Newsletter - 15/05
Rector’s Newsletter: 15th May 2026
Whilst it has been a generally quiet week across the parish, our primary schools have seen the Year 6 pupils complete their end-of-primary-school SATs. We now look ahead to the final weeks of term, with attention turning towards finishing the Key Stage 2 curriculum, preparing for the big school play, and the eagerly anticipated residential trips. Exciting times!
In Penshurst, we celebrated Ascension Day with a service of Holy Communion. It was encouraging to welcome attendees from most of the parishes across the Tonbridge Deanery and to gather together in worship and fellowship on such an important feast day in the Church calendar. On Sunday 17th, there will be Holy Communion services at 10.00am in Chiddingstone and Penshurst. Forest Church will be looking ahead to Pentecost and will meet from 4pm in my Rectory garden.
Amidst the political turmoil and speculation this week, I have found myself reflecting on the loneliness of leadership and the transience of power. Whatever unfolds in the political sphere, nationally and internationally, for those in or seeking power, I pray that they may remember the prophecy of Micah:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
As we approach Sunday’s Gospel reading from John 17:1–11, we hear Jesus praying for his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. He prays that they may know the Father’s love, remain faithful, and be protected in unity. In a world often marked by division and anxiety, Christ’s prayer reminds us that we are held in God’s care and called to live as one people in him.
With every blessing for the week ahead,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 17 May
10:00 – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
16:00 - Forest Church for Rogation
Sunday 24 May
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 31 May'
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst
10:00 - Matins at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
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)
