Newsletter - 16/10
Rector’s Weekly Newsletter: Friday 16 October 2026
Dear Friends,
After a year or so in the planning, this weekend we can finally enjoy the Penshurst Music Festival! Please do come along, bring friends and family, and join us for one or more of the concerts. There is a varied programme to enjoy, so do have a look at the festival poster for full details.
Many thanks to D’Arcy Trinkwon, our Musical Director, and Rob Rees for his energy and organisational drive. Diana Thompson has also been a tremendous driving force and coordinator, and we are grateful for the continuing commitment and support of the Friends of Penshurst Church. My thanks, too, to all the musicians taking part, from professional performers to those sharing their talents simply for the love of music and the pleasure of bringing it to others. An honourable mention, too, for everyone hosting and catering for the events. Your contribution is much appreciated! I am particularly looking forward to hearing the young performers from the newly formed music group at Penshurst School at the children’s concert. I must also confess to being disproportionately excited about Saturday’s 3pm concert, featuring Peter and the Wolf and other animal-themed pieces. I hope you will join us for what promises to be a joyful celebration of music and community.
And talking of children, we give thanks for Clemmie, whose baptism took place last Sunday, and pray for her and her family as they begin this new chapter in her life of faith.
This Sunday, there will be a 10.00am service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst. Later, at 4.00pm, Forest Church gathers in the Rectory Garden for a season-themed service. Our last gathering attracted more than 60 people. During this time we managed to consume five whole packets of marshmallows! Whatever brought you along last time- the worship, the outdoors, the marshmallows, the opportunity to get a school admission form signed by me, or simply the chance to spend time together – you will be very welcome again.
Looking ahead: All Souls and All Saints Memorial Service
On Sunday 1 November at 6.00pm, we will once again hold our annual memorial service for All Souls and All Saints. This quiet, reflective service offers an opportunity to give thanks for the lives of those we have loved and who are now held in the heavenly realm, while also acknowledging our own grief and the continuing place that love and loss have in our lives. Whether your bereavement is recent or dates back many years, you will be warmly welcome. There is space simply to remember, to give thanks, to grieve, and to find comfort in the company of others. Please do come along in person. If you are unable to attend but would like a loved one to be remembered during the service, please email me at rector@highwealdchurches.org.uk with their name. You are also welcome to include anything in particular you would like me to pray for, whether for yourself, your family or others who are grieving.
I hope to see many of you at the festival and around our churches over the coming days. There is much to celebrate in the gifts we share, the faith that sustains us, and the community we continue to build together.
With every good wish,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst and Fordcombe
Upcoming Services:
Sunday 18 October
1000 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1600 - Forest Church in Penshurst Rectory Garden
Sunday 25 October
1000 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 1 November
1000 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - All Saints Service
1800 - All Souls Service 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)
