Newsletter - 07/08
A weekly update from the Rector
Thank you for the many kind messages of support and encouragement I have received during my first week as Rector of our new benefice. It is a significant moment for our churches, and I am very grateful for your prayers, kindness and goodwill as we begin this new chapter together.
We find ourselves in the midst of many of life’s important moments. Congratulations to Laura and Callum, who were married on Friday, and to Rian and Anna, who will tie the knot on Saturday afternoon. We wish both couples every happiness as they begin their married lives together.
Over the past few weeks, we have also welcomed Rhys into the family of the Church through baptism at St Peter’s, Fordcombe. It was a wonderful occasion, with the church packed with family and friends. Ted and Toto have also celebrated their baptisms and their welcome into the Church family at St John the Baptist, Penshurst.
Alongside these joyful occasions, we are called as a church to be alongside families in grief and sorrow. We give thanks to God for the life of Beryl Fenner, who died last week. Beryl was much loved and lived most of her life in Penshurst and Fordcombe. We hold Gordon, their children and the wider family in our prayers as they mourn her death and remember her life. There will be a service to celebrate Beryl’s life at St Peter’s, Fordcombe, on Wednesday 2nd September at 1pm. There will be a private cremation service earlier in the day.
The Gospel reading this Sunday reminds us of the disciples caught in a storm on the lake. In the darkness and uncertainty, Jesus comes towards them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Something in that picture is reassuring for us, too. We may not know exactly what lies ahead, but we do know that Christ is with us. When the waters are rough, and we are afraid, he reaches out his hand and invites us to trust him.
A Prayer for this week
Lord Jesus Christ, you came to your disciples in the storm.
Bless our families and communities, those celebrating new beginnings and those mourning the loss of loved ones.
May we know your presence beside us, in every season of our lives, and may our churches be places where all can discover your welcome, your love and your peace. In your holy name we pray.
Amen.
With every blessing for the week ahead,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell. Rector of Penshurst and Fordcombe
Upcoming Services
Sunday 9 August
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
Sunday 16 August
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 23 August
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
18:00 - Evening Prayer Service, All Souls, Poundsbridge
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)
