Newsletter -10 - 25
Greetings from The Rector
I write this week’s mailing from St John the Baptist church at Friday’s choir practice. I should be warbling my way through the soprano parts of each piece, but sadly, laryngitis has scuppered any plans I may have had! Should you wish to hear the choir, you are most welcome to join us for Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday and BCP Evensong at 6:00 p.m. There is also a service of Sung Holy Communion at St Luke’s at 1000.
I am delighted that a dozen or so musicians from St Peter and St Paul’s in Yalding, under the directorship of Daniel Sharman, will be joining us on Sunday evening. With D’Arcy Trinkwon playing the organ and Daniel conducting, the 6:00 p.m Evensong will be a true musical treat! The practice begins at 4pm.
Penshurst has this week been slowly morphing into a Hollywood film set! Universal Studios and Netflix are taking over Penshurst Place for three weeks. Film crews have been setting up what feels like a small village in the house, grounds, and nearby fields for a week now. The field to the north of the grounds has become a crew car park, and my Labrador, Dibley, has thoroughly enjoyed acting as a canine waste disposal unit during afternoon walkies, helping herself to several dropped snacks!
Penshurst Place also featured on an E4 programme on Thursday night. It’s a delightful hour of television which I commend to you to stream on catch-up. The programme portrays life on the estate through several seasons, with some stunning aerial photography. The appearance of many local people makes for a warm and engaging programme.
In less grand but equally beautiful surroundings, on Saturday morning between 10:00 and noon we will hold the final working party of 2025 at Poundsbridge. We’ll be putting the chapel to bed for winter and tidying the grounds once more. Many have commented on how much better the churchyard is looking, and I am grateful to all who have taken part. Particular thanks go to Maddie Jenner for organising these events.
We will resume our monthly working parties after Easter. There are three open and two closed churchyards in the benefice, and their upkeep is far more economical thanks to the efforts of our volunteers. Thank you to all who have contributed your time and energy across all five sites during 2025.
Our local schools have been on half-term holiday this week. I hope that our children, young people, and their families have enjoyed some time away from their term-time routines, and that staff will return rested and ready for the long run-up to Christmas. Chiddingstone School has another week off, so this would be a lovely time to enjoy the church and village without the usual weekday traffic.
On Sunday, 2nd November, we will mark All Saints and All Souls Day. At St John the Baptist , Penshurst. The morning Communion at 10:00 a.m. will celebrate the lives of the Saints and will have an upbeat feel. The service celebrating All Souls Day at 6:00 p.m. will be more reflective. This quiet service of Evening Prayer invites us to remember before God those who have died. We may remember our loved ones by name and through the lighting of candles.
In some churches, this is called The Service for the Faithful Departed or The Annual Memorial Service. I hope it will provide space and comfort for all who mourn. If you would like the name of a loved one read out, cards will be available as you enter the church. The names will be gathered, read aloud, and placed on the altar during the service. If you cannot attend but would like a loved one’s name included, please email or drop me a note, and I will ensure their name is read out in your absence.
This is a service to which all members of our benefice churches are warmly invited.
Until next week,
May God bless you all,
Lisa.
We hope to see you at the upcoming events.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday October 26th, The Last After Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
1800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: A celebration of Bible Sunday. Choral Evensong. Featuring the combined choirs of Penshurst and Yalding Churches.
Sunday 2nd November: All Saints and All Souls
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion for All Saints Day
1800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Evening Prayer for All Souls’ Day. A service to commemorate those who have died.
Sunday 9th November Remembrance Sunday
0800: St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1045 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Remembrance Sunday Service
1050 St Mary’s, Chiddingstone: Remembrance Sunday Service.
Tuesday 11 November
St Mary’s, Chiddingstone School and Community Remembrance Events. Time TBC (please check school and parish website for details)
1045 - Fordcombe Village Green and Community Remembrance Events. Followed by Short service at St Peter’s War Memorial with refreshments in Church.
Sunday 16 November – 2nd Sunday before Advent
1000 -St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1600 – Forest Church, Penshurst Rectory Garden
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 - 18
A short message from the Rector this week:
We have enjoyed three harvest services this week. Thank you to all who attended and donated good to local foodbanks and money for local charities. The children's contributions to the school harvest services were beautiful.
There are services of Holy Communion at St Luke's celebrating the patronal festival and St John the Baptist marking Trinity 18.
Forest church is scheduled for this Sunday at 4pm. If the forecast storms come to fruition this may be moved from Penshurst Rectory garden to the church. We will make a final decision tomorrow morning and keep you posted via whatsapp groups and physical signs.
For those connected to school and college life, I wish you a restful half term week (or fortnight!)
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
We hope to see you at the upcoming events.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday October 19th, The 18th Sunday after Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
TBC St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: A service for St Luke’s patronal festival. - TBC. Please check the Benefice website.
1600 Penshurst Rectory Garden: Forest Church
Sunday October 26th, The Last After Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
1800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: A celebration of Bible Sunday. Choral Evensong. Featuring the combined choirs of Penshurst and Yalding Churches.
Sunday 2nd November: All Saints and All Souls
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion for All Saints Day
1800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Evening Prayer for All Souls’ Day. A service to commemorate those who have died.
Sunday 9th November Remembrance Sunday
0800: St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1045 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Remembrance Sunday Service
1045 St Mary’s, Chiddingstone: Remembrance Sunday Service
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -11
Greetings from Penshurst Rectory
After eight days in Dorset, I am back and working in the benefice. Our time away was blessed by pleasant weather and beautiful Autumn scenes. I have rested well and feel refreshed. Thank you to Rev’d Fiona Haskett who presided and preached at St John the Baptist last week and to Rev’d Ray Shergill who juggled a multi themed service at St Mary’s. Services in Chiddingstone now move to St Luke’s for the winter season.
During my time away, a new Archbishop of Canterbury was appointed. I congratulate Rt Rev’d Dame Sarah Mullally on her appointment. In my past life as a teacher, the then Mrs Mulally was a parent of a pupil in my care. Her daughter has gone on to be a well-regarded scientist. Bp Sarah’s priestly ministry has emerged from a vocation in nursing. I believe that Bp Sarah will bring much to the role nationally and globally. In her own words: “In an age that craves certainty and tribalism, Anglicanism offers something quieter but stronger: shared history, held in tension, shaped by prayer, and lit from within by the glory of Christ. That is what gives me hope. In our fractured and hurting world, that partnership in the Gospel could not be more vital.” I hope you will join me in praying for the Bp Sarah as she transitions to her new role.
Locally, we congratulate Francesca and Jesse on their baptism last Sunday; and Andrew and Robyn who married on Friday 10th October.
This Sunday there will be Holy Communion services at 0800 at St John the Baptist; 1000 at St Luke’s and a Harvest Holy Communion will be celebrated at St Peter’s at 1000. You are welcome to bring goods to donate to local food banks or cash for Mary’s Meals. There are two further school harvest services next week. Fordcombe School will celebrate at 0915 at St Peter’s on Tuesday 14th, and Penshurst School’s harvest will be at St John the Baptist on Thursday 16th at 0915. Refreshments will be served after all of these services. For those of you who need me to countersign school applications, I will be available at all of the Penshurst of Fordcombe services if you would like to bring your paperwork.
Finally, you may be aware that 9 - 15 October is Baby Loss Awareness week. This week is a time for prayer, remembrance, and raising awareness about the impact of pregnancy and baby loss. The week concludes with the #WaveOfLight, where people around the world light candles at 7 p.m. to remember babies who died too soon.
The local charity, Abigail’s footsteps, is partnering with Rochester Cathedral this coming Wednesday, offering a place of reflection and prayer for those who have experienced the trauma and sorrow of losing a baby. The Cathedral will be open between 18:30 - 19:45. The cathedral spire will also be lit pink and blue for the Wave of Light. If this issue is important to you, you may wish to join me at Rochester next week. Penshurst church is open every day from 0830 until dusk and there is a votive candle stand which you are most welcome to use.
The national church has published this prayer:
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday October 12th, The 17th Sunday after Trinity
0800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst Holy Communion
1000 St Peter’s,Fordcombe: Holy Communion and Harvest Celebration
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
Sunday October 19th, The 18th Sunday after Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
TBC St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: A service for St Luke’s patronal festival. - TBC. Please check the Benefice website.
1600 Penshurst Rectory Garden: Forest Church
Sunday October 26th, The Last After Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
1800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: A celebration of Bible Sunday. Choral Evensong. Featuring the combined choirs of Penshurst and Yalding Churches.
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 - 04
The Rector is currently on leave and will return on Wednesday, 8th October. We wish her a truly restful and refreshing break, and we look forward to welcoming her back with renewed energy.
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday October 6th, The 16th Sunday after Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Mary’s, Chiddingstone: Harvest Celebration with Baptism
Sunday October 12th, The 17th Sunday after Trinity
0800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst Holy Communion
1000 St Peter’s,Fordcombe: Holy Communion and Harvest Celebration
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
Sunday October 19th, The 18th Sunday after Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
TBC St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: A service for St Luke’s patronal festival. - TBC. Please check the Benefice website.
1600 Penshurst Rectory Garden: Forest Church
Sunday October 26th, The Last After Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
1800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: A celebration of Bible Sunday. Choral Evensong. Featuring the combined choirs of Penshurst and Yalding Churches.
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -October
Rector’s Letter – October 2025
Dear Parishioners
As autumn deepens, the landscape around our villages is a little earlier than usual, rich with colour. I find myself drawn to reflect with gratitude on the blessings of this time of year and this area of The High Weald in particular.
Harvest is, of course, a time to give thanks, but also a time to reflect on where our food comes from — the hard work of farmers, the challenges of supply chains, and the inequalities that mean not everyone shares in Creation’s bounty.
As mentioned last month, our harvest thanksgiving services are at St John the Baptist, Penshurst on 28th September, St Mary’s Chiddingstone on 6th October and St Peter’s Fordcombe on 13th October. Our school service dates are now known. They are at Chiddingstone on Weds 8th October; Fordcombe on Tuesday 14th October and Penshurst on Thursday 16th October. I hope that with six choices of service there will be a time for everyone interested to attend church as they can, thank God for his generosity and pray for those who are in need. At each of these services there will be an opportunity to donate either food for local foodbanks or make financial donations to a chosen charity. Please check the weekly newsletters and website for further details of these.
My sense is that the nation and the world are in a state of unrest. In our beautiful corner of Kent, we are mercifully a long way from the worst effects. Perhaps because of that, it is even more important that we arm ourselves with facts more than rhetoric; give generously to charities supporting those worst affected and pray for God’s peace to change the hearts of those in power.
Food poverty is severe in several parts of the world. The causes are complex. Systemic hunger is not something that can be fixed by just providing more food, although short term aid is essential in a crisis. We need also to solve long-term hunger because of the lifelong consequences especially for children. To quote the World Food Programme: “Malnourished children are up to 12 times more likely to die than a healthy child. Malnutrition slows economic growth, perpetuates poverty, impacts children's education and adult’s workforce skills, with dire consequences for countries' human capital and future development. As part of a vicious cycle, hunger can also fuel conflict as well as vice-versa. People forced from their land may be vying with others for scarce resources, especially in areas where poverty and inequality are already present.”[1]
Feeling the effects of poverty and conflict, a sense of injustice and not feeling heard is being acted out in all sorts of political activity at present. At the gentle end there is healthy debate and peaceful protest; in political systems the voting in and out of governors and leaders. And there are a range of active protest movements that act outside of the law. Past example has shown how such mistrust of mainline political systems can be used by terrorist organisations as part of recruitment and influence; or terrorism’s threats be misused by governments to close down legitimate protest. Each year we look back at Remembrance particularly at 20th and 21st century conflicts. I urge people this year to mark the Remembrance season prayerfully- remembering the freedoms others sacrificed for us. I shall write more about this in next month's newsletter. George Santayana, wrote in 1910: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it".[2] This quote is similar to Mark Twain who said in 1874: “History never repeats itself, but the Kaleidoscopic combinations of the pictured present often seem to be constructed out of the broken fragments of antique legends.”[i][3]
Let us pray in October to be:
v Thankful for the harvest, and for those who grow, prepare and distribute food
v Thankful for the beautiful surroundings of our village homes
v Mindful of those who struggle with food insecurity, economic uncertainty, isolation and both the fear and reality of conflict.
v Willing to commit our own resources of time, treasure or talent to helping those near and far who need us.
With every blessing and thanks for all you bring to our parish life
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones.
[1] https://www.wfp.org/ending-hunger?
[2] https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/those-who-cannot-remember-past-are-condemned-repeat-it-george-santayana-life-reason-1905#
[3] https://hotwhitesnow.wordpress.com/2024/04/18/history-doesnt-repeat-itself-but-it-often-rhymes/#:~:text=Indeed%2C%20in%20the%201874%20novel,of%20the%20broken%20fragments%20of
Newsletter -09 - 27
Greetings from Penshurst. Last weekend took an unexpected turn for me and I became unwell. Thank you to Rev’d Ian Aveson for leading the communion service in Penshurst.
I have rescheduled Forest Church for this Sunday at 4pm.
The Penshurst Bells refurbishment is nearer to completion. The bells themselves are now repaired and tuned but their return cannot be scheduled until their headstocks have been delivered to the foundry and fitted. Fingers crossed for their return very soon! Weddings seem so much quieter this year! Talking of which- we send congratulations to Michael and Christina who were married last Saturday and to Phoebe and Alex whose wedding is this weekend.
Thank you to all of you (20+) who took part in the garden working party at Chiddingstone Rectory last weekend. There is a working party at Poundsbridge Churchyard this Saturday between 1000 and Noon. Volunteer help is always very much appreciated.
This Sunday’s service in Penshurst will celebrate Harvest. Please bring goods to donate to the local foodbank or cash to donate to the charity Mary’s Meals. This charity works in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. The charity asks for a £19.15 donation to feed a child for a full year. The Mary’s Meals projects offer children a daily meal in school. Wider communities gain skills and support from the charity to establish sustainable feeding programmes and the prospects for children for future employment and well-being are improved by their attendance at school with enough energy to make meaningful progress. www.marysmeals.org.uk
At the Chiddingstone harvest service next week, funds will be raised for The Addington Fund. The charity aims to keep the countryside vibrant and sustainable by providing affordable housing for those in farm work or who have retired, supporting people in their agricultural careers and offering emergency and practical help to farming families in crisis. www.addingtonfund.org.uk
I shall be taking annual leave from Monday 29th September until Wednesday 8th October. I will have limited access to phone and e mails whilst away. Please direct any urgent queries to the office or your local church wardens. Please check the website for the most up to information about services.
With every blessing
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday September 28th,
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst. To include the harvest festival.
1000 Holy Communion St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
16:00 Forest Church - Penshurst Rectory Garden
Sunday October 6th, The 16th Sunday after Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Mary’s, Chiddingstone: Harvest Celebration with Baptism
Sunday October 12th, The 17th Sunday after Trinity
0800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst Holy Communion
1000 St Peter’s,Fordcombe: Holy Communion and Harvest Celebration
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -09 - 20
Weekly Mailing 19th September
I hope this mailing reaches you happy and well. We seem to have had several seasons of weather this week, and I have found it difficult to plan anything outdoors.
This week we laid to rest Carole Allen and Sarah Noss. The funerals were very well attended, and I believe offered both of these remarkable women fitting tributes for lives well lived.
On Saturday 20th we celebrate with Michael and Christina as they marry in Penshurst Church. It has been a busy wedding season with each celebration unique to the couple. We pray for good weather and offer them our good wishes as they begin married life together. This is the eighteenth of twenty-one weddings this year. A busy season.
On Sunday 21st, there are two services in the Benefice. We celebrate Holy Communion in Penshurst at 1000. At 1600 Forest Church will take place in my Rectory Garden. An unusual cluster of birthdays means that several of my normal team of adult helpers have diary clashes this weekend. I am a little short of volunteers this time, so any adults who attend would be most welcome to assist me.
For those of you with children in Year Six, you may need me to countersign your applications for local church schools. I am of course willing to do so. I can be difficult to find mutually convenient diary slots to meet, but please note I am available at the end of any church service and there are two this Sunday!
Next Saturday (27th September) there is a working party at All Soul’s Chapel Poundsbridge between 10am and Noon. Anyone able to join us would be welcome to attend to help us settle the churchyard into Autumn. Please come and give what time and energy you can. Anyone with chain saws, hedge trimmers, brush cutters/ strimmers could be especially helpful as we clear back the edges of the site. Also, we have a lot of branches cut in the last few months that need to go through a chipper. Anyone with such a piece of kit would find themselves extremely popular! We are hoping also to clear the central path of moss and vegetation so that the tarmac beneath offers us a firmer footing for winter. During this year’s working parties, participants have ranged in age from 6 to 91, Everybody has a part to play. See you there!
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday September 21st,
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
Sunday September 28th,
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst. To include the harvest festival.
1000 Holy Communion St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Sunday October 6th, The 16th Sunday after Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Mary’s, Chiddingstone: Harvest Celebration with Baptism
Sunday October 12th, The 17th Sunday after Trinity
0800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst Holy Communion
1000 St Peter’s,Fordcombe: Holy Communion and Harvest Celebration
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -09 - 13
Weekly Mailing 12th September 2025.
Rev’d Lisa, Rector writes:
I hope this mailing finds you well and settled into September. This week began with two weddings and a renewal of marriage vows. We congratulate Emily, Toby, Abi, and Luke as they begin married life and celebrate with Maggie and David who marked the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding at St Peter’s by renewing their vows. This week, David and Amelia will be married in St Mary’s. Thank you to our visiting clergy who have led weddings in Chiddingstone this summer. Rev’d Aji officiated last week and Rev’d Rob returns for this week’s weddings. Thank you to all of you who staff our weddings and help them to run smoothy.
Parish life involves walking alongside families at times of both joy and sadness. This Sunday we will baptise Isabella at a service in Penshurst and we pray for her, her big sister Lara, and parents and Godparents as they begin their journey of faith. On Monday and Tuesday, we held the funeral and celebration of life for Viv Timothy. Thank you to Rev’d Fiona for leading Tuesday’s service in St Mary’s. This Monday coming, Carole Allen’s funeral service will take place at The Kent and Sussex Crematorium at 1130. On Thursday, the memorial service for Sarah Noss will take place in Penshurst Church at 2pm. Sarah was for over 20 years on the staff team at Penshurst Place organising many weddings and events. The service is likely to be very well attended, so please allow plenty of time to park. We pray for Rob, Sarah’s husband and their sons Sam and Ben as they mourn.
This Sunday, there will be an 0800 Holy Communion service at St John the Baptist. At 1000 Fr Stephen Mitchell will celebrate Holy Cross Day at a Communion service at St Mary’s. Holy Cross Day is not marked in all churches. Here are links to two articles explaining the significance of this festival . The first is a general description and the second a sermon printed in this week’s Church Times.
https://anglicancompass.com/holy-cross-day-a-rookie-anglican-guide/
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/12-september/faith/sunday-s-readings/holy-cross-day
I will be leading a Communion service at St Peter’s where the sermon will consider the parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin. I shall then be dashing back to Penshurst for Lara’s baptism. Comments about rest and wickedness definitely apply!
The school term is now in full swing. For families with older children, college and university terms are beginning apace. We pray for all experiencing life change as their young adult children begin higher education courses away from home. This can be a time of mixed emotions; I pray for safe travel and peace to surround families as they adjust to a new life stage. I close with one of the Collects for this Sunday.
Almighty God,
who called your Church to bear witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
help us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through him who was lifted up on the cross,
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
14th September
0800 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
1000 Holy Communion St Peter’s Fordcombe.
1000 Holy Communion (or Matins) St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
21st September
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
28th September
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst. To include the harvest festival.
1000 Holy Communion St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -09 - 06
Greetings from Penshurst Rectory
On Monday, we entered meteorological Autumn. Keats described Autumn as a “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.” There is definitely a much crisper feel, and the early dew means that muddy labrador paw prints once again adorn my kitchen floor at the start of each day. As for fruitfulnessThe Rectory Garden has brought forth a bumper crop of blackberries, damsons, and greengages, a rather limp apple harvest alongside a bumper collection of wasps!
In the parish this week we have three wedding services one in each parish. We wish Abi and Luke in Penshurst and Toby and Emily in Chiddingstone every blessing at the start of married life. At St Peter’s in Fordcombe we celebrate with Maggie and David as they renew their wedding vows fifty years to the day after their wedding. We also pray for William as he is baptised on Sunday at St Mary’s. Thank you to Revs Aji and David for leading the services in Chiddingstone this weekend.
On Tuesday, the life of Viv Timothy will be celebrated at St Mary’s church at noon. Thank you to Rev’d Fiona for leading this service. There will be refreshments afterwards at Chiddingstone Castle. If attending the funeral it may be easier to park at the Castle and walk through to the church. With term time in full swing, parking in the village will be challenging.
On Sunday this week there are two services- a 1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist in Penshurst and an 1800 Evening Prayer service at All Souls in Poundsbridge. Our hymns and prayers will celebrate the creatures we share our lives with and God’s creation more generally. At this service you are invited to bring your pets to be blessed.
On Wednesday evening at 7:30pm the PCCs of St Peter’s and St John the Baptist churches will meet in Penshurst. The Ven Nick Cornell will be in attendance to talk through details of the pastoral reorganisation. He held a similar meeting at St Luke’s a few weeks back.
And finally we thank God for the life of Katharine, HRH The Duchess of Kent who died on Friday. Kent This prayer was shared by The Church of England:
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
7th September
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
1800 Evening Prayer service with the blessing of pets. All Souls, Poundsbridge.
14th September
0800 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
1000 Holy Communion St Peter’s Fordcombe.
1000 Holy Communion (or Matins) St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
21st September
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
28th September
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst. To include the harvest festival.
1000 Holy Communion St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 - 30
Greetings from Your Rector, Rev’d Lisa Cornell.
August is ending, and I am amazed at how early the leaves have started to fall. I was thrilled a few days ago to take delivery of a leaf blower and one of those special scoops for gathering leaves and debris. I do love a gadget!
Last weekend was a busy one in Penshurst, with several hundred worshippers coming through the doors for two weddings, a baptism, and a well-attended Sunday Holy Communion. On Bank Holiday Monday, the village was awash with circa 2,000 imitation waterfowl. The Annual Duck race was well attended and raised valuable funds for the local community. Thank you to Stephen Hazell-Smith and his expert team from across the village for the tremendous efforts that go into this event.
This weekend we are delighted to celebrate with Alexander and Rosie who marry in Chiddingstone on Saturday. We congratulate Alfred who is being baptised in Penshurst on Sunday. Also on Sunday, I shall lay the ashes of Angela Bell to rest in Fordcombe Churchyard alongside her late husband. We pray for all of these families and their loved ones as they mark these important turning points.
I am sad to announce the death last Sunday of Viv Timothy. Viv and her family have lived for many years on the Chiddingstone / Ide Hill border. Viv’s funeral will be over two days. A private family ceremony will be held at the Crematorium on Monday 8th September. On Tuesday 9th there will be a memorial service at St Mary’s Chiddingstone with a celebration afterwards at Chid Castle. The exact times are still being finalised and is pencilled in as ‘lunchtime.’ I will provide an update once available.
Next week, the Autumn term begins in our local schools. I am relieved to have passed through the years of shoe and uniform shopping and furious name tape sewing for my daughters. I hope that the six weeks of R and R have been of benefit to students, staff, and their families. In Fordcombe School, we welcome and pray for their new headteacher. Mrs Julie Burton, the headteacher of Bidborough School will, with help from the Tenax Trust, also lead Fordcombe School through this academic year. We also pray for Kate Haysom the Headteacher at Chiddingstone School and Sue Elliot our leader at Penshurst School . We wish all of our local school staff every success in the year ahead.
I shall be attending some training events in Penshurst School on Monday, so my rest day will be Tuesday and not Monday this week. Funeral services on consecutive Mondays mean that I will not have my usual pattern of rest days for the next three weeks. I close with this prayer for all starting new classes, schools, and colleges in the days ahead:
Heavenly Father
We ask for your blessing for the new academic year. We pray for our school and college families, the staff, and all students as they start this year together. We ask for a sense of peace to surround us and the resilience to adapt to anything unfamiliar.
Grant us all wisdom in learning, courage in challenges, and kindness in friendships.
Help us to use our talents well, to grow in knowledge and faith, and to build communities of respect and care.
May God’s Spirit guide everyone's thoughts, words, and actions,
so that this academic year may be filled with hope, joy, and growth.
We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 31 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
7th September
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
1000 Evening Prayer service with the blessing of pets. All Souls, Poundsbridge.
14th September
0800 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
1000 Holy Communion St Peter’s Fordcombe.
1000 Holy Communion (or Matins) St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 - 23
Greetings,
I hope this mailing reaches you in a state of wellness. After my holiday in York last week, it has been a busy week of priesthood. There were two funerals this week. On Tuesday, I had the honour of laying to rest the ashes of Hazel and Tony O’Dowd. Hazel was born in 1927 in the Lane, Fordcombe to Lilian and George Greagsby. The family are now reunited at rest in St Peter’s churchyard. Thank you to Rev’d Fiona Haskett for leading the funeral for Timothy Bates at St Mary’s on Wednesday.
Sadly, I have two recent deaths to announce.
Firstly, Carole Allen from Chiddingstone Causeway. After a lifetime in nursing, mainly in Dorset, Carole moved into the area to be closer to her family in 2014. She will be much missed by her son Chris, his wife Sarah and her two teenage grandchildren. Carole had many friends in the local community; many were made through her love of dogs and horses. Carole’s funeral will be at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium at 1130 on Monday, 15th September.
Secondly, I was shocked to learn this week of the death of Sarah Noss. She was for many years part of the wedding events team at Penshurst Place. I knew Sarah as a mum at the school gates when my children were at junior school in Riverhead. A memorial service for Sarah will be on 18th September at 2pm in St John the Baptist Church with a celebration afterwards in The Baron’s Hall. We pray for her husband, two sons and Sarah’s Mum and siblings as they grieve.
In happier news, we have two weddings this weekend. Shannon and Rob marry on Saturday afternoon and Laura and David get married on Sunday. We also celebrate with Evie and Freddie who are being baptised after the main service and before the wedding on Sunday at St John the Baptist, Penshurst. And a final piece of happy news- my daughter Sophie is engaged. Her fiancé, Charlie, proposed during a recent trip to Canada. I shall look forward to being the mother of the bride sometime in August 2027.
As we enjoy the last of the summer Bank Holidays a reminder to join us at the annual Duck Race in Penshurst this Monday. This popular event, which is free to attend, opens at noon. Please join us for the excitement of the races, a barbeque, drinks, ice cream, games, and a dog show. What better way to mark the end of summer? The first race is at 1pm. May the best duck win! The entrance is at the foot of Rogues Hill between the two bridges. I hope to see many of you there.
In the week ahead, may you know the love of God surrounding you.
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 24 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
7th September
1000 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
1000 Evening Prayer service with the blessing of pets. All Souls, Poundsbridge.
14th September
0800 Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
1000 Holy Communion St Peter’s Fordcombe.
1000 Holy Communion (or Matins) St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 - 15
Greetings, friends,
Our Rector has been away this past week in York and is expected to be back with us shortly but fully back in action from Tuesday, 16th August 2025. While we look forward to hearing stories and reflections from the trip, I thought I’d share a little update for the week ahead.
May the coming days bring you encouragement, peace, and joy, whatever you are facing. Let us continue to hold one another in prayer, and be ready to welcome the Rector home with warmth and interest in all that has been experienced.
With every blessing for the week ahead,
The Benefice Administrator
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 17 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 24 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 - 09
Greetings from Penshurst Rectory
Ministry life in the benefice has been unusually quiet this week. With only one occasional office, a burial of ashes in Poundsbridge and just two other services for me to lead, I have had a little more ‘me time’ than usual. After a relentless few months, I have readily embraced the slower pace. I have even had time to enjoy the latest Richard Coles Canon Clement novel. This murder mystery series set in a rural parish in the early 1990s offers a witty and well-observed account of life in rural parishes. Lined up for my holiday next week is the debut novel by local author Rev’d Penny Stephens. I hope that she will bring some copies of “Till death us do part” to autograph when she leads a service in Chiddingstone later in the month. More information about the book is here: revpennystephens.com/
Each part of the benefice has a service this Sunday. I shall be leading an 0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist in Penshurst, a 1000 Holy Communion and a 12-noon baptism in St Peter’s Fordcombe, and an 1800 Evening Prayer service at Poundsbridge Chapel. Rev’d Fiona Haskett is leading a 1000 service at St Mary’s. I am grateful to her and the team of PTOs who are leading services across the deanery for parishes in vacancy or covering clergy holidays.
I shall be taking advantage of some much longed-for diary space and will be in York for much of next week. Please direct any urgent queries to your church wardens or to Tracy our lovely administrator. I shall be back to my desk during the second half of Friday.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 10 August
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peters, Fordcombe
1000 Matins at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 17 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 24 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 - 02
I am quite possibly not the only person who realised it was August and wondered how the year has gone by so fast. Yet here we are. Thomas Hardy wrote:
A shaded lamp and a waving blind,
And the beat of a clock from a distant floor:
On this scene enter—winged, horned, and spined—
A longlegs, a moth, and a dumbledore.
While ’mid my page there idly stands
A sleepy fly, that rubs its hands ...
An August Midnight, 1899
This is a strange time of year when our landscapes are such vibrant colours; as farmers gather their harvests; and all that work setting out our gardens bears fruit. Yet as we contemplate the beauty, I can’t be the only person plagued by wasps when I eat al fresco, moths if I dare leave a light on at dusk and a sense that there are biting insects everywhere! I thank the Lord for the invention of antihistamines!
The parish has been remarkably busy this week. Funerals on Monday and Tuesday; weddings on Friday in Penshurst and Wednesday and Saturday in Chiddingstone. Add to that the communal labours of the working party at Poundsbridge; the arrival of Heras fencing to secure the site around masonry falls at St Mary’s and an invitation to the relaunch of the Toy Museum at Penshurst Place on Thursday (worth a visit, for the Pac Man machine alone!) ministry life has been busy and varied. Thank you to the team of ministers who have supported services across the benefice this week: Fiona, Jane (twice), Rob, Jago and Laura have been most excellent. Thank you also to the wardens and other volunteers who work to ensure that occasional offices and Sunday services run smoothly.
There is a service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst, this Sunday at 1000. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 03 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 10 August
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peters, Fordcombe
1000 Matins at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 17 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 24 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -07 - 26
Greetings from Penshurst Rectory
As is traditional, the first week of the school holiday has included a lot of weather! Whilst the verdant green of my lawn is lovely, the weeds that have grown exponentially in my flowerbeds are bringing me less pleasure.
On Saturday between 10am and 12noon there will be a working party gardening and cleaning the chapel in Poundsbridge. We had our first of this summer’s Poundsbridge services on Sunday evening. Fourteen adults and five canines enjoyed BCP Evening prayer and shared some traditional hymns. I never cease to be moved by the special peace and comfort this place offers our community.
On Saturday afternoon, Hannah and Richard will be marrying at St John the Baptist in Penshurst. Next week there are three weddings in the benefice. Eilrys and Harry marry on Wednesday at St Mary’s. Harry and Anna will marry in Penshurst on Friday and Katie and Sam at St Mary’s on Saturday. We wish them all a blessed wedding day and a long and happy marriage. Thank you to all of those who support our wedding ministry.
I am grateful to Rev’d Fiona Haskett for leading a service of Holy Communion at St Mary’s this Sunday. I shall be leading the same at St John the Baptist in Penshurst. Both services begin at 1000. On Monday and Tuesday two funerals are being led by Jane Rosam a local Licenced Lay Minster. We pray for the loved ones of Desmond Gower whose service is at St Luke’s on Monday and Mary Clifford Baynes whose funeral is at St Mary’s on Tuesday.
As our news media reveal the worsening of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, I close this week with a prayer from the Cafod Charity website. (Cafod.org.uk)
A prayer for peace in the Middle East
Christ, Prince of Peace,
hear our prayer and lament,
for our suffering sisters and brothers.
Our hearts are heavy as we witness lives torn apart,
as we see the faces of frightened children
and hear the pleas of those without water or food.
We pray for the dead and the grieving,
for the injured and the afraid.
We pray for courage and perseverance,
for those working for healing and to bring aid.
We pray for world leaders,
that they may strive for a just and lasting peace.
God of new beginnings,
in your ways are compassion and hope.
Open our hearts to dialogue and understanding.
Lead us all to answer your call
to become peacemakers
today, and all the days of our life.
Amen.
I wish you a blessed week ahead and pray for peace wherever conflict is present.
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 27 July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary's at Chiddingstone
Sunday 03 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 10 August
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peters, Fordcombe
1000 Matins at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 17 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 24 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s at Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 August
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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)
Update:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 1100 service and 12 noon picnic at Poundsbridge Chapel on Thursday 31st July have been cancelled.
Newsletter -07- 19
Greetings from Penshurst Rectory
It has finally rained. Not something I would normally rejoice in, but my garden is delighted.
The final week of term for our three local primary schools has seen me dashing around the benefice. With three leavers’ services—one per school—school productions in each, a leaving party for Mr Blackburn, and prize-givings in each setting, it was lovely to be invited to share in so much energy and enthusiasm. I was delighted to receive some flowers from Chiddingstone as a thank you for my time as a governor. The transition from Year 6 to Year 7 feels huge, and it is fair to say that many parental tissues were deployed at our church services. We congratulate all those moving up to secondary school on their primary school achievements. I wish everyone in our school community a restful holiday.
The personal notices in The Times newspaper are sometimes informally described as “hatch, match, and dispatch.” My diary this week covered all three aspects. Four children were baptised last weekend. We pray for Ottilie, Theo, Maggie, and Renly as they begin their journey of faith. On Thursday, Jacqueline Bullen, formerly of Bough Beech, was laid to rest in the woodland burial ground in Edenbridge. We pray for her family and friends as they mourn her loss. Jean Pierre and Georgia were married at St John the Baptist on Friday afternoon, and William and Lucy’s wedding is this afternoon.
Tomorrow there are two services in the Benefice: Holy Communion at 10:00 in Penshurst, and at 6:00 pm there is a BCP Evening Prayer service at Poundsbridge. Parking is always tricky in Coopers Lane, and many people walk to these services. Dogs are most welcome to bring their owners to the chapel if a walkies-and-church combo works for you!
A reminder that the monthly working party will be at Poundsbridge between 10:00 and noon on Saturday 26th. Please bring your own tools and drinks. I have received much positive feedback about the upkeep of the churchyard this year, and I thank the people involved who are volunteering to support our professional gardeners.
As the big holiday getaway begins, I hope the roads are kind. I pray for everyone’s safety as they travel.
With every blessing,
Rev’d Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 20th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1800 Evening Prayer at All Souls’ Poundsbridge
Sunday 27th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 03rd August
1000 Holy Communionat St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -07 -12
Greetings from a very warm Rectory Garden. How beautiful the sky looks!
There are services of Holy Communion on Sunday at 0800 in Penshurst; at 1000 in Fordcombe and at 1000 in Chiddingstone. There has been a change of service leader at St Mary’s. Brian Buck due to lead a service of Choral Matins, is unwell. We are very grateful to Rev Dereck Charnock for offering to lead a service of Communion. Having been recruited at the last minute, he will be using different bible readings to those published in our benefice. Derek has already written his sermon and I am happy to comply with his request to preach from that which is already prepared. The Church Wardens have been e mailed the revised readings and have been asked to update the musicians, readers and intercessor. Plans for worship in Penshurst and Fordcombe are unchanged.
This weekend, I am baptizing five children, from four families in three locations. We pray for all of them as they begin their journey of faith. Next week the schools are very busy with end of term services, summer productions and assorted celebrations. With all three schools wanting me to bless their Year Six Leavers, I am very grateful to the head teachers for adjusting service times so I can attend Fordcombe on Wednesday and Chid and Penshurst in quick succession on Friday morning. In Fordcombe, the school community will bid farewell to their headmaster, Mr Blackburn on Friday. We wish him every blessing as he takes some time to discern where God may call him next.
Next week there are two weddings in Penshurst. We wish JP, Georgia, Lucy and Will every blessing as they prepare for their weddings on Friday and Saturday. Let’s hope the weather is kind!
I look forward to seeing many of you at The Penshurst Flower show on Saturday afternoon. For those attending the Volkswagen festival at Penshurst Place, I wish you well...who knew there were so many models of VW Camper Van that could drive past my Rectory. And finally ( a phrase I believe once coined by the late, great Sandy Gall) I wish all those involved in the pirate themed events in Chiddingstone a treasure filled weekend.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 13th July
0800 Holy Communionat St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 Matins at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 20th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1800 Evening Prayer at All Souls’ Poundsbridge
Sunday 27th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -07 -04
Another busy week in the parish!
Last Sunday the Church Fete in Chiddingstone Causeway raised valuable funds for the local church. Thank you to all the people whose hard work made this such a great success. We look forward to the Chid village fete next weekend which is pirate themed.
Congratulations to Angela Ventin, our Fordcombe Church warden. Angela received a Commendation Certificate from Bishop Jonathan at a celebration service at Bishopscourt on Monday 30th June attended by friends and family. Angela we are very proud of all you have achieved. Well done! This has been awarded after two years studying the Foundations of Christian Ministry Course. Now she holds the certificate, Angela receives the Bishop’s authority to undertake more extensive duties in the parish, including some preaching and leading of services. Angela will be adding to this qualification by training as an Anna Chaplain later in the year. I have just completed the same training and look forward to working in this field with Angela once she is qualified.
Our schools are very busy with end of term events- plays, festivals, sports days, governor meetings and the like. The Arts afternoon at Fordcombe School was splendid. It is wonderful to see the children’s work showcased across our three local schools. We are very lucky to have such vibrant schools in our benefice.
The Joint Council met this week and have signed off plans for services and various works taking place in the next two months. Safety fencing will be installed next week around St Mary’s Church to protect visitors from the risk of further falling masonry. We are hoping to receive an update very soon from Diocesan HQ about our pastoral reorganisation process. As soon as there is news, I will share it with the PCCs.
Congratulations to Jamie and Caroline whose wedding will be at St John the Baptist on Saturday afternoon and we wish Savanna every blessing as she is baptised by Rev’d Ray Shergill this Sunday.
There are two funerals scheduled for our benefice flock. On 17th July at 1100, Jacqueline Bullen will be laid to rest at Edenbridge Woodland Burial ground. And on 29th July (Time still TBC) Mary Clifford Baynes funeral will be held at St Mary’s. We pray for Jacqueline and Mary’s loved ones as they mourn.
In the week ahead I will be having two days away from work- Monday7th my usual rest day and Friday 11th. I did not have a rest day this week so I am taking an extra day in lieu.
I look forward to seeing many of you in church on Sunday.
With every blessing
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 6th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 13th July
0800 Holy Communionat St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 Matins at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 20th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1800 Evening Prayer at All Souls’ Poundsbridge
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -06 -28
Dear friends,
This Sunday, 29th June, we celebrate the Feast of St Peter and St Paul—a big day in the Church calendar, and especially meaningful for us at St Peter’s, Fordcombe, as it's our Patronal Festival.
It’s a time to come together with joy and gratitude, as we remember the lives and witness of these two great saints, whose faith helped shape the early Church and continues to inspire us today.
Funnily enough, I’m writing this from beneath the great dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, where I’m on duty today as one of the volunteer priests. Tomorrow, I’ll be in Rochester Cathedral for the ordination of two friends—please do keep them, and all those being ordained this Petertide, in your prayers. I hear 36 new deacons will be ordained here at St Paul’s this weekend, and preparations are in full swing. There’s even a whole art to "holy chair moving"!
Being part of the volunteer priest team here in the City is always a joy. There are more than 40 of us from around the home counties, helping to support the daily worship and pastoral ministry of the cathedral. It’s a real privilege—and also a lesson in multitasking: I spend as much time offering prayers as I do directing tourists to the loos!
Back at home in the parishes, we’ll be celebrating with a Service of Holy Communion at 10:00am at St John the Baptist, Penshurst. Everyone is very welcome.
This week we hold in our prayers:
Flora, Amelie and Vallie, recently baptised
The family of Robert Cheliotis, following his funeral on Thursday
And those whose year’s mind falls around this time
Finally, a Prayer for Petertide:
Almighty God,
whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you in their death as in their life:
grant that your Church, inspired by their teaching and example,
and made one by your Spirit,
may ever stand firm upon the one foundation,
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
With every blessing,
The Rector
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 29th June – Trinity 2 (Green Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 6th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 13th July
0800 Holy Communionat St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 Matins at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 20th July
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1800 Evening Prayer at All Souls’ Poundsbridge
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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 -06 - 20
Dear Parishioners
As I write this on the coach returning from the Year Six trip to Rochester Cathedral, I reflect on what a lovely day it has been. Although officially a helper with Penshurst School, it was a pleasure to be alongside children and staff from Chiddingstone School as well. The Diocese of Rochester invites all pupils leaving Church of England primary schools to attend their Schools Festivals. Over 3,000 children and staff have passed through the Cathedral this week. The activities are beautifully crafted to help the children reflect upon their primary school years and look forward to their move to secondary school.
It has also been a glorious week of good weather. With the exception of one day, I was blessed with sunshine during my holiday in Dorset. I do hope the hot weather is not proving too challenging for you all—thankfully, our churches offer a cool refuge! Even so, I may forgo wearing a chasuble this Sunday.
There are 10:00 am services of Holy Communion this week at St John the Baptist in Penshurst and St Mary’s in Chiddingstone. In the afternoon, there will be baptisms in both churches. We pray for Flora Sybil Josephine Wooltorton and Amelie Aurora Geere and their parents and Godparents as they are baptised into the Church of God.
This past Tuesday, we said a final farewell to Philip Hazeldine, and on Thursday, the loved ones of Robert Cheliotis will gather at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium for his funeral.
In the coming week, I have a number of meetings that will take me out of the parish, so please accept my apologies in advance if there are delays in replying to emails or phone messages. I am particularly looking forward to my day as Duty Priest at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 27th, followed by the Petertide Ordinations at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 28th.
As we approach the longest day of the year this Saturday, let us give thanks for the light of the world, Jesus Christ.
Wishing you all a blessed week ahead.
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 22nd June – Trinity 1 (Green Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion/Matins (TBC) at St Marys, Chiddingstone.
Sunday 29th June – Trinity 2 (Green Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø 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
Ø 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)
Contact thornburybenefice@outlook.com if you would like to be added to the weekly Newsletter mail out.