Newsletter - 25/09
Rector’s Newsletter
25th September 2026
Dear Friends,
This week I have been thinking about what it means for the Church to care for people. I attended two training courses, one on trauma and the Church, and another on caring for older people. Although they were quite different subjects, both reminded me of something important: sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer another person is simply our presence.
The trauma course explored the way the Church can sit alongside people who have experienced difficult or painful things. We do not always need to have answers or try to make things better. Sometimes we are called simply to listen, to make space, and to be present with someone in the way that Christ is present with us.
The second course reminded me of something equally important. As people grow older, circumstances can change and independence can become more difficult, but nobody becomes less valuable. The Church has an important role in ensuring that people remain seen, valued, included and connected to their community.
Both courses encouraged me to think again about the importance of simply noticing people: making time for someone, listening to their story, and helping them to know that they are not alone. That seems particularly important in our villages. Every person has a story, and every story matters.
It was lovely to see that sense of community at Forest Church last Sunday, when we welcomed thirty-five children and twenty-eight adults. This was our busiest Forest Church for quite a while. It was wonderful to see so many families together, exploring faith and creation and enjoying one another’s company. A record five bags of marshmallows were toasted!
We have another busy weekend ahead. There is a churchyard working party at Poundsbridge at 10.00am on Saturday, as we clear back for the winter months. Strimmers, hedge trimmers and brush cutters are particularly welcome! We will also be preparing the chapel ready for Sunday evening’s service.
On Sunday there are four services.
At 10.00am at St John the Baptist, we have Holy Communion, followed at 12 noon by a baptism. These are always joyful occasions as we welcome a new member into the family of the Church.
At 4.00pm, also at Penshurst, we will gather for the rededication of the bells, led by Simon, Bishop of Tonbridge. There will be plenty of bell ringing before and afterwards, so do come along and be part of this special occasion in the life of St John’s. I gather there may also be cake!
Finally, at 6.00pm at Poundsbridge we have our pet service. We will celebrate the lives of our pets, past and present. Our animals become such an important part of our families, and this will be a gentle opportunity to give thanks for them and remember those we have loved and lost. Dogs are most welcome to attend, provided their owners hold their leads!
It promises to be a busy and joyful weekend, with plenty of opportunities to worship, celebrate, work together and simply be alongside one another.
With my prayers,
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst and Fordcombe
Upcoming services
Sunday 27 September
1000 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1600 - Bells blessing at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
1800 - Pet service at All Souls Chapel, Poundsbridge
Sunday 4 October
1000 - Harvest Festival and Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Sunday 11 October
08:00 - Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
10:00 - Holy Communion and Harvest Festival at St Peter’s, Fordcombe
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)
