Newsletter - 27-03
Rector’s Newsletter – 27th March 2026
My working week began with a wonderful Confirmation service at St Peter and St Paul’s, Edenbridge, where we celebrated with ten candidates ranging from their teenage years to retirement age. This is a great sign of hope for the Church of England. On Wednesday, it was a joy to watch the enthronement of the Very Revd Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury. How fitting that this took place on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Like Mary, Sarah spoke eloquently of our need to say “yes” to God.
This Sunday, the morning service at St Luke’s will celebrate Palm Sunday, complete with a visit from a donkey. The congregation may gather either in church or in Richards Close; please contact the churchwardens for more detailed guidance.
At St John the Baptist, Penshurst, at the 10.00 am Holy Communion service, we will focus on the Liturgy of the Passion. This account from Matthew’s Gospel will be read by members of the congregation. Afterwards, we will listen to a Bach Prelude, “O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sünde groß,” offering a time for quiet reflection on the Passion reading. The liturgy used will be slightly different from usual to allow time for the reading and chorale. You can listen to the piece being played by The Penshurst Musical Director, D’Arcy Trinkwon and read his programme notes here: https://youtu.be/0zzyVFRGtOw?si=71V3lnlXuWsmhpBl
At 4.00 pm, in a lighter mood, we will gather for a Forest Church service at Penshurst Rectory. We will celebrate Palm Sunday with a lively outdoor service, including crafts, a bonfire, and refreshments.
Also, in Penshurst, to celebrate the return of the bells, there will be a Quarter Peal rung at around 5.30 pm. You would be most welcome in the church or nearby to hear this joyous sound once again.
School End of Term Services This Week:
Wednesday 1st April, 9.15 am – St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst
Wednesday 1st April, 1.30 pm – St Mary’s Chiddingstone School Easter Service, followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade in school.
Thursday 2nd April, 9.15 am – St Peter’s, Fordcombe
On Maundy Thursday morning, I shall be at Rochester Cathedral for the annual Chrism Eucharist. At this service, we receive the Holy Oils to use in the year ahead. It is also the occasion when clergy renew their ordination vows and recommit themselves to their vocation in the Church of England. For me, this is a particularly important part of Holy Week; an annual opportunity to gather with former theological college friends and fellow ministers from across The Diocese.
NB British Summer Time begins on Sunday 29th March.
Don’t forget to put your clocks forward.
A Prayer for Our Journey Through Holy Week
Loving God, as we enter these sacred days of Holy Week, draw our hearts closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Walk with us, Lord, as we follow Him from the joy of palm branches to the sorrow of the cross. Open our eyes to see His humility, His suffering, and His boundless love poured out for the world.
When we are tempted to turn away, give us the courage to remain. When we feel burdened by our own crosses, remind us that He walks beside us.
Teach us to watch and pray in the garden, to stand in faith at the foot of the cross, and to wait in hope through the silence of the tomb.
Renew us through these holy mysteries, so that, with hearts transformed, we may rise with Christ in the light of Easter joy. Amen.
Wishing you a most blessed Holy Week ahead.
Lisa
Rev’d Lisa Cornell
Rector of Penshurst, Fordcombe and The Chiddingstones
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)
And finally, please note that following a new broadband contract for the church, the network name and password have both changed. Please check the welcome table for details so you can update your phone.
