window is based stands in St Paul's Cathedral in London (one of three versions that exist). It is entitled The Light of the World and painted by William Holman-Hunt about 1900-1904. The writing beneath the picture, is taken from Revelation 3 ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any[one] hear my voice and open the door I will come in to [them] and will sup with [them] and [they] with me.’

Reflection – In what ways could your life be enriched? Do you wish to make space in it for a living relationship with God? 

7. Cross over the Nave to the North East of the church. Here our Organist, or the 9:30am Music Team, lead us in praise as we gather for worship on Sunday, at Weddings, Funerals and Seasonal Celebrations. 

Notice the Royal Coat of Arms and various memorials commemorating people and significant periods in the life of this community. 

Reflection- What are you thankful for, what might you praise God for in your family, work and recreation? 

Why not pause and praise God for all the good things along the journey of life?

8. We conclude our faith tour back at the beginning - at the baptismal font.

In Baptism (from a Greek word for drenching or pouring over) water is poured over the head to symbolise the outpouring of God’s renewing Spirit in the lives of all that believe in Christ. 

This life of faith is available to all who make a personal commitment to follow Christ.

Reflection– we invite you to sit down for a few moments and reflect on your Faith Tour. 

There may be things you would like to think through further or you may simply wish to offer a prayer, perhaps using the one provided here:

Almighty God, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Churchyard: The history continues all around the church as you step back outside. The oldest graves are by the Tower (1667). The most famous is that of Robert Trotman, who was killed by excise men whilst smuggling tea somewhere near the present Sandbanks or Branksome Chine. 

The Churchyard is one of the most beautiful in Dorset. A team of volunteers gather every Monday evening to ensure that the grass and surrounds are always in good order throughout the year. Several English Yews can be seen, together with Spanish and English Chestnuts, green and copper beech, oak and elm.