Newsletter - 14/08
Rector’s Newsletter: 14th August 2026
It has been a rather quiet week, although the heatwave has certainly had an impact on our ability to work and, perhaps even more importantly, to sleep! I hope you are coping with the heat and finding ways to keep cool.
Last weekend we had two particularly joyous weddings in Penshurst. I did feel a little sorry for the grooms, both of whom had ordered their three-piece tweed suits many months ago, presumably without anticipating quite these temperatures! We pray for Callum and Laura, and Rian and Anna, as they begin married life together.
This weekend the worldwide Church marks the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on 15th August. It is one of the great festivals of the Christian year, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. The Assumption celebrates Mary being taken into heaven and points us towards the hope of resurrection and the promise of life with God.
Here in Penshurst and Fordcombe, we will be celebrating the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. This week’s readings are challenging. They invite us to think about the questions and assumptions we bring to God in prayer, and the breadth of God’s mercy. They remind us that God’s purposes are wider than our own understanding. The God whom we meet in Jesus is always capable of surprising us.
As we look at the parched local landscape, let us pray for our farmers, who are working through the effects of the heat and the continuing lack of rain, and for all those who are struggling with water shortages. I don’t think I have ever taken rain for granted quite as much as I realise I do now. We are so accustomed to its regular presence that it is easy to forget just how precious water is.
I hope that, despite the heat, you have a peaceful weekend, and perhaps that we might all find ourselves giving thanks for the next shower of rain, whenever it comes!
With every blessing for the week ahead,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell. Rector of Penshurst and Fordcombe
Upcoming Services
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
Sunday 30 August
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
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)
