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)
Newsletter -06 - 14
Dear Parishioners
The Rector is still on leave and looks forward to writing to you again next Saturday.
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 15th June – Trinity Sunday (White Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 22nd June – Trinity 1 (Green Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Evening Service at Fordcombe Village Hall (Time TBC)
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)
Newsletter -06 - 07
Dear Parishioners
I hope this week’s mailing finds you well. After a week where the weather was good for the garden rather than our spirits I type this mailing indoors this week!
I hope the skies remain clear for Lucy and Ben who marry in Chiddingsone this Saturday. Thank you to Rev’d Hannah for leading this service and for those who are working in the parish to support our wedding ministry.
In Penshurst, we said our goodbyes to John Byrne on Thursday. A well attended funeral service was followed by a gathering of John’s many friends and family in the Baron’s Hall afterwards. I am in the early stages of planning two other parishioners’ funerals: Mr Philip Hazeldine’s life will be celebrated on 17th June at 1100 at St John the Baptist Church and the service for Robert Cheliotis is likely to be at Kent and Sussex Crem in late June. We hold all of their loved ones in prayer.
This Sunday, The Church celebrates Pentecost. There will be services of Holy Communion at 0800 at St John the Baptist and 1000 at St Peter’s. At St Mary’s, Brian Buck will lead a service of Matins at 1000. On 15th June there will be a service of Holy Communon in Pensnurst led by The Ven Mike Lodge. I am very grateful for his service cover. Staffing services is very tricky at present. On Monday I will be heading to Dorset for seven days holiday. I am very much looking forward to some R and R and the odd Cream Tea. It’s jam first for me.
I will write again in two weeks time. Tracy and the wardens can be contacted in my absence and I am sure will hold the fort very well.
With every blessing
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 8th June -Pentecost (Red Altar Frontal)
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s Fordcombe
1000 Holy Communion/Matins (TBC) at St Marys, Chiddingstone.
Sunday 15th June – Trinity Sunday (White Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 22nd June – Trinity 1 (Green Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Evening Service at Fordcombe Village Hall (Time TBC)
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)
Newsletter -05 - 31
Dear Parishioners
I type my part of this mailing enjoying the late evening sun in my garden with the delightful birdsong being interrupted by Dibley the Labrador and her new squeaky ball. Get a dog, they said….
On Thursday we held the Deanery Ascension Day service at St John the Baptist Church. There were representatives from most local parishes and a great celebratory feel to begin this last ten days of the Easter Season. As I mentioned last week, the period between Ascension and Pentecost is marked by ten days of prayer across the worldwide church called “Thy Kingdom Come.” There are many copies of a Novena written for this occasion available. This year we are considering the Lord’s Prayer with a series of daily reflections. The books are on the welcome table at St John the Baptist. There are many other resources to use here: www.thykingdomcome.global
Thy Kingdom Come 2025 - 29th May - 8th June This year we're very excited to be celebrating the 10th year of Thy Kingdom Come! We'll have all of the usual resources and videos as well as some special anniversary content!
www.thykingdomcome.global
Congratulations to Vicky and Alex who married in St Mary’s last Saturday. The combination of hunting hounds and a ring bearing owl made for a unique atmosphere. The occasion was marked by a fly past of Spitfires over the castle later in the afternoon. Thank you to Rev’d Hannah for taking this service. On Saturday Fr Andrew Smith will be leading a wedding ceremony for Lauren and Ben at St Luke’s in Chiddingstone Causeway. Thank you to all of you who work hard to make our various wedding days so special.
On Friday we shall say a fond farewell to John Byrne. His funeral is at 1430 in Penshurst. We are also sad to learn this week of the death of John Hazeldine. His funeral will be in Penshurst on 17th June. Also, on Saturday the family of Brian Woolett will be gathering at, Poundsbridge to lay his ashes to rest. We pray for all those bereaved or whose year’s mind falls at this time.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the 1000 Holy Communion service this Sunday.
With every blessing
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 1st June – Easter 7
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 8th June -Pentecost (Red Altar Frontal)
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s Fordcombe
1000 Holy Communion/Matins (TBC) at St Marys, Chiddingstone.
Sunday 15th June – Trinity Sunday (White Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 22nd June – Trinity 1 (Green Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Evening Service at Fordcombe Village Hall (Time TBC)
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)
Newsletter -05 - 26
Greetings from Penshurst Rectory,
For many of you today is the beginning of one or two weeks of half term as well as a Bank Holiday weekend. I do hope the weather is not as grim as forecast. We are still two Sundays away from Pentecost so whilst many will call this Whitsun weekend…it isn’t yet!
Saturday 24th marks the start of our Benefice wedding season. Alex and Vicky are tying the knot after a long engagement. May they share a blessed day with their loved ones. It has been an honour to see this couple grown in love and faith together and we are so pleased that they are returning to Chiddingstone from their new home in Herefordshire. Thanks to Revs. Hannah and Mandy from Weald for taking the service. There will be a wedding at St Luke’s next Saturday when Lauren and Ben will be exchanging vows led by Rev’d Andrew Smith.
On Sunday 25th a service of Holy Communion will be at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone at 1000 led by Fr Stephen Mitchell. We are very grateful for Stephen’s ministry with us. I shall be leading the service at St John the Baptist also at 1000. Ascension Day falls on Thursday, and Penshurst will be hosting the Deanery service of Holy Communion at 7pm. All are welcome. This Thursday also marks the beginning of ten days of prayer across the worldwide church called “Thy Kingdom Come.” This is a time of reflection which covers the period between Ascension Day and Pentecost. There are many copies of a Novena available to collect and use for free. This year we are considering the Lord’s Prayer with a series of daily reflections. The books are on the welcome table at St John the Baptist.
There are many other resources to use here: www.thykingdomcome.global
This week we said a sad goodbye to Charles Beare at a well-attended service at St Mary’s. John Byrne’s funeral is scheduled for 5th June in Penshurst. We continue to hold their families in prayer at this sad time.
Last weekend we celebrated the baptisms of Ivo and Greysie. It was so lovely to be with very proud families helping their children take their first steps in their journey of faith. And finally, I have a few candidates who are exploring confirmation. If you would like to discuss your own confirmation or encourage your family members to take this step, please do be in touch. I hope to run confirmation classes starting in late summer.
Until next week I pray that you will know the love of God surrounding you and enjoy the benefits of a three day weekend.
With every blessing
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Thursday 29th May
1900 Holy Communion at Tonbridge Deanery Ascension Day at St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
Sunday 1st June – Easter 7
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 8th June -Pentecost (Red Altar Frontal)
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s Fordcombe
1000 Holy Communion/Matins (TBC) at St Marys, Chiddingstone.
Sunday 15th June – Trinity Sunday (White Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 22nd June – Trinity 1 (Green Altar Frontal)
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Evening Service at Fordcombe Village Hall (Time TBC)
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)
Newsletter -05 - 17
Greetings from a very sunny Rectory Garden
After not contributing to the newsletter last week, it is good to be back. I was very caught up with VE Day events and the APCM. In my busyness, I managed to walk over 30,000 steps three days in a row. For those of you present at the celebrations or the local / benefice APCMs thank you for being there and a special thank you to those who have agreed to serve in various posts for the year ahead. Many of you work tirelessly for church without an official title or role. Thank you to you all for your part in growing the Kingdom of God in these parishes. A list of new postholders follows my letter.
Sunday this week is a busy one. There are two baptisms in Penshurst, and we pray for Ivo who is being baptised in the 1000 service and Gracey who will be baptised at Noon. We will also be celebrating Rogation as our Forest Church service this Sunday. Thank you once again to The Broad Family for hosting us. Details are below.
In our schools this week the Year Six students have taken their SATs. I am sure it feels good to have these behind us. Meanwhile GCSE, A level and IB exams are underway for our older children and for many, end of year college and university exams are taking place. May God strengthen all who teach, learn and support alongside them at this stressful time of year.
There are two funerals planned in the benefice. Charles Beare will be laid to rest in Chiddingstone this Wednesday and John Byrne at Penshurst on June 5th. We pray with their families as they prepare for these services. This year’s wedding season kicks off this week and we pray for Vicky and Alex as their clans gather at St Mary’s next Saturday. My thanks to Edward, Hannah and Mandy for leading the Chiddingstone occasional offices next week.
Until next week, may you know God’s love surrounding you.
With every blessing
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones.
Meetings up coming:
JC to meet on Tuesday June 3rd 7pm
APCM 2026 Sunday May 10th 2026
Local PCCs: meeting dates to be advised by The Archdeacon in due course
Deanery Ascension Day Service: St John the Baptist, Penshurst May 29th 7pm
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 18th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 25th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Evening Service at St Peter’s Fordcombe (TBC)
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Thursday 29th May
1900 Holy Communion at Tonbridge Deanery Ascension Day 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 -05 - 11
Dear Parishioners
It’s been a particularly full and lively week for the Rector, who has walked and danced over 33,000 steps—a testament to just how busy things have been!
With the APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) and VE Day commemorations keeping us all on our toes, there hasn’t been time to put together the usual weekly update. We hope you’ll understand—and we promise to be back next week with a more detailed round-up of everything going on in the parish.
In the meantime, thank you for your continued support, prayers, and participation in the life of our church. We’re so grateful for each one of you.
Wishing you a peaceful and blessed week ahead.
With every blessing,
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 11th May
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Sunday 18th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 25th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Evening Service at St Peter’s Fordcombe (TBC)
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Thursday 29th May
1900 Holy Communion at Tonbridge Deanery Ascension Day 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 - 05-03
Dear Parishioners
I write at the end of a most beautiful week. I have located my shorts and type this week’s newsletter from the garden table admiring the vibrant greens of the new leaves and not minding too much that the last of the apple blossom is blowing around me. Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) wrote:
The spring is fresh and fearless
And every leaf is new,
The world is brimmed with moonlight,
The lilac brimmed with dew …
I begin with the sad news of two deaths in the benefice this week. Mr Charles Beare well known in The Chiddingstone parishes died last Sunday. His funeral will at St Mary’s on 21st May at Noon. Mr John Byrne died on Monday and his funeral will be at St John the Baptist on 29th May. The time is still TBC. We send our sincere condolences to their families and friends. May both these gentlemen rest in peace and rise in glory and their loved ones know the peace that only God can bring.
I have returned from my post Easter leave, and what a busy week of meetings it has been. My plan to work gently did not materialise and I have very much hit the ground running. Holy Week passed in quietness with solemn reflective services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Easter Day saw 80+ people in St Mary’s and well over 200 in St John the Baptist, a third of whom were children. 3kg of foil wrapped Easter eggs were located in the egg hunt and we were treated to a performance of “He is Risen” by children from Penshurst School. The energy and joy in the church was something to behold. Never have I been more pleased to run out of chairs and hymnbooks.
As we go into the Early May Bank Holiday Weekend, I hope you are able to enjoy rest and refreshment. I am looking forward to the Penshurst Country Show and must remember not to grumble too much about the extra traffic in the village!
Next week we have our four APCM meetings. On Tuesday, the PCCs of St John the Baptist and St Peter’s will be meeting to receive the local accounts, nominate wardens, treasurer and safeguarding officers. To enable the Penshurst Choral Society access for their rehearsal in church I plan to swap the meeting times. So please note the Penshurst APCM is now at 6pm in church and the Fordcombe APCM is at 7pm at St Peter’s. Both meetings should be very short. On Thursday at 1830 the Chiddingstone Parish are holding their APCM at St Mary’s. On Sunday at noon the Joint Council APCM will be held at Penshurst Village Hall. The Ven Nick Cornell (no relation) will be at the Chiddingstone and Joint Council meetings
I look forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the parishes next week. I may well see you at the concert, memorial events and various parties being held. For many people who lived through VE day the date will be etched on their minds and their stories an important part of their family history. For those unable to attend events in person, I offer this link which invites us to pray and light a virtual candle:
https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/light-candle
And finally, in our troubled world as we look back at a time when peace was celebrated let us share together Bishop Hugh Nelson’s prayer:
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth
in a single peace;
that the design of your great love lighten
upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows
and give peace to your church, peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday 4th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 11th May
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Sunday 18th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 25th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Evening Service at St Peter’s Fordcombe (TBC)
1000 Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone.
Thursday 29th May
1900 Holy Communion at Tonbridge Deanery Ascension Day 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 - 04-19
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
Tomorrow on Easter morning, we join together in joy and thanksgiving to proclaim afresh that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. In a world that still knows darkness, we are called to be people of light, shaped by the resurrection and sent forth to live as witnesses of Christ’s transforming love. In his Easter message, Bishop Jonathan reminds us of the hope we can receive through the risen Lord Jesus. He writes:
“Jesus’ death on the Cross and his resurrection from the grave show us a God who has shared the depths of our suffering and who has conquered the very powers of death and hell. This is the God in whom we can put our trust, whatever uncertainties we may face”
This is a video of his message: https://youtu.be/7Wq_6mhwEls
This holy season invites us to look for signs of new life—in creation, in our relationships, in our church, and even in our own hearts. Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb, may the Good News of Easter help us with God’s grace to remove the barriers that keep us from loving more fully and living as Jesus commands.
In our own parish setting we welcome a special new life. Augustus was born to Tabby our administrator on Tuesday morning. Gussy weighed in 7lb 12oz. He is a brother to Raphy. We congratulate Tabby, James and all of their families. A picture of Gussy can be found here: Baby Gussy for newsletter. We also welcome into the family of faith young Barnaby who is being baptised in Penshurst at noon on Sunday.
Thank you to everyone who has filled in a parish electoral roll form. If there are any of you still to complete a form, please e mail the office for a form to sign and return online or print and post or ask one of your wardens for a paper copy. Every six years parishes must completely rewrite their electoral roll so please make sure that you have a vote in the upcoming APCMs.
The APCMs take place early in May and there are as usual, elections for local PCCs, wardens and various posts.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
Nomination forms are available in each church or can be found here: APCM forms for 2025 blanks Each PCC will need to elect a Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), Local Treasurer and other members to represent the parish. As a united benefice we currently have one Deanery Synod Rep. attending meetings. We are entitled to one rep per local PCC and it would be good to have a representative from each parish going forward. Deanery Synod reps are also part of the local PCC. The Synod meets three times a year. The Joint Council is made up from people elected to local PCCs or co-opted for particular roles. The current postholders names will be in the report and accounts soon to be published. Please note PCC and JC members must undertake level one and two safeguarding courses and church wardens and PSOs are required additionally to undertake the leadership course. All courses are available online and Wendy our benefice PSO can assist you in gaining access to these courses if you need any help with this.
I shall be taking leave from early afternoon on Easter Day and returning to work on 29th April. I will not be checking e mails during my time off. Please contact Tracy our administrator or one of the wardens if you have any urgent queries whilst I am away from my desk. There will be no weekly mailing next week. I shall write again at the start of May.
In the love of our Risen Lord,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones.
In this edition:
Ø Services
Ø Electoral Roll
Ø Bells project at St John the Baptist
Services:
Easter Day-20th April:
0800 Holy Communion St Peter’s Fordcombe
1000 Family Holy Communion with Easter Egg Hunt St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone
Low Sunday- 27th April
1000 Holy Communion St Peter’s Fordcombe
Sunday 4th May
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 11th May
0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 Holy Communion at 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 - 04-11
Dear Beloved Parishioners,
Following my note last week regarding the full and busy season we’ve been navigating together, I wanted to let you know that I am taking a few days of rest and quiet in preparation for the sacred journey of Holy Week.
It has been a deeply meaningful time in our parish life, and I am grateful for your ongoing prayers and support. These few days away offer a chance to pause, reflect, and renew — something I encourage each of us to find time for, even amidst the busyness of life.
You will hear more from me early next week as we prepare our hearts and minds for the solemnity and joy of Easter.
Until then, please know that you remain in my prayers.
With every blessing for the week ahead,
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Ø Electoral Roll
Ø Bells project at St John the Baptist
Services:
Sunday April 13th: Palm Sunday
08:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
10:00 St Peters, Fordcombe: Holy Communion
10:00 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway, Holly Communion
Readings and lections for March and April can be found if you Click Here.
Sunday April 20th: Easter Sunday
08:00 St Peter’s, Fordcombe: Holy Communion
10:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion and Family Service
10:00 St Mary’s , Chiddingstone: Holy Communion
Sunday April 27th: Low Sunday
10:00 St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Sunday May 04th
10:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
Life Events:
Ø In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:
And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Electoral Roll:
Ø The High Weald Churches electoral roll is still open for applications ahead of the 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – Click Here to read the full notice from the Diocese. Please note that every six years the electoral roll must undergo complete revision, which is taking place this year, therefore everyone who would like to be included should fill out and return an application form - Click Here to download. Forms can be printed, or collected from church, and returned to a churchwarden, or filled in electronically and returned via email to the office. The roll will be finalised by 14 April ahead of the next APCM.
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 - 04-04
Greetings from Penshurst. What a beautiful week we have had. Drying washing outside and clean shoes after dog walks have made me disproportionately excited.
We are so lucky to have three wonderful church schools in our benefice, but everyone is exhausted and needs a well-deserved rest. By the time you read this bulletin, I will have attended school end of term services in Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone. For those heading away for the holidays, I pray for safe journeys and a restful break. For everyone else lets hope we can enjoy life at a more sedate pace.
Apart from the school services, life in the parishes has been relatively quiet this week. For me the week has been bookended with study. I attended an interesting conference in London hosted by the campaign group WATCH (Women and the Church) which was marking the ten-year anniversary of the appointment of female bishops and evaluated issues of equality and inclusion in the church.
This Saturday, I shall be attending the Bishop’s Study Day in Bromley. This is a chance for ordained and lay ministers to learn together. The course flyer tells me that day will “encourage and equip leaders to help grow safe and healthy churches that fulfil their apostolic and prophetic calling to seek first the kingdom of God.” The speakers include The Rt Revd Mark Tanner Bishop of Chester and Chine McDonald Director of the think-tank Theos. This training day is to complement the safeguarding training being undertaken across the parishes and is part of the outworking of the new strategic plan for the diocese. Details are here: https://www.rochester.anglican.org/about-us/ourvision/
The recent pressure of work has meant that I have not had an uninterrupted day off during March. The diary is just like that sometimes. I am taking 48 hours off from Thursday evening (10th) until Saturday evening (12th) next week. I am hoping two days and a night away will recharge my batteries enough to help me through Holy Week. I will also be taking some leave when my duties are complete on Easter Day through until 29th April. I plan to also hold a lighter diary on my first week back and ease myself back up to a full pace of working. Please bear with me as I rest and recuperate.
I am aware that not everyone is well enough to attend church and that for some people receiving Holy Communion at Easter is very important. If you would like to receive Holy Communion during Holy Week please be in touch and I will do my best to schedule a visit. I already have a few people in the diary for Easter Day but good availability on Wednesday 16th
Wishing you a blessed week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Ø Electoral Roll
Ø Bells project at St John the Baptist
Services:
Sunday April 6th Lent 5 start of Passiontide
10:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst, Holy Communion
Sunday April 13th / Palm Sunday
08:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
10:00 St Peters, Fordcombe: Holy Communion
10:00 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway, Holly Communion
Readings and lections for March and April can be found if you Click Here.
Sunday April 20th: Easter Sunday
08:00 St Peter’s, Fordcombe: Holy Communion
10:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion and Family Service
10:00 St Mary’s , Chiddingstone: Holy Communion
Sunday April 27th: Low Sunday
10:00 St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Life Events:
Ø In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:
Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Linn Lee in our prayers ahead of her upcoming funeral.
And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Electoral Roll:
Ø The High Weald Churches electoral roll is still open for applications ahead of the 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – Click Here to read the full notice from the Diocese. Please note that every six years the electoral roll must undergo complete revision, which is taking place this year, therefore everyone who would like to be included should fill out and return an application form - Click Here to download. Forms can be printed, or collected from church, and returned to a churchwarden, or filled in electronically and returned via email to the office. The roll will be finalised by 14 April ahead of the next APCM.
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 - 03-28
Greetings Beloved Parishioners
This week in Penshurst we have said a temporary goodbye to our eight historic bells. They left the village on Thursday morning after many days labour to safely lower them to the tower floor and then onto a lorry. They will spend the next few months in the west country being cleaned and retuned. We look forward to blessing them on their return and celebrating the completion of this once in a lifetime project. We have a working timescale of eight weeks and we will keep you posted.
On Tuesday St John the Baptist church was packed as the family and friends of Linn Lee gathered to celebrate her life. We continue to pray for the Lee family and all those who grieve.
This Sunday the services of Holy Communion will mark Mothering Sunday. The service at St Luke’s will be led by Rev’d Canon David Kitley and I shall lead the service in Penshurst. Mothering Sunday can feel very celebratory for many but for some is a painful day in the calendar. Thank you to those who are making posies to distribute in church during the service.
We opened the Electoral Roll for revision for two months and the document should close this Monday. I would like to extend this deadline by a week to give people a final chance to fill in the forms. There are links in this letter and on the website for you to follow. You can then print a form and sign it and return in person. You can also sign and return online. For those of you unable or unwilling to print a form, you wardens should have paper forms available for you to fill in at church this Sunday. Please contact your warden or Tracy in the office if you need a form to be delivered to you. We will close the Electoral Roll on Monday 7th March. It will be available for inspection shortly afterwards.
I was hoping to bring forward our APCM series to this side of Easter. However, Archdeacon Nick is not available to attend our proposed earlier date. Given he is overseeing the pastoral reorganisation process, it is important that he is available to offer assistance. Therefore, our APCM meetings will be as follows:
Formal notices will be issued in due course.
Next week is the final week of the school Spring Term. I hope to see many of you at the school Easter church services. These are in Penshurst on Thursday 3rd April at 0915; Fordcombe on Friday 4th April at 0915 and 1300 at Chiddingstone.
With every blessing for the week ahead.
Lisa.
In this edition:
Ø Services
Ø Electoral Roll
Ø Bells project at St John the Baptist
Services:
Sunday March 30th Lent 4 / Mothering Sunday
10:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
10:00 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Mothering Sunday, Family Holy Communion
Sunday April 6th Lent 5 start of Passiontide
10:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst, Holy Communion
Sunday April 13th / Palm Sunday
08:00 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
10:00 St Peters, Fordcombe: Holy Communion
10:00 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway, Holly Communion
Readings and lections for March and April can be found if you Click Here.
Life Events:
Ø In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:
Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Linn Lee in our prayers ahead of her upcoming funeral.
And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Electoral Roll:
Ø The High Weald Churches electoral roll is still open for applications ahead of the 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – Click Here to read the full notice from the Diocese. Please note that every six years the electoral roll must undergo complete revision, which is taking place this year, therefore everyone who would like to be included should fill out and return an application form - Click Here to download. Forms can be printed, or collected from church, and returned to a churchwarden, or filled in electronically and returned via email to the office. The deadline for applications is 31 March, and the roll will be finalised by 14 April ahead of the next APCM.
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 - 03-21
Warm Greetings from your Rector,
At Diocesan Synod last Saturday it was announced that Rochester Diocese has received over £11million pounds in funding from the national church. The Area Deans conference on Monday and Tuesday was focussed on the strategic direction of the diocese and the plans that are unfolding to use these funds to strengthen the missional work at parish level.
Here is the press release: https://www.rochester.anglican.org/news/diocese-of-rochester-awarded-11-million-to-support-mission-and-growth.php
The funding is in addition to that already budgeted and will enable parishes like ours to receive the investment and training they need to flourish. I am particularly pleased to see that rural parishes are earmarked for particular care and attention amongst the workstreams planned. I will share more with you and how we will benefit as things become clearer.
Please can I ask you to return your electoral roll forms as soon as possible. The details are linked below. You will need to be on the ER if you want to continue to be on the PCC or Joint Council or to vote in the upcoming APCM. Some very efficient accounting work means that we can bring the date of our parish and Joint Council APCM forward to before Easter. I am awaiting some details from the Archdeacon’s office before I firm dates in the diary. I hope to have news next week.
In Penshurst this week the bell tower has been a hive of activity. The historic bells have been lowered to the floor of the tower awaiting further work before being moved for refurbishment next week. For the next few days, the church will only be open when volunteers are available to supervise, or a service is being prepared or taking place. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors and security for the bells which are valuable piece of history and irreplaceable. The church should be open as normal from next Thursday onwards. Thank you to all whose hard work have helped this project come to fruition. A notice will soon be placed at the church door with details of revised opening times.
This weekend marks a change in the administrative life of the parish. Our administrator, Tabitha Haysom will be on holiday next week and then begins a time of maternity leave. We wish Tabby every blessing as she awaits the arrival of her baby in April. We will keep you posted as news unfolds. Tabitha’s maternity leave will be covered by Tracy who was Tabitha’s predecessor. So goodbye Tabby for now and welcome back Tracy! We are blessed by you both.
Finally, I hope to see some of you next week at Poundsbridge for the first of our monthly our working parties. There will be the opportunity to help with the churchyard upkeep or clean inside the chapel. You do not have to stay the full two hours and any time you can give would be very much appreciated. I shall be there for the first hour only. Please bring your own tools and drinks.
I look forward to seeing many of you at church on Sunday. I shall be leading a BCP service of Holy Communion at St Peter and St Paul’s, Edenbridge at 0800 and Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Penshurst at 1000.
In this edition:
Ø Services
Ø Electoral Roll
Ø Bells project at St John the Baptist
Services:
Sunday March 23rd: Lent 3
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
Sunday March 30th Lent 4 / Mothering Sunday
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway, Holy Communion
Sunday April 6th Lent 5 start of Passiontide
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst, Holy Communion
Readings and lections for March can be found if you Click Here.
Life Events:
Ø In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:
Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Linn Lee in our prayers ahead of her upcoming funeral.
And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Electoral Roll:
Ø The High Weald Churches electoral roll is now open for applications ahead of the 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – Click Here to read the full notice from the Diocese. Please note that every six years the electoral roll must undergo complete revision, which is taking place this year, therefore everyone who would like to be included should fill out and return an application form - Click Here to download. Forms can be printed, or collected from church, and returned to a churchwarden, or filled in electronically and returned via email to the office. The deadline for applications is 31 March, and the roll will be finalised by 14 April ahead of the next APCM.
Ø Bells project at St John the Baptist:
If you go down to the Church today you’re sure of a big surprise! As many of you might know the lovely bells of Penshurst Church are being taken down in preparation for removal and refurbishment. 6 of these majestic pieces of metalwork are sitting in the church. The last 2 will probably be lowered on Wednesday. The oldest bell was cast in 1349 (the 5). The Tenor, the biggest bell was cast in 1619. The last time these bells were removed was in 1895. The firm of Matthew Higby and Company Limited are doing the work. The method of installing, and indeed of removal of bells has hardly changed over the years, however, the advent of electricity has made things easier.
Please do come and see the bells whilst they are there, it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to stand alongside these wonderful beasts. The church will be open from 10-2 on Saturday, and from after service until 2pm on Sunday this weekend.
Roberta Weatherley, bellringer.
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 - 03-15
Dear Parishioners
As we settle into the second week of Lent, my chocolate failings continue. However, I am working hard (with others) to keep the benefice and deanery afloat.
As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year, I find myself in many strategic meetings. This week’s agendas included school governance, deanery children’s work, a clergy chapter gathering and many matters with the new Archdeacon. Tomorrow I am attending Diocesan Synod in Paddock Wood and next week I am away for two days at the Area Dean conference. On Thursday I will be at day two of the course ‘Spiritual Care for the Elderly’ described in last week’s mailing; also on Thursday, the Joint Council meets at 6:30pm. There is a phrase about rest and wickedness that may apply to me here!
This Sunday there is a service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst at 1000. At 4pm we shall gather at Hartsland Farm for this month’s Forest Church. The weather forecast is favourable. I am so looking forward to sharing a celebration of springtime alongside children, families and some lovely livestock. Thank you to the Broad Family for hosting us once again. The address is Hartsland Farm, Walter’s Green TN11 8HD. Please park in the yard as directed. Please dress for life on a working farm. Boots are recommended.
Please do print and return your nomination forms for the electoral roll. Tabby has provided links for these in her section of these mailings. If you have a friend who would like a form but has no access to a computer, please print for them or message me and I can drop one round.
Until next week,
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Electoral Roll
Ø Services
Electoral Roll:
Ø The High Weald Churches electoral roll is now open for applications ahead of the 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – Click Here to read the full notice from the Diocese. Please note that every six years the electoral roll must undergo complete revision, which is taking place this year, therefore everyone who would like to be included should fill out and return an application form - Click Here to download. Forms can be printed, or collected from church, and returned to a churchwarden, or filled in electronically and returned via email to the office. The deadline for applications is 31 March, and the roll will be finalised by 14 April ahead of the next APCM.
Services:
Sunday March 16th: Lent 2
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1600 Forest Church: Hartsland Farm, Walter’s Green
Sunday March 23rd: Lent 3
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
Sunday March 30th Lent 4 / Mothering Sunday
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway, Holy Communion
Readings and lections for March can be found if you Click Here.
Life Events:
Ø In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:
Weddings: As the 2025 wedding season approaches, Banns will soon begin to be read in Sunday services across the benefice. We pray for all couples marrying in our churches this year.
We ask you to pray for two-week-old Skye Morris, who is in neo natal care Pembury hospital. Skye was born several weeks early and, although she is doing well, we hold her and her family in our prayers as they navigate this challenging time.
Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Linn Lee in our prayers ahead of her upcoming funeral.
And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Ø 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:
Ø 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
Lenten Greetings from a much warmer Penshurst Rectory. How lovely not to be knee deep in mud when out walking. My decision to give up chocolate failed on the first afternoon when I only remembered it was Lent after I had consumed a Kit Kat. Must try harder!
Following many recent deaths in our local communities, I am sad to announce the death of Linn Lee from Meadow Wood, Penshurst. We send condolences and pray for her husband James and his family at this sad time. Linn’s funeral will be at St John the Baptist Church on 25th March. Details will follow once confirmed.
After eight funerals in as many weeks my diary has switched to an education focus in recent days. I led a Shrove Tuesday Collective Worship in Chiddingstone School and an Ash Wednesday service at St Peter’s church for Fordcombe School. On Thursday I was the student for a change. I attended the first of a four-day course examining spiritual care for older people. The course written by BRF was led by Julia Burton Jones who heads up Anna Chaplaincy across the diocese and holds many national roles in leading this aspect of church and community care. This link details the course: https://www.annachaplaincy.org.uk/about-the-spiritual-care-series. The diocese has kindly funded my place on this course. I hope to share this learning locally once my studies are complete.
Tomorrow, I am meeting in Fordcombe with those with an interest in Forest Church and other children’s work across the Tonbridge Deanery to share current practice and identify how we can collaborate between parishes in both the delivery of ministry to children and in the training of leaders. Nobody can claim that my job is boring!
As Lent begins, final plans are being put in place for school Easter services and the parish in Holy Week. I hope to publish details next week about what is planned across the benefice for April.
To close my section of this newsletter, I share words about Lenten disciplines published in 2021 by Pope Francis:
Do You Want To Fast This Lent?
Fast from hurting words and say kind words
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be. Compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled
Fast from words; be silent and listen.
Praying for us all in the week ahead.
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Ø Electoral Roll
Services:
Sunday March 9th: Lent 1
1000 St Peter’s Fordcombe: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Matins
Sunday March 16th: Lent 2
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1600 Forest Church, Penshurst Rectory
Sunday March 23rd Lent 3
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
Readings and lections for March can be found if you Click Here.
Life Events:
Ø In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:
Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Linn Lee in our prayers ahead of her upcoming funeral.
And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Electoral Roll:
Ø The High Weald Churches electoral roll is now open for applications ahead of the 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – Click Here to read the full notice from the Diocese. Please note that every six years the electoral roll must undergo complete revision, which is taking place this year, therefore everyone who would like to be included should fill out and return an application form - Click Here to download. Forms can be printed, or collected from church, and returned to a churchwarden, or filled in electronically and returned via email to the office. The deadline for applications is 31 March, and the roll will be finalised by 14 April ahead of the next APCM.
Learning and growing:
Ø 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:
Ø 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.