Newsletter - 07-26
Dear Parishioners,
I write this at the end of a mercifully warm and sunny day. It is fair to say there has been a lot of weather in recent weeks. Clearly it is good for my lawn, which seems to be growing at the rate of a triffid this week.
On Tuesday it was lovely to see the Fordcombe School family in St Peter’s church for their Y6 leavers service. I am glad to see the children off to pastures new with confidence and a firm foundation that should mean they experience a smooth transition in September. Meanwhile my social media accounts are flooded with pictures of other people’s holidays, which I am enjoying vicariously. (No pun intended).
Last weekend Fergus was baptised at Poundsbridge Chapel, and on Sunday Charlotte will be baptised in St John the Baptist in Penshurst. We wish these children every blessing as they and their loved ones journey together in faith. Of course, my job as Rector sees me alongside families at all stages of life and it will be my honour to lead the funeral for Shirley Jenner from Fordcombe next Friday. The service is at The Kent and Sussex Crematorium at 1130.
In recent newsletters I have mentioned the recent death of Rev’d Jean Lorimer. Jean served for ten years as an associate priest in Chiddingstone and was much loved by the community. A memorial service for Jean will be on Friday September 13th at St Mary’s Chiddingstone. Some details are still being finalised and I will update you as plans become firmer.
On Sunday we have two services in the morning, both at 1000. Rev’d Penny Stephens will lead a service in St Mary’s, and I shall be presiding at St Peter’s. Also, there is a service of Evening Prayer at Poundsbridge Chapel at 6pm. Please join me for a service from the Book of Common Prayer. We will sing some traditional hymns and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. At past Poundsbridge services many people have combined their visit to the chapel with a dog walk. Your furry friends are most welcome to join us for the service. Water is available for their refreshment, but please bring a suitable bowl!
A reminder that Rev’d Lindsay’s final service with us will be Evensong at St Peter’s, Fordcombe at 6pm on Sunday August 18th. Please do come to say farewell.
In this edition
Ø Services
Ø Learning and growing
Services:
Sunday 28th July: Trinity 9
10am Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone
10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
6pm Evening Prayer at All Souls Chapel, Poundsbridge
Sunday 4 August: Trinity 10
1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1000 Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone
Sunday 11 August: Trinity 11
1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
To download a full overview of July and August services please Click Here.
Life Events:
In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:
Upcoming weddings: in July we married Amy and Richard, and hold them in our prayers as they begin their journey in marriage.
Christenings: This week we will baptise Charlotte, we wish her and her family well on this pilgrimage of faith.
Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer and Shirley Jenner in our prayers ahead of their upcoming funerals.
And among those whose anniversary falls at this time, we remember with thanksgiving, their names will be read during service on Sunday. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.
Learning and growing:
Updates:
Ø 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
With every blessing,
Lisa
