Newsletter - 24/07
Rector's Newsletter. 24 July 2026.
Another week of glorious sunshine is behind us and, it seems, ahead of us. With the school holidays now well underway, our villages are busy welcoming visitors, while the roads are noticeably quieter during the morning and evening rush hours.
The harvest is well and truly underway, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to our local farmers and farmworkers for all they do in what have been challenging conditions. Their dedication ensures that the fruits of the land are gathered safely and reminds us of God's faithful provision.
This Sunday at 6.00 pm we will celebrate Lammastide in the chapel. Traditionally observed on 1st August, Lammas marks the offering of the first loaf baked from the new wheat harvest as a sign of thanksgiving to God. Although much of this year's harvest has already been gathered, it is still a fitting opportunity to give thanks for God's generosity and for all who work the land. As always, dogs are very welcome in the chapel, provided, of course, that their owners are well behaved!
On Sunday morning there will be celebrations of Holy Communion at 10.00 am in both St Mary's, Chiddingstone, and St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
During our Sunday morning services, we will also announce the outcome of the recent pastoral reorganisation consultation. This will be followed by an email setting out the practical implications for our parishes, including information about how we will manage your personal data as the new arrangements take effect.
A prayer for our benefice of Churches
Heavenly Father,
teach us to pray with trust and perseverance.
As we ask, help us to seek your will;
as we knock, open before us the doors you would have us enter.
We thank you for the abundance of this harvest season,
for those who labour to feed our communities,
and for the blessings we so often take for granted.
Guide our churches through the changes that lie ahead,
grant us wisdom, patience and unity.
May we always know your generous love and, by the power of your Holy Spirit, grow ever more faithful in following your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
With every blessing
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 26 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
18:00 - Evening Prayer to celebrate Lammastide, All Souls, Poundsbridge
Sunday 2 August
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 9 August
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingston
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 17/07
Rector's Newsletter 17th July 2026
Today marks the end of the summer term at Chiddingstone School. The term ends on Monday at Penshurst School and on Tuesday at Fordcombe. We pray especially for those children leaving primary school as they begin the adventure of secondary education.
This year's Year 6 pupils were in Reception when the pandemic struck. Since they first walked through the school gates, our country has seen four Prime Ministers, and by the time they begin secondary school there will be a fifth. It has been an extraordinary few years for them, and for all of us. They lost many months of normal classroom learning, yet what is remarkable is how, under the expert guidance and care of their teachers and school staff, they have flourished. They leave primary school having achieved well in their SATs and, more importantly, well prepared for the next stage of their education. They deserve to be proud of all they have accomplished.
As another school year draws to a close, I would like to thank the staff, governors, volunteers, and families of all three of our church schools for the care, dedication, and encouragement they give to our children throughout the year. Your commitment makes an enormous difference to the lives of young people in our communities.
The changing of governments also reminds us of our Christian duty to pray for those entrusted with public office. We pray for Sir Keir Starmer as he leaves Downing Street, and for Andy Burnham as he prepares to take on the responsibilities of Prime Minister. As the Book of Common Prayer bids us pray, may all who bear responsibility for the governance of our nation so serve that we may be "godly and quietly governed."
Last Sunday all four of our parish churches held services, and it was good to gather in worship across our communities. This Sunday we return to our more usual pattern, with Holy Communion at 10.00 am at both St Mary's, Chiddingstone, and St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
Whatever the week ahead may hold, I pray that you will know the love, peace, and hope that only God can bring.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 19 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 26 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
18:00 - Evening Prayer to celebrate Lammastide, All Souls, Poundsbridge
Sunday 2 August
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 10/07
Rector's newsletter for 10th July 2026
I have just watched Arthur Fery's final game in this year's Wimbledon. What a magnificent young player and such an example for our young people to follow.
Unusually, this Sunday all four of our parish churches will be in use. There is a Holy Communion at 8.00 am at St John the Baptist, Penshurst and at 10.00 am at both St Peter’s, Fordcombe and St Mary’s, Chiddingstone. Later in the day we’ll also celebrate two baptisms, Ted at St John the Baptist and Sullivan at St Luke’s. We give thanks for the gift of new life in Christ and pray for all who visit our churches this weekend to know the love of God afresh.
We continue to pray for all who are ill, grieving or going through difficult times. We especially think of the family of Kathleen O’Brien, whose funeral took place on Tuesday, and Jacquie Maddocks, whose life will be celebrated this coming Wednesday at 1215 at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium.
It’s also been quite a week for sport. As the weekend unfolds, I pray for the England Football squad’s success in the Quarter Final on Saturday evening. I do not know enough about the teams to make any informed comment about our prospects. Nonetheless I pray for good sportsmanship and skill to be shown and a just outcome for both teams. I do know who I hope will win!
Lastly, I would like to offer thanks to D,’Arcy Trinkwon for his wonderful recital last Friday. The programme covered 400 years of composers' work and showed the huge versatility of the organ. Themes covered by the music spoke into the highs and lows of the human experience and was very moving. All who attended were mesmerized by the music and the video feed showing us the full body workout undertaken by the organist at work. You may want to pencil in D'Arcy's next recital in October as part of the Penshurst Musical Festival on 16 and 17 October.
With every blessing for the week ahead,
Lisa
Sunday 12 July
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 19 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 26 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
18:00 - Evening Prayer to celebrate Lammastide, All Souls, Poundsbridge
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 03/07
Rector's Weekly Mailing, 3rd July 2026
Dear Parishioners,
I am writing this on Friday afternoon, looking forward to D'Arcy Trinkwon's organ recital at Penshurst this evening. I hope many of you will enjoy what promises to be a wonderful occasion. The concert starts at 1930 and there are still a few tickets available at the door.
On Sunday, our Epistle reading is from Romans 7. Here St Paul describes how he wanted to do what was right yet found himself stumbling. It is an experience that most of us recognise. We all carry burdens, wrestle with weaknesses, and sometimes fall short. The good news is that we are never asked to carry those burdens alone. Paul's cry, "Who will rescue me?" is answered in Jesus Christ. Our faith does not promise an easy road, but it does promise a faithful companion who walks beside us, lifts us when we fall, and gives us the grace to begin again.
That truth is reflected in the rhythm of parish life, where we share one another's joys and sorrows. This week we said goodbye to Leslie Gore of Sevenoaks, mother of Tim, who worships at Penshurst church. We give thanks for Leslie's life and hold Tim, Amanda and all their family in our prayers. We pray for their safe travel to Australia next week, where they will be meeting their new granddaughter born within 48 hours of Leslie’s death. She is the first child of Celia and Jack, who were married in Chiddingstone in December 2024.
Congratulations to Yasmin and Oliver, who were married recently at St Mary’s, and to Shan and Ben, who will be married there this Saturday. We pray that God will bless their marriages with love, joy, and faithfulness in the years to come.
This Sunday, at Penshurst, we look forward to baptising Tiggy. It is rather wonderful that, having recently taken her very first footsteps on Wednesday, that she now takes the first steps on another journey, the journey of faith. Those first, uncertain steps are a lovely picture of the Christian life. We all stumble from time to time, but God never gives up on us. He encourages us, steadies us, and calls us onwards with love and grace. On Sunday, there will be services of Holy Communion at St Mary's, Chiddingstone, and St John the Baptist, Penshurst, both beginning at 10.00 am. Tiggy's baptism follows at 12.15 pm.
At 4.00 pm, Forest Church will gather in The Penshurst Rectory garden. Please note this change from the advertised location. Our theme is "Faith and Footie", as we explore what supporting our national team, and perhaps playing sport ourselves, can teach us about perseverance, hope, teamwork, disappointment, and joy in the Christian life. My own footballing days are long behind me, but there was a time...!
Whatever this week brings, may we remember that we do not walk alone. Christ meets us in our struggles, rejoices in our celebrations, and walks beside us every step of the way.
With every blessing,
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstone Churches
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 5 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church in Penshurst Rectory Garden
Sunday 12 July
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 19 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Events and fundraising:
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 26/06
RECTOR'S NEWSLETTER
26th June 2026. Rev’d Lisa Cornell writes:
In Britain, the weather is always news. In June 1976, when a heatwave brought temperatures above 90°F for fifteen consecutive days, The Sun newspaper ran the now-famous front-page headline, "Phew! What a Scorcher!" This week has certainly lived up to that description. It seems that every conversation has begun with a comment about the weather. I have found that my own work rate has been rather slower than usual, and I imagine many across our villages have felt the same.
In recent years, with the rising cost of energy, many urban churches have opened their doors as warm spaces during the winter months. This week, our churches have instead been able to offer cool, peaceful places of refuge from the heat. As our climate continues to change, perhaps this may become a new missional opportunity for rural churches: to provide a place of welcome, refreshment, and rest during periods of extreme summer temperatures. Time will tell.
This Sunday there will be 1000 am celebrations of Holy Communion at both St John the Baptist, Penshurst, and St Mary's, Chiddingstone. There will be no other services that day.
I look forward to seeing many of you next Friday as D'Arcy Trinkwon brings us an organ recital at St John the Baptist Church. Tickets are £15 on the door or can be purchased in advance from bookitbee.com. The concert starts at 7.30 pm, and refreshments will be served beforehand. It promises to be a real treat. If you would like a preview of D'Arcy's repertoire, please visit darcytrinkwon.com.
This week also marks the patronal festivals in two of our benefice churches: St John the Baptist, whose feast day was celebrated on 24 June, and St Peter, whose feast falls on 29 June. John prepared the way for Christ with courage and humility, while Peter, despite his many failings, became the steadfast rock upon which Christ built his Church. Together they remind us that God calls very different people into his service, and that faithfulness matters more than perfection.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the witness of your servants,
St John the Baptist and St Peter.
Give us John's courage to speak the truth with humility,
and Peter's faith to follow Christ with steadfast hearts.
May our churches be places of welcome, peace, and hope,
where all who enter find refreshment for body, mind, and spirit.
As we serve our communities in every season,
help us to prepare the way for your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 28 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 5 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Forest Church - details TBC
Sunday 12 July
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Events and fundraising:
Sunday 28th of June - Chiddingstone Village Fete
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 19/06
Rector’s newsletter 19th June 2026:
This week I had the privilege of spending two days at Carroty Wood with the Year 5 and 6 pupils from Fordcombe School on their residential visit. As the oldest children in the school, they enjoyed a wide range of activities including canoeing, abseiling, archery, karting and mountain biking. More importantly, the residential provided opportunities for the children to learn more about themselves, develop independence, build resilience and grow in confidence away from their family homes. My sincere thanks go to Mr Miles, the senior teacher, and to all the colleagues who worked so hard to organise and lead this excellent experience.
Meanwhile, at Penshurst School, the Year 6 pupils enjoyed their residential visit last week and have been marking the conclusion of their primary school journey. On Wednesday they attended a celebration service at Rochester Cathedral, giving thanks for their time at primary school and looking ahead to the next stage of their education.
In our parishes, you should have received notification last week of our proposed pastoral reorganisation. Details are available on the church doors and on the church website. Last week the Chiddingstone PCC met to discuss the process. Following the 10.00am service this Sunday, I will be hosting a meeting for the Penshurst and Fordcombe PCCs in church. This will provide an opportunity to ask questions about the scheme. Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment as we consider the future life and mission of our churches together.
This Sunday there are three services across the Benefice. Holy Communion will be celebrated at 10.00am at both St Mary's, Chiddingstone, and St John the Baptist, Penshurst. Then at 6.00pm there will be a service of Evening Prayer at Poundsbridge Chapel. The service will celebrate Midsummer and, on Father's Day, provide an opportunity to give thanks and pray for the men who have raised, supported and influenced us throughout our lives.
Many people combine the Evening Prayer service with an early evening walk in the beautiful countryside around Poundsbridge. If you are planning to do so, your four-legged friends are most welcome to join us.
A prayer for this week: Creator God, we thank you for the beauty of this Midsummer season. We pray for our families and for all those who have nurtured, guided and encouraged us throughout our lives. On this Father's Day, we remember with gratitude the men who have influenced us for good, and we ask your blessing upon them. Guide our churches as we consider the future and the changes before us. Grant us wisdom, patience and grace, that in all things we may seek your will and serve your kingdom faithfully. Amen.
With every blessing
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Sunday 21 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst (followed by a PCC meeting in church, directly after the service)
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
18:00 - Evening Prayer (celebrating Midsummer’s Day) at All Souls’, Poundsbridge
Sunday 28 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 5 July
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Forest Church - details TBC
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Events and fundraising:
Saturday 20 June at 2pm, St John the Baptist - Penshurst Choral Society Summer Concert - An Afternoon At The Opera
Sunday 28th of June - Chiddingstone Village Fete
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Announcement from the Diocese of Rochester
To our benefice friends,
Following notification from the diocese, please find details of the proposed pastoral scheme for the reorganisation of the benefice here:
The suggested restructuring of Penshurst and Fordcombe, and Chiddingstone and Chiddingstone Causeway into two distinct benefices is detailed in the above document, which is now open to response from parishioners from now until Monday 13 July. Please note that any comments made will be in the public domain.
The above notice will also be displayed in churches from this morning, and there will be announcements made in services from Sunday; please direct any questions in the first instance to the office and if you know of any members of the parish who do not have access to email (or aren't subscribed to the newsletter) please do notify your churchwarden and they will be able to provide physical copies.
In addition, a Penshurst and Fordcombe PCC meeting will take place on Sunday 21 June at St John's, immediately following the 10am service, which will discuss this notice and subsequent next steps.
Many thanks,
Tabitha Haysom, Administrator to the High Weald Churches
Upcoming services:
Sunday 14 June
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 21 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst (followed by a PCC meeting in church, directly after the service)
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
18:00 - Evening Prayer (celebrating Midsummer’s Day) at All Souls’, Poundsbridge
Sunday 28 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Patronal Evensong at St John the Baptist
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Events and fundraising:
Sunday 14 June, Chiddingstone Gardens Open (2pm-6pm) - Tickets available from the village shops, or at the garden gate, funds raised will go to support the Chiddingstone churches
Saturday 20 June at 2pm, St John the Baptist - Penshurst Choral Society Summer Concert - An Afternoon At The Opera
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 05/06
Rector’s weekly newsletter 5th June 2026
This Thursday the Church celebrated The Feast of Corpus Christi, allowing us to reflect once again on the mystery of God's presence with us in the Eucharist. The feast reminds us that Christian faith is not simply a set of ideas but an encounter with Christ, who continues to nourish and sustain his people through word and sacrament.
Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday, and during our collective worship in school this week we explored the meaning of the Trinity. The children were invited to describe both their friends and God using three short phrases. It proved a simple but effective way of recognising both what we can know about someone and the limits of our descriptions. Any attempt to explain God entirely through human categories ultimately falls short. While theologians rightly warn against the heresy of Modalism, there is still value in reflecting on the different ways we experience God's activity in the world.
This week, at least, many of us may have been especially aware of God the Creator. After a prolonged dry spell, bursts of almost biblical rainfall have refreshed gardens, fields and reservoirs alike. Local farmers, gardeners and wildlife have all benefited from the much-needed water. The changing weather serves as a reminder both of our dependence upon creation and of the God who sustains it.
With Trinity Sunday behind us, we now enter the long green season of the Church year known as Ordinary Time, which stretches for almost six months until Advent. "Ordinary" does not mean unimportant or routine. The word comes from the numbering, or ordering, of the Sundays. During this season the Church's focus shifts from the great festivals and mysteries of Christ's life to the ongoing task of Christian discipleship. We are invited to consider what it means to follow Christ faithfully in the ordinary rhythms of daily life: in our homes, workplaces, schools and communities.
Over the next fourteen weeks, the lectionary readings will help us in that task. We shall take an extended exploration of St Paul's Letter to the Romans, one of the most influential texts in the New Testament. To help us engage more fully with this remarkable letter, I shall be using the epistle reading as the first reading at our Sunday Communion services in Penshurst and Fordcombe throughout this period. Alongside Romans, the Gospel readings from Matthew will guide us through some of Jesus' most important teaching.
Last weekend it was a great joy to celebrate with Dom and Tilly as they were married at Penshurst. We wish them every blessing as they begin their married life together and pray that their home may be filled with love, faith and happiness in the years ahead.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Penshurst Village Fete on Sunday 7th and wish every blessing upon this and the fundraising events in the gardens of Chiddingstone on 14th June. Let's hope the weather is kind!
With every blessing,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell.
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 7 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 14 June
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 21 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
18:00 - Evening Prayer (celebrating Midsummer’s Day) at All Souls’, Poundsbridge
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Events and fundraising:
Saturday 20 June at 2pm, St John the Baptist - Penshurst Choral Society Summer Concert - An Afternoon At The Opera
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 29/05
Rector’s Weekly Newsletter 29th May 2026. Rev’d Lisa Cornell writes:
What glorious weather we have enjoyed over the half-term break. I do hope you have been able to enjoy the best of it and have not been affected by local water outages. We pray for those in the local area whose supply has been disrupted.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me as I recover from oral surgery earlier this week. I thank God for modern painkillers and for a loving partner who has encouraged me to rest when needed. I am still a little sore but thankfully look rather less like a chipmunk than I did earlier in the week.
On Friday we laid the ashes of Joyce Evans and Ken Simmons to rest in family graves at Poundsbridge. Please continue to hold their families and friends in your prayers at this difficult time.
Congratulations to Dom and Tilly, who are being married in Penshurst on Saturday afternoon. We pray that they may know God’s blessing and joy as they begin married life together. We pray the weather holds for them too!
This Saturday, from 10am–12 noon at All Souls, Poundsbridge, there will be the monthly working party, continuing the work of taming the churchyard and preparing the chapel ready for our summer evening prayer services. Thank you in advance for your hard work, especially in the hot weather. There will be a service of evening prayer to celebrate Midsummer and Father’s Day at 6pm on Sunday June 21st.
After church on Sunday at Penshurst Churchyard, you are warmly invited to a working garden party to help tidy the vegetation and pathways. Drinks, and possibly cake, will be available!
Please bring your own tools to both working parties.
In our churches this Sunday, we celebrate Trinity Sunday, giving thanks for the mystery and wonder of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity reminds us that God is love shared in relationship, and that we are invited into that love and fellowship through Christ. There are 10am services of Holy Communion at St Mary’s Chiddingstone and St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
Let us pray:
Holy God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
draw us deeper into your love,
strengthen us in faith,
and help us to reflect your grace in our lives each day.
Amen.
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 31 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Matins at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 7 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 14 June
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Events and fundraising:
Saturday 30 May - 10am at Poundsbridge Chapel - Working Party
Sunday 31 May - 11am (after service) at St John the Baptist - Working Party
Thursday 4 June, 7:30pm at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - Elise Hills and Ronojit Bhuyan - Virtuoso Piano Composers
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 22/05
Dear Friends,
As we move towards the great feast of Pentecost this Sunday, we prepare once again to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the Church, bringing courage to the fearful, hope to the weary, and new life to God’s people. In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we are reminded that prayer is not waiting passively, but waiting expectantly for God to move among us.
On Wednesday we gathered to give thanks for the life of Joy Sturdey. It was a moving occasion, filled with love, gratitude, and treasured memories. Please continue to hold Mike, Caroline, and all the family in your prayers as they adjust to life without her.
Congratulations to Nick Weaver and Ann, who were married at Blackham on Friday 22nd May. We pray that God will bless them with joy, companionship, and love throughout their married life together.
As half term begins today, we pray especially for all school staff, pupils, and families. After a busy and demanding term, may this week bring rest, refreshment, laughter, and moments of peace. We give thanks for all who serve and support our schools so faithfully.
I will be taking a few days away from work during half term, as I am due to have oral surgery on Tuesday. The procedure is expected to take around two hours, and I anticipate needing a little time afterwards to recover.
I fully expect to be back at work on Friday in time for Tilly and Dom’s wedding rehearsal, and I am very much looking forward to celebrating their wedding with them on Saturday.
A Prayer for Pentecost
Come, Holy Spirit,
renew your Church with your life and power.
Where we are weary, bring refreshment.
Where we are anxious, bring peace.
Where we are divided, bring unity.
Where we are fearful, bring courage.
Fill our homes, our schools, and our community
with the light of Christ and the fire of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
With every blessing,
Rev'd Lisa
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 24 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Matins at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 7 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Events and fundraising:
Thursday 4 June, 7:30pm at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - Elise Hills and Ronojit Bhuyan - Virtuoso Piano Composers
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
2026 APCM - Minutes of Meeting
Following April’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting, please find supporting paperwork available to download here.
Newsletter - 15/05
Rector’s Newsletter: 15th May 2026
Whilst it has been a generally quiet week across the parish, our primary schools have seen the Year 6 pupils complete their end-of-primary-school SATs. We now look ahead to the final weeks of term, with attention turning towards finishing the Key Stage 2 curriculum, preparing for the big school play, and the eagerly anticipated residential trips. Exciting times!
In Penshurst, we celebrated Ascension Day with a service of Holy Communion. It was encouraging to welcome attendees from most of the parishes across the Tonbridge Deanery and to gather together in worship and fellowship on such an important feast day in the Church calendar. On Sunday 17th, there will be Holy Communion services at 10.00am in Chiddingstone and Penshurst. Forest Church will be looking ahead to Pentecost and will meet from 4pm in my Rectory garden.
Amidst the political turmoil and speculation this week, I have found myself reflecting on the loneliness of leadership and the transience of power. Whatever unfolds in the political sphere, nationally and internationally, for those in or seeking power, I pray that they may remember the prophecy of Micah:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
As we approach Sunday’s Gospel reading from John 17:1–11, we hear Jesus praying for his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. He prays that they may know the Father’s love, remain faithful, and be protected in unity. In a world often marked by division and anxiety, Christ’s prayer reminds us that we are held in God’s care and called to live as one people in him.
With every blessing for the week ahead,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 17 May
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church for Rogation
Sunday 24 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 May'
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Matins at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 08/05
Rector’s Newsletter. 8th May 2026
It has been a relatively quiet week at Penshurst Rectory, but I have been busy re-dog-proofing sections of the garden. Six months ago, we adopted Coco, the beloved Dachshund of the late Chloe Phillips. Having hardly moved from the sofa in the first few months, she has now discovered her prey drive. This has led to her gifting us several recently deceased field mice in recent days. She has also worked out fiendish ways to escape. It seems there is not enough chicken wire or strategically placed logs in the world to contain her. Who knew that such a small dog could cause such chaos!
This Sunday, there are Holy Communion services at 0800 in Penshurst and 1000 in both Fordcombe and Chiddingstone. On Thursday, the Church worldwide celebrates Ascension Day. At 1900, I will be hosting the Tonbridge Deanery Ascension Day service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst. Please do come along!
The nine days between Ascension and Pentecost, sometimes called the Novena, have, since the formation of the early Church, been a time of prayer. In the last decade, the worldwide Church has marked the season with a campaign called Thy Kingdom Come. The 2026 focus is as follows:
“This year’s Thy Kingdom Come is all about the presence of God through His Spirit.
The God who is with us in the everyday, in the joys and sorrows of life (and everything in between), and the One who, through His Spirit, longs to reveal Himself to those who do not yet know Him.
From the story of Ruth to the story of Gideon, from the story of Elijah to the story of the early Church, who waited for the promised Holy Spirit to come, over the 11 days we will explore a different Bible story each day which demonstrates God’s transformative presence, power and love at work in the lives of people and places.
We hope that, as we pray for our five people, they too will experience the life-changing love of God and choose to follow Him.” www.thykingdomcome.global/thy-kingdom-come-2026
To support our prayers, I have multiple copies of a Novena written by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally. Each day from Ascension to Pentecost has a double-page spread with a Bible reading, reflection, and prayer points. It would be lovely for our benefice churches to join in this worldwide programme of prayer.
With every blessing for the week ahead,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell.
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and the Chiddingstones
Upcoming Service:
Sunday 10 May
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Thursday 15 May
19:00 - Tonbridge Deanery Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 17 May
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church for Rogation
Sunday 24 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 01/05
Rector’s Weekly Newsletter 1st May 2026
We held our APCM last Sunday. Thank you to everyone who attended. Special thanks to the Ven. Nick Cornell, Archdeacon of Tonbridge, and to Barry Lewis for his clear and detailed financial report.
Tuesday was a sad day in Penshurst, as around three hundred people gathered for the funeral of Daniel Carter. We continue to hold his family and friends in our prayers at this difficult time. We pray for all who mourn.
As we move into May, we are reminded of the rich traditions of May Day here in Kent. This is a time that celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of community life. Across the county, villages mark the season with maypole dancing, the crowning of the May Queen, and gatherings on village greens; customs cherished for generations. Today, this same spirit of celebration can be seen in events such as the annual Craft and Country Craft Fayre at Penshurst Place. These traditions, old and new, invite us to pause and give thanks for the beauty of creation and the life of our rural communities. They may also involve some hearty snacks and purchases!
Here in this corner of Kent, we have much to be thankful for, including the blessing of religious freedom. Our faith proclaims that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves. This balance of conviction and compassion lies at the heart of the Christian witness. In our readings this week from the Acts of the Apostles, we remember St Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose life and death speak of courage, faith, and forgiveness even in the face of persecution.
Recently, writing in The Church Times, Archbishop Sarah Mullally said: “An attack on Jewish people is an attack on us all. We must stand together against the virulence of antisemitism that brings only violence, fear, and hatred.” She goes on to call us to face this challenge together across society and within all our communities. I would like to echo Dame Sarah’s message.
This Sunday, there will be a family service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone, and Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst, both at 10:00am. There will also be two baptisms in Penshurst on Sunday afternoon, and we pray for Tobias and Freya, and George as they become the newest members of the Church of England. May they grow up in a peaceful world, knowing how deeply loved they are by God and his people.
With every blessing,
Lisa
Upcoming Service:
Sunday 3 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 -Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 10 May
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Thursday 15 May
19:00 - Tonbridge Deanery Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 17 May
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church for Rogation
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 24/04
Rector’s Newsletter 24th April 2026
Our APCM will take place this Sunday at 12:15pm at Penshurst Village Hall. Thank you to those of you attending from across the benefice after the morning services. The meeting will be led jointly by the Archdeacon and myself.
This Sunday there will be services of Holy Communion at 10:00am. At St Mary’s, Chiddingstone, the service will be led by the Ven. Nick Cornell, Archdeacon of Tonbridge, and I will be leading the 10:00am service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
Many thanks to Tabby for sending out the APCM papers. We do, however, need to resend the financial documents. Whilst the 2025 accounts are correct and have been approved by the auditor, the comparative figures listed as for 2024 were not correct. In a spreadsheet glitch, the 2023 rather than 2024 data have been listed. Barry Lewis has now revised these documents, which are available if you click here. I am pleased to say that Barry will now be able to attend Sunday’s meeting and will be available to answer any questions you may have about the accounts.
On Tuesday 28th, the funeral of Daniel Carter will be held at Penshurst Church at 2:00pm, followed by a celebration in the Baron’s Hall at Penshurst Place. This is expected to be a very well-attended occasion, so please plan accordingly and park in the church field. We continue to pray for Daniel’s loved ones and for all those whose year’s mind falls at this time.
This Sunday’s readings focus on John 10 - Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who calls us by name and leads us into life in all its fullness. We pray:
Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd,
you know each of us by name and call us to follow you.
Lead us beside still waters and restore our souls,
that we may know the fullness of life you promise.
Give us ears to hear your voice and hearts willing to trust your way,
even when the path is uncertain.
Gather us into your care, protect us, and guide us in your love.
And as we walk with you, help us to reflect your compassion to others,
that all may know your peace and abundant life. Amen.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Upcoming Services
Sunday 26 April
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 3 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 -Family Service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 10 May
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 17/04
Rector’s Weekly Newsletter 17th April 2026
After a post-Easter break spent in Norfolk and Suffolk, it is good to be back. I greatly enjoyed the big skies of the North Norfolk coast, the quiet beauty of rural Suffolk, and the excitement of my daughter Sophie’s MA graduation in Cambridge.
As many of you may be aware, Daniel Carter of Penshurst died peacefully on Easter Monday. We offer our sincere condolences to Fiona and their children at this sad time, and hold them in our prayers. Daniel’s funeral service will take place at St John the Baptist Church at 2.00pm on Tuesday, 28th April.
This Sunday there will be services of Holy Communion at 10.00am in both Penshurst and Chiddingstone. At 4.00pm, Forest Church will meet in the Rectory garden, where we will gather to celebrate the life of St George.
The APCM season is upon us. The PCC APCMs for Penshurst and Fordcombe will take place at St John’s at 11.30am on Sunday, and for Chiddingstone at 8:00pm on Tuesday 21 April in St Luke’s Parish Room. The Joint Council APCM will be held at Penshurst Village Hall next Sunday. You are invited to gather from 12 noon for a 12.15pm start. Papers will be circulated during the week ahead. Please note the deadlines for nominations to the PCCs, as well as for the roles of Churchwarden and Deanery Synod representatives, which were posted in the churches last week. At the local PCCs each parish will need to appoint a Safeguarding Officer, Treasurer and appoint an Independent Examiner.
As we approach St George’s Day on Thursday, we are reminded of a story that has echoed through the centuries: a figure who faces down fear and uncertainty, not through strength alone, but through faith and courage. The legend of St George and the dragon may not be history as we would write it, but it speaks a deeper truth. Each of us, in our own lives, encounters challenges that can feel overwhelming: moments of anxiety, loss, or doubt. The call of faith is not that we will never face such trials, but that we need not face them alone.
St George’s witness points us to a quiet, steady courage: the courage to stand firm in what is good, to act with compassion, and to trust that even in difficult times, God is at work. May we, in the week ahead, find strength to face whatever lies before us, and grace to do so with faith, hope, and love.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell. Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Upcoming Services
Sunday 19 April
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church in Penshurst Rectory Garden
Sunday 26 April
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Dear all,
We hereby give notice for the 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) of the High Weald Churches (Penshurst, Fordcombe and the Chiddingstones).
The meeting will take place at 12pm on Sunday 26 April in Penshurst Village Hall - the full notice can be found here.
In advance of the benefice-wide APCM, separate Parochial Church Council (PCC) meetings will take place in each parish. Details below:
Chiddingstone - 8pm on Tuesday 21st April in St Luke’s Parish Room - full notice here
Penshurst and Fordcombe - 11:30am on Sunday 19th April in St John the Baptist - full notice here
These meetings will be used to elect churchwardens (apply here), new PCC members (apply here) and Safeguarding Officers, as well as admissions to the Deanery Synod (apply here). The relevant application forms include details on eligibility and conditions for nominations.
Churchwardens will be publishing physical copies of these notices in all churches by Sunday, and will have copies of the relevant forms upon request. Please return these to your churchwarden for collating, and submitting the the office.
Please note that the announcement of the meeting means that revisions to the electoral roll are now frozen until after the meeting. Copies of the current version of the benefice electoral roll are available on request.
For any questions, please speak with your churchwarden, or contact office@highwealdchurches.org.uk for advice.
Upcoming Services
Sunday 19 April
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church in Penshurst Rectory Garden
Sunday 26 April
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 03/04
I am writing this on Maundy Thursday in the late evening, having returned from the Chrism Eucharist at Rochester Cathedral and the 6pm Eucharist in Penshurst. It has been a day rich in meaning, setting the tone for the most sacred days of the Christian year.
This link tells you more about the Cathedral service and includes Bishop Jonathan’s sermon: https://rochester.anglican.org/news/diocesan-family-gather-for-chrism-service-1786.php
Bishop Jonathan’s Easter message to the Diocese can be found here: https://rochester.anglican.org/news/bishops-easter-message.php
Now into Good Friday, we are invited to pause and reflect on the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice. At the cross, we see the depth of God’s love poured out for the world—costly, redemptive, and freely given.
Then comes Holy Saturday, a day of stillness and waiting. In the quiet, we hold space for grief, for uncertainty, and for hope not yet realised. It is in this silence that we prepare our hearts for the joy that is to come.
Finally, we celebrate Easter Day, when sorrow turns to joy and death is overcome by life.
I look forward to celebrating with many of you at Fordcombe at 9:00am for a quiet Holy Communion service, and at Penshurst for our All-Age Holy Communion at 10:30am. This service will include crafts for children and an Easter egg hunt, as we celebrate the resurrection together in a spirit of joy and community.
I am grateful to my clergy colleagues, Rev’d Fiona and Fr Stephen, for covering the Good Friday and Easter Day services in the Chiddingstone churches.
A reminder that our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) will take place on 27th April. Formal notices will be issued after Easter, along with paperwork for those wishing to stand for the PCCs, as churchwardens, or to serve on the Deanery Synod. Each parish will also be holding a local meeting to elect wardens and Parish Safeguarding Officers, and to receive the 2025 accounts for local funds. The APCM will, in turn, receive reports and recommendations from these meetings and reflect on the work of the PCCs and Joint Council over the past year. If you would like to be added to the electoral roll, please complete one of the forms provided alongside the APCM notices.
Following Easter Day, I will be taking ten days of annual leave. If you have any urgent pastoral enquiries during this time, please contact the churchwardens or Tabby.
May this Easter bring you renewed hope, peace, and the assurance of God’s love. Rather than closing with a prayer, I offer this link to a beautiful setting of the Easter hymn, Thine Be the Glory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXzmjNE-yLA
With every blessing to you and all those you love this joyful Eastertide,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Services:
Sunday 5 April
09:00 – Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
10:30 - All Age Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 12 April
08:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 19 April
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church in Penshurst Rectory Garden
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
Newsletter - 27-03
Rector’s Newsletter – 27th March 2026
My working week began with a wonderful Confirmation service at St Peter and St Paul’s, Edenbridge, where we celebrated with ten candidates ranging from their teenage years to retirement age. This is a great sign of hope for the Church of England. On Wednesday, it was a joy to watch the enthronement of the Very Revd Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury. How fitting that this took place on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Like Mary, Sarah spoke eloquently of our need to say “yes” to God.
This Sunday, the morning service at St Luke’s will celebrate Palm Sunday, complete with a visit from a donkey. The congregation may gather either in church or in Richards Close; please contact the churchwardens for more detailed guidance.
At St John the Baptist, Penshurst, at the 10.00 am Holy Communion service, we will focus on the Liturgy of the Passion. This account from Matthew’s Gospel will be read by members of the congregation. Afterwards, we will listen to a Bach Prelude, “O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sünde groß,” offering a time for quiet reflection on the Passion reading. The liturgy used will be slightly different from usual to allow time for the reading and chorale. You can listen to the piece being played by The Penshurst Musical Director, D’Arcy Trinkwon and read his programme notes here: https://youtu.be/0zzyVFRGtOw?si=71V3lnlXuWsmhpBl
At 4.00 pm, in a lighter mood, we will gather for a Forest Church service at Penshurst Rectory. We will celebrate Palm Sunday with a lively outdoor service, including crafts, a bonfire, and refreshments.
Also, in Penshurst, to celebrate the return of the bells, there will be a Quarter Peal rung at around 5.30 pm. You would be most welcome in the church or nearby to hear this joyous sound once again.
School End of Term Services This Week:
Wednesday 1st April, 9.15 am – St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst
Wednesday 1st April, 1.30 pm – St Mary’s Chiddingstone School Easter Service, followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade in school.
Thursday 2nd April, 9.15 am – St Peter’s, Fordcombe
On Maundy Thursday morning, I shall be at Rochester Cathedral for the annual Chrism Eucharist. At this service, we receive the Holy Oils to use in the year ahead. It is also the occasion when clergy renew their ordination vows and recommit themselves to their vocation in the Church of England. For me, this is a particularly important part of Holy Week; an annual opportunity to gather with former theological college friends and fellow ministers from across The Diocese.
NB British Summer Time begins on Sunday 29th March.
Don’t forget to put your clocks forward.
A Prayer for Our Journey Through Holy Week
Loving God, as we enter these sacred days of Holy Week, draw our hearts closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Walk with us, Lord, as we follow Him from the joy of palm branches to the sorrow of the cross. Open our eyes to see His humility, His suffering, and His boundless love poured out for the world.
When we are tempted to turn away, give us the courage to remain. When we feel burdened by our own crosses, remind us that He walks beside us.
Teach us to watch and pray in the garden, to stand in faith at the foot of the cross, and to wait in hope through the silence of the tomb.
Renew us through these holy mysteries, so that, with hearts transformed, we may rise with Christ in the light of Easter joy. Amen.
Wishing you a most blessed Holy Week ahead.
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
And finally, please note that following a new broadband contract for the church, the network name and password have both changed. Please check the welcome table for details so you can update your phone.
Newsletter - 20/03
Rector’s Weekly Newsletter – 20th March 2026
This past week began with the joy and tenderness of our Mothering Sunday services. For some, the day was difficult, though perhaps made easier through the fellowship of the church. It has otherwise been a relatively quiet week in the parish; something of a rarity!
I have taken the opportunity to continue the ongoing task of “dachshund-proofing” the garden boundaries. This has, of course, become something of an arms race: I reinforce the fence, and a certain low-slung canine of great persistence soon discovers a new and creative route to freedom. Dibley the Labrador is proving to be an excellent big sister and mentor; together, they are quite a formidable pair!
Looking ahead to Sunday, there will be services of Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway and St John the Baptist, Penshurst, both beginning at 10:00am.
On Tuesday at noon, there will be a funeral at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone for Kathleen Pocock. We hold her family and friends in our prayers at this time. My sincere thanks to Jane Rosam for leading this service.
There is a service of Confirmation at Edenbridge Church on Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm, which I will be attending as Area Dean. If anyone would like to be prepared for Confirmation later in the year, there are further deanery services in September and November. The service in September, which will be in Hildenborough, will include special provision for young people. If there are any older children, young people, or those young at heart, please make contact and we can arrange confirmation classes for them over the summer months. Please do let me know if you or a member of your family would like to be confirmed then, or at the Confirmation service at St Stephen’s, Tonbridge, in November. I can prepare individuals or a group to suit the needs of each candidate.
As we move further into Lent and approach Passion Sunday, our worship begins to take on a deeper, more reflective tone, inviting us to walk more closely with Christ on the road to the cross. We are reminded that God’s love is not distant or abstract, but deeply present, especially in suffering, loss and sacrifice.
A Prayer for Passion Sunday
Loving God, as we turn towards Passion Sunday,
draw us deeper into the mystery of your love,
a love shown in humility, in sacrifice, and in the cross.
Walk with us in the days ahead, in our joys and in our sorrows,
in our remembering and our hoping.
Hold close all who grieve, strengthen all who are weary,
and open our hearts to the transforming power of your grace.
May we follow Christ more nearly, love more deeply, and trust more fully,
knowing that even in the shadow of the cross, your light is never overcome.
Amen.
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Services:
Sunday 22 March: Passion Sunday
1000 – Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 – Holy Communion, St Luke’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 29 March: Palm Sunday
1000 – Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 – Holy Communion, St Luke’s, Chiddingstone
1600 – Forest Church, Penshurst Rectory Garden
Thursday 2 April: Maundy Thursday
1800 - Maundy Thursday Service and Reflection, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1830 - The Communion of Maundy Thursday, St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
Friday 3 April: Good Friday
1000 - Good Friday Service (followed by hot cross buns) - St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
1400 - An hour at the cross - St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Sunday 5 April: Easter Day
0900 - Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
1030 - All Age Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
And finally, please note that following a new broadband contract for the church, the network name and password have both changed. Please check the welcome table for details so you can update your phone.
Contact thornburybenefice@outlook.com if you would like to be added to the weekly Newsletter mail out.