Newsletter - 06/03
Rector’s Weekly Newsletter - 6th March 2026
This week the bells were delivered back to Penshurst after the best part of a year away. It was wonderful to see them return after so much work and care. They look incredible! You are warmly invited to a celebration event at St John the Baptist, Penshurst, at 7.00pm this Saturday evening. The eight beautifully restored bells await your inspection on the church floor before they are returned to top of the tower next week. It is unlikely the bells will be lowered again during the next few hundred years. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to see them. There are many people to thank for bringing this project to fruition, and I hope to share more detailed thank yous on Saturday evening and in next month’s parish magazines.
This Sunday we gather for worship across the benefice:
·8.00am – Holy Communion at Penshurst
· 10.00am- Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
· 10.00am - Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
Next week Roy Horsford’s funeral will take place on Wednesday at 11.00am at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium. We continue to hold Roy’s family in our prayers. We also pray for the loved ones of Kathleen Pocock, whose funeral will take place at St Mary’s on 24th March. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
The news of the escalation of conflict in and around Iran has been deeply concerning. My niece Sian is currently sheltering in Dubai, and our family pray that she, and others in similar situations, may experience the courage they need to see them through uncertain times. Earlier this week the Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, herself a refugee from Iran, shared this prayer, which I offer for all who are living with fear and uncertainty at this time.
A Prayer for Peace
Ever loving God, who hears us in our anguish and distress and longs for us to be free:
we pray for the people of Iran and the wider Middle East
in this time of fear and uncertainty.
Be near to those who are anxious and comfort those who suffer.
Guide those with power to make decisions, leading them in wisdom, compassion and moderation, that people of good will may seek harmony and reconciliation.
We join with Christians everywhere in praying for peace with justice, through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
With every blessing for the coming week.
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstone Churches
Services:
Sunday 8 March: 3rd Sunday of Lent
0800 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 – Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
1000 – Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 15 March: Mothering Sunday
1000 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 – Family service, St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
Sunday 22 March: Passion Sunday
1000 – Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 – Holy Communion, St Luke’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 29 March: Palm Sunday
1000 – Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 – Holy Communion, St Luke’s, Chiddingstone
1600 – Forest Church, 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)
