Newsletter -10 -11
Greetings from Penshurst Rectory
After eight days in Dorset, I am back and working in the benefice. Our time away was blessed by pleasant weather and beautiful Autumn scenes. I have rested well and feel refreshed. Thank you to Rev’d Fiona Haskett who presided and preached at St John the Baptist last week and to Rev’d Ray Shergill who juggled a multi themed service at St Mary’s. Services in Chiddingstone now move to St Luke’s for the winter season.
During my time away, a new Archbishop of Canterbury was appointed. I congratulate Rt Rev’d Dame Sarah Mullally on her appointment. In my past life as a teacher, the then Mrs Mulally was a parent of a pupil in my care. Her daughter has gone on to be a well-regarded scientist. Bp Sarah’s priestly ministry has emerged from a vocation in nursing. I believe that Bp Sarah will bring much to the role nationally and globally. In her own words: “In an age that craves certainty and tribalism, Anglicanism offers something quieter but stronger: shared history, held in tension, shaped by prayer, and lit from within by the glory of Christ. That is what gives me hope. In our fractured and hurting world, that partnership in the Gospel could not be more vital.” I hope you will join me in praying for the Bp Sarah as she transitions to her new role.
Locally, we congratulate Francesca and Jesse on their baptism last Sunday; and Andrew and Robyn who married on Friday 10th October.
This Sunday there will be Holy Communion services at 0800 at St John the Baptist; 1000 at St Luke’s and a Harvest Holy Communion will be celebrated at St Peter’s at 1000. You are welcome to bring goods to donate to local food banks or cash for Mary’s Meals. There are two further school harvest services next week. Fordcombe School will celebrate at 0915 at St Peter’s on Tuesday 14th, and Penshurst School’s harvest will be at St John the Baptist on Thursday 16th at 0915. Refreshments will be served after all of these services. For those of you who need me to countersign school applications, I will be available at all of the Penshurst of Fordcombe services if you would like to bring your paperwork.
Finally, you may be aware that 9 - 15 October is Baby Loss Awareness week. This week is a time for prayer, remembrance, and raising awareness about the impact of pregnancy and baby loss. The week concludes with the #WaveOfLight, where people around the world light candles at 7 p.m. to remember babies who died too soon.
The local charity, Abigail’s footsteps, is partnering with Rochester Cathedral this coming Wednesday, offering a place of reflection and prayer for those who have experienced the trauma and sorrow of losing a baby. The Cathedral will be open between 18:30 - 19:45. The cathedral spire will also be lit pink and blue for the Wave of Light. If this issue is important to you, you may wish to join me at Rochester next week. Penshurst church is open every day from 0830 until dusk and there is a votive candle stand which you are most welcome to use.
The national church has published this prayer:
With every blessing for the week ahead
Lisa
In this edition:
Ø Services
Services:
Sunday October 12th, The 17th Sunday after Trinity
0800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst Holy Communion
1000 St Peter’s,Fordcombe: Holy Communion and Harvest Celebration
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
Sunday October 19th, The 18th Sunday after Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
TBC St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: A service for St Luke’s patronal festival. - TBC. Please check the Benefice website.
1600 Penshurst Rectory Garden: Forest Church
Sunday October 26th, The Last After Trinity
1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion
1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion
1800 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: A celebration of Bible Sunday. Choral Evensong. Featuring the combined choirs of Penshurst and Yalding Churches.
Life Events:
Ø We remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.
Ø Learning and growing:
Don’t forget the new National Safeguarding Standards. There is a link to the new leaflet on our website, and you’ll see posters going up in our churches soon. And following the appointment of our new benefice Safeguarding Officer, Wendy Ellis, we now have a contact email established – please direct any safeguarding queries or issues to safeguarding@highwealdchurches.org.uk
Ø Mailing:
If you know anyone who would like to be added to our weekly mailing, do let us know (and similarly let us know if you’d like to come off, though we’d be sad to see you go). If you’d like to contribute to the work of the benefice, you can go to our parish giving page via the www.parishgiving.org.uk website (we’d be very grateful). Alternatively, you can always find it on our benefice website: https://www.highwealdchurches.org.uk/news)
