Newsletter - 22/05
Dear Friends,
As we move towards the great feast of Pentecost this Sunday, we prepare once again to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the Church, bringing courage to the fearful, hope to the weary, and new life to God’s people. In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we are reminded that prayer is not waiting passively, but waiting expectantly for God to move among us.
On Wednesday we gathered to give thanks for the life of Joy Sturdey. It was a moving occasion, filled with love, gratitude, and treasured memories. Please continue to hold Mike, Caroline, and all the family in your prayers as they adjust to life without her.
Congratulations to Nick Weaver and Ann, who were married at Blackham on Friday 22nd May. We pray that God will bless them with joy, companionship, and love throughout their married life together.
As half term begins today, we pray especially for all school staff, pupils, and families. After a busy and demanding term, may this week bring rest, refreshment, laughter, and moments of peace. We give thanks for all who serve and support our schools so faithfully.
I will be taking a few days away from work during half term, as I am due to have oral surgery on Tuesday. The procedure is expected to take around two hours, and I anticipate needing a little time afterwards to recover.
I fully expect to be back at work on Friday in time for Tilly and Dom’s wedding rehearsal, and I am very much looking forward to celebrating their wedding with them on Saturday.
A Prayer for Pentecost
Come, Holy Spirit,
renew your Church with your life and power.
Where we are weary, bring refreshment.
Where we are anxious, bring peace.
Where we are divided, bring unity.
Where we are fearful, bring courage.
Fill our homes, our schools, and our community
with the light of Christ and the fire of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
With every blessing,
Rev'd Lisa
Upcoming Services:
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
Sunday 7 June
10:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Family Service 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.
Events and fundraising:
Thursday 4 June, 7:30pm at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - Elise Hills and Ronojit Bhuyan - Virtuoso Piano Composers
Friday 3 July at St John the Baptist, Penshurst - D'Arcy Trinkwon - Organ concert
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)
