Newsletter - 13-02
13 February 2026
Half Term Greetings from Rev’d Lisa Cornell, Rector:
I write this while looking out at a bright sky (a rarity!) and praying the weather holds before I step out for my afternoon dog walk. Reaching the halfway point of the academic year always feels like an achievement for those who work in education. For all who are enjoying a half-term break this week, may it be a time of rest and refreshment.
In my school assemblies this week, we considered the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, and in particular, Jesus’ description of his followers as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” The children offered some insightful reflections on how, through their thoughts and actions, they might be salt and light for others.
Our Lectionary readings on Sunday also focus on what we can learn from divine encounters on mountain tops. The Bible accounts of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, and of the Transfiguration of Jesus invite us to think about the thin places of the world—those moments or spaces where we may draw close to God. This author’s blog offers further insight into the concept: https://lasmithwriter.com/thin-places/. (The site also tries to sell some books, which I haven’t read. I’m more of a detective novel fan!)
In the parish this week, we celebrated with Nyasa and Darren at their wedding on Saturday. The rain stopped briefly as they left the church, and we wish them every happiness in their new life together. On Thursday, many gathered at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium to celebrate the life of Ken Simmons; a proud resident of Penshurst for all of his 86 years. He will be deeply missed by many.
In church this Sunday, we have 10:00 Communion services at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway, and St John the Baptist, Penshurst. At 4pm, Forest Church will take place inside Penshurst Church, as the Rectory Garden is too waterlogged for a gathered crowd. In a nod to Valentine’s Day, we will be using Messy Church materials to celebrate many aspects of God’s love. There will be indoor games (including skittles and Jenga) and, if the rain holds off, we will head outside to toast marshmallows at the end of our time together. Although Forest Church is most suitable for children, there is no upper age limit on attending this informal service and time of fellowship, and there is usually cake too!
Lent begins this week, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our Benefice Ash Wednesday service at 7pm at St John the Baptist, Penshurst. I will be holding work lightly during the week ahead, taking a few days’ leave midweek, although I will, of course, be working on Wednesday evening.
A Prayer for the Week Ahead
God of creation, you formed the mountains through the shifting of the earth
and breathe your Spirit through the landscapes of our lives.
When the ground beneath us moves, steady our hearts with your presence.
When we climb through challenge or change, strengthen us with your grace.
Help us to find you in the thin places: in moments of stillness, in glimpses of beauty,
and in quiet acts of courage and care.
As the mountains catch the dawn and reflect its light,
may our lives also reflect the radiance of your Son, Jesus Christ,
in whose name we journey and by whose love we are sustained.
Amen.
Services:
Sunday 15 February
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
16:00 – Forest Church at Penshurst
Wednesday 18 February
18:00 – Holy Communion with imposition of ashes at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
18:00 – Ash service at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
Sunday 22 February
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway
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)
