Newsletter - 03/10
Rector’s Weekly Newsletter: 2nd October 2026
Dear Friends,
Last Sunday we enjoyed the visit of Bishop Simon, who came to officially bless and rededicate the bells in St John the Baptist, Penshurst. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work and generosity of so many. There was, however, one slightly unexpected member of the congregation. My Labrador, Dibley, made an unplanned and speedy appearance. Her attempts to steal the celebratory cakes were foiled just in time!
After four services on Sunday, I was particularly looking forward to my day off on Monday. An early morning call from OFSTED meant that I needed to clear my diary for three days and head to Penshurst Primary School, where I am Chair of Governors. Until the inspection has been moderated, all formal feedback from the inspection team remains confidential. What I can say is that, over the course of their two-day visit, the inspectors gained a thoughtful and insightful picture of our lovely school. It was a privilege to be reminded once again of the extraordinary commitment of the staff, governors, children and families who make our local schools such special places.
This coming weekend is thankfully planned to be much quieter, with just one service: our Harvest Festival at 10.00am at Penshurst. Harvest is one of those occasions when we are reminded that, however much we plan and work, we remain dependent upon gifts that are ultimately beyond our control: sunshine and rain, fertile soil, the changing seasons and the work of those who grow our food. It is a time to give thanks for God’s provision, but also to remember that not everyone shares equally in the abundance around us.
You are very welcome to bring gifts of non-perishable food to the service, which will be donated to a local food bank. In doing so, we turn our thanksgiving into something practical: receiving with gratitude and giving generously, so that others may have enough. I hope to see you there as we celebrate the goodness of God’s creation and give thanks for all that sustains us.
If you are a fan of harvest, there are three more harvest-themed services in church during the week ahead. Penshurst School holds its Harvest service at St John the Baptist on Tuesday at 9.15am, with Fordcombe School gathering at the same time at St Peter’s on Thursday. Fordcombe Church will hold its Harvest Holy Communion service next Sunday at 10.00am.
Ofsted’s visit led to our PCC meeting being rescheduled. We shall meet at 4pm on Thursday 8th October.
With every blessing,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst and Fordcombe
Upcoming services
Sunday 4 October
1000 - Harvest Festival and Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 11 October
0800 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 - Holy Communion and Harvest Festival at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Sunday 18 October
1000 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1600 - Forest Church in Penshurst Rectory Garden
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)
