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)
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
Contact thornburybenefice@outlook.com if you would like to be added to the weekly Newsletter mail out.