Newsletter - 16/01
Dear Benefice Friends,
This coming week marks the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This is a special time when Christians across all traditions come together in prayer, reflection, and fellowship. I invite you to take part in this ecumenical journey, praying that the love of Christ may draw us closer to one another and to God’s purpose for the world. The Week of Prayer is led by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) and Christian Aid. You can find useful resources for prayer and action at: https://cte.org.uk/wpcu2026/
This past week has been filled with meetings both within the parish and across the diocese as we plan for the mission and ministry of the year ahead. I have worn each of my work hats as Rector, Area Dean, School Governor, and Charitable Trustee and even managed to enjoy the Area Deans’ (belated) Christmas lunch! December is always too busy for such gatherings.
On Saturday, I’ll be leading a diocesan course, Hearing God’s Word, which is part of a spring programme running over several Saturday mornings. We already have 19 participants signed up. This course, and its follow-up sessions, will equip lay people to lead small group Bible studies and give talks in church services under supervision. It’s so encouraging to see people growing in confidence and understanding of Scripture.
Earlier today (Friday 16th), we said a fond farewell to Chloe Phillips, a lifelong local resident. On 29th January, we’ll gather at St Luke’s to celebrate the life of Chris Robertson. Thank you to Fiona Haskett for leading this service. Please note that Ken Simmons’ funeral, originally scheduled for this coming Wednesday, has been postponed due to family illness. Brodie Hall’s funeral is scheduled for 3rd February at St Mary’s. More details will follow once they become available. We pray for Chris, Ken and Brodie’s families as they navigate this sad time.
This Sunday, as well as our 10:00 a.m. Communion Services at St John the Baptist and St Luke’s, we’ll be holding a Forest Church Christingle service at St John the Baptist Church at 4:00 p.m. Although particularly suited for children, everyone is warmly welcome. I hope to see many of you there.
A Prayer for Christian Unity
Lord Jesus Christ, who prayed that we might all be one,
send your Spirit to draw us together in love and truth.
May we seek to understand rather than to divide,
to serve rather than to be served,
and to bear witness together to your saving love.
Unite your Church in hope and faith,
that the world may believe and your glory be revealed.
Amen.
With every blessing,
Lisa
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
In this edition:
Ø Services
Ø Life Events
Ø Learning and growing
Services:
Sunday 18 January
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
16:00 – Forest Church Christingle Service at St John’s, Penshurst
Sunday 25 January
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
Life Events:
We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Mailing
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
