Newsletter - 09-27

Services:

Sunday 29 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 6 October

1000 Holy Communion (Harvest) at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion (Harvest) at St Luke's, Chiddingstone

1800 Pet service at All Souls, Poundsbridge

Sunday 13 October

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion (Harvest) at St Peter's, Fordcombe

To download a full copy of the September service plan, hymns and lections click here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Weddings: We hold Amelia and Liam, and Ella and Jack in our prayers ahead of their weddings in October.

Christenings: We pray for Pippa and her family ahead of her upcoming baptism and wish them well on this pilgrimage of faith.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Ø 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

High Weald Churches 20/09/2024 High Weald Churches 20/09/2024

Newsletter - 09-20

To our benefice friends,

Request for help, please. A working party will be taking place after church on Sunday 6th October, to tidy up the graveyard at St John the Baptist, Penshurst. This will take place after the service, around 11am, for an hour and a half.

Please bring gardening gloves, secateurs, shears, weeding tools, and hedge trimmers with extension (if electric).

Many thanks,

Karen and Matthew

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 22 September

1000 Morning Prayer at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

1700 All Age Service at Fordcombe Village Hall

Sunday 29 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

To download a full copy of the September service plan, hymns and lections click here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Weddings: We hold Tiffany and Ralph in our prayers, following their recent wedding in Chiddingstone.

Christenings: We continue to pray for George and Olivia, following their baptisms earlier this month.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

High Weald Churches 13/09/2024 High Weald Churches 13/09/2024

Newsletter - 09-13

To our benefice friends,

Lisa is on holiday, so a short newsletter this week, but please note a few changes to the upcoming service plan below.

The service in Penshurst on Sunday 22nd September will be led by licensed lay-minister, Mandy Baker, and will be a morning prayer service.

The pet service at Poundsbridge on Sunday 29th is postponed, however you are very welcome to attend the confirmation service at St Stephens, Tonbridge, to support Ruth and Julia.

Please see below for an update on the fundraiser for Penshurst bells.

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Fantastic News-Bells Appeal 100% successful

I am absolutely delighted to be able to tell you that our Appeal to fund the restoration of our church bells has now been completed. We have raised our target £78,400, of which £10,000 has come from Kent County Association of Change Ringers, £23,000 has come from local donations and £45,400 from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Our successful Lottery application was headed up by Charles Fuller-Rowell, Zaria Maltz, and Janice Byrne. Without their invaluable work we would have been all at sea as I know, through earlier fundraising efforts, just how difficult it is to “win over” the Heritage Fund team. Thank you and huge congratulations.

The generosity of so many Penshurst residents and organisations has been stunning and I really cannot thank you enough for stepping up in our hour of need. That hour will of course now be transformed into a hundred years of bell ringing to come. But before that we invite everyone to come and see the bells on the first part of their restoration journey once they have been lowered to ground level. Details will be circulated once we know the schedule of works and there will, of course, be excellent drinks and nibbles to mark the occasion!

I want to end by saying a very special thank you to Charles Fuller-Rowell. Without his boundless enthusiasm and laser-like dedication the Bells Appeal would never have succeeded.

Stephen Hazell-Smith

Chair, The Friends of the High Weald Churches.

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 15 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 22 September

1000 Morning Prayer at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

1700 All Age Service at Fordcombe Village Hall

Sunday 29 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

To download a full copy of the September service plan, hymns and lections click here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Weddings: We hold Tiffany and Ralph in our prayers, following their wedding in Chiddingstone on Thursday.

Christenings: We pray for Olivia and her family as they approach her upcoming baptism, and wish them well on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Martin Beaumont in our prayers ahead of his funeral.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

High Weald Churches 06/09/2024 High Weald Churches 06/09/2024

Newsletter - 09-06

This week’s mailing begins with very sad news. Rev’d Martin Beaumont died last Friday after a period of illness. Martin was a warm and lovely man and much-loved in the community. He served locally as Chaplain at Tonbridge School and as Rector in the Chiddingstone parishes before moving to the west country. We send sincere condolences to Ruth and all of their family, and to all those affected by Martin’s death. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. We have not yet been given any funeral details, but we will share them as soon as they are available.

The morning services this week are at 0800 in Penshurst and 1000 in Fordcombe. Chiddingstone will be hosting the 4pm Forest Church service. See below.

St Mary’s, Chiddingstone will be very busy in the latter half of the week. Tiffany and Ralph are marrying at lunchtime on Thursday and we wish them well as they prepare for their big day. The funeral of the late Rev’d Jean Lorimer takes place on Friday 13th September. Jean’s final journey to the crematorium will see her coffin driven through the village at 1000. You may wish to be in the village to pay your respects. Her memorial service is at 3pm in St Mary’s. Thank you to John Gordon-Reid and many others for planning this celebration of Jean’s life. To minimise disruption to the school pick-up, please park at Chiddingstone Castle, if at all possible. There is a tea afterwards at The Causeway Village Hall. I am very grateful to Rev’d Judi Hammill for leading this service in her capacity as Bishops Advisor for Ordained Women’s Ministry.

The schools are all back and working, and it was lovely to lead worship in Penshurst School on Thursday. We considered all we needed to pray for at the start of a school year - that we would like to give thanks for and those things where we feel the need to ask God for extra support and encouragement. As I prayed on Thursday, I hope that the school year will be as shiny as any new shoes, and as comfortable as those that are already well-worn. New beginnings are the focus for Forest Church on Sunday 8th at 4pm, please meet in the village hall and gardens and bring a picnic.

Please note that I am changing broadband providers, and the Rectory landline number will be changing. I hope to confirm the new number in the next weekly mailing. I shall be on annual leave for 10 days from Friday 13th September. Please direct any queries to the church wardens or Tabitha, our administrator.

This Sunday the church marks the Accession to the throne of our King. In the collect for the day it is written: “Bless our sovereign Lord, King Charles and all under authority under him; that they may order all things in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace, to the honour and glory of your name and the good of your Church and people.”

I can think of no better prayer for us all.

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 8 September

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1600 Forest Church in Chiddingstone

Sunday 15 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 22 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

1700 All Age Service at Fordcombe Village Hall

To download a full copy of the September service plan, hymns and lections click here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Weddings: We hold Tiffany and Ralph in our prayers as they prepare to celebrate their marriage this weekend.

Christenings: We pray for Olivia and her family as they approach her upcoming baptism, and wish them well on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer and Martin Beaumont, and their families, in our prayers ahead of their funerals.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 30/08/2024 High Weald Churches 30/08/2024

Newsletter - 08-30

Warmest greetings from Penshurst Rectory.

Another busy week in the parish. Last week’s occasional offices are closely followed by three baptisms and a wedding this weekend. That reminds me of a film title! Congratulations to Rachel and Todd, who marry at St Mary’s on Saturday; and to Emily, Charlotte and George, who will be baptised across the weekend. Of course, all life stages are part of the church’s brief, and we hold in prayer the family of Mary Garrett, whose ashes were interred in St Luke’s this week; and Stewart Tucker, whose funeral takes place at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium on Tuesday at 1430. We were sad to learn of the death of Donald Shepherd last Sunday. We hold his loved ones in prayer as they mourn.

As the new school term unfolds next week, I am pleased to say that Forest Church is returning. People from across the benefice are warmly invited to bring their loved ones for a picnic and outdoor church service at Chiddingstone Village Hall at 4pm on Sunday 8th September. We will use the gardens behind and have access to the school playground for the duration of our time together. The theme of the service is new beginnings. Please bring a picnic suitable for your family. We will provide some tea, coffee, soft drinks and a few nibbles.

There are two things to look out for in your inboxes in the next few weeks. Our harvest services will be at St Luke’s and St John the Baptist on Sunday October 6 and St Peter’s on Sunday August 13th. The noticeboard in Chiddingstone advises people to save the date for the Chiddingstone Harvest lunch on 6th October. When further details have been shared with me, I will pass them on. Also, our church harvest services are timed to work with the local schools’ harvest celebrations. The schools will be collecting items for local foodbanks, and we would like to encourage collections for the same in our Sunday services.

If you hold any role formally or informally across our church family, you will soon be receiving details of a code of conduct used by the Joint Council. Awareness of a code is considered as best practice for charity trustees and most people working in the voluntary sector. The code contains common sense advice and is not designed to be burdensome. The code is being issued as part of our safeguarding compliance procedures. The document is going through its final checking stages and will be shared by our administrator to individuals and those who lead teams to forward to those they oversee. It is likely that the document will be sent out before the next newsletter arrives. No action is needed on receipt, but your options are explained in the document.

Until next week, may God bless you richly.

In this edition:

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 1 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 8 September

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1600 Forest Church in Chiddingstone

Sunday 15 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

1700 All Age Service at Fordcombe Village Hall

To download a full copy of the September service plan, hymns and lections click here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Weddings: We hold Rachel and Todd in our prayers as they prepare to celebrate their marriage this weekend.

Christenings: We pray for Emily, Charlotte and George and their families well as they approach their upcoming baptisms, and wish them well on their pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer, Donald Shepherd and Stewart Tucker, and their families, in our prayers ahead of their funerals.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 23/08/2024 High Weald Churches 23/08/2024

Newsletter - 08-23

Greetings from a sunny Penshurst Rectory. The school summer holidays seem to be galloping to an end. Next week, for many, will be a mix of purchasing new school shoes, sourcing kit and trying to move children back into a term time bedtime routine. The harvest continues apace, and I am trying to manage an enormous quantity of fruit in the garden... A lovely problem to have, I know!

Thank you to all of you who attended Rev’d Lindsay’s final service last Sunday. A traditional Evensong, a splendid sermon by Lindsay and the choir in beautiful voice all rounded off with wine, nibbles and good conversation. Lindsay was delighted with her gift of Euros to take to Ireland with her and she thanks you for your generosity and good wishes.

This is a busy week ahead for occasional offices: James and Alice are marrying in Penshurst on Friday, and Emily and James in Chiddingstone on Saturday. We wish them every blessing in their new lives together. We pray that the weather will be kind. Young Isabelle will be baptised on Sunday afternoon. We are so pleased that our church family will be blessed with another new member. I am also preparing candidates for confirmation. It is not too late to join in with these classes should you like to be baptised or confirmed as an adult at the end of September. On Wednesday afternoon, we will be laying to rest the ashes of Mary Garrett in St Luke’s churchyard. The Church is here for you at all your life events and every day. Please do be in touch if we can be of service to you.

I am now able to share more details of two forthcoming funerals. Mr Stewart Tucker of Fordcombe, will be laid to rest at The Kent and Sussex Crematorium on 3rd September at 1430. As previously flagged, Jean Lorimer’s funeral takes place on Friday September 13th. Rev’d Jean’s final journey to the Crematorium will include a brief pause in Chiddingstone Village at 1000. A service celebrating her life will be held in St Mary’s Church starting at 3pm. The service will be led by The Bishop’s Advisor for Ordained Women’s Ministry, Rev’d Judi Hammill. There will be a tea afterwards at The Causeway Village Hall. Given the pressure on parking spaces in the village during term time, please car share if at all possible. Overflow parking will be at Chiddingstone Castle.

I hope to see many of you on Bank Holiday Monday at The Duck Race in Penshurst. A fun few hours guaranteed and an event suitable for all ages.

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 25 August: Trinity 13

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 1 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 8 September

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1600 Forest Church in Chiddingstone

To download a full copy of the September service plan, hymns and lections click here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Weddings: this month will welcome James and Alice, James and Emily; and Rachel and Todd to celebrate their marriages. We hold them in our prayers.

Christenings: We wish Isabelle, Emily and Charlotte and their families well on their pilgrimage of faith, as they approach their upcoming baptisms.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer and Stewart Tucker, and their families, in our prayers ahead of their funerals.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 16/08/2024 High Weald Churches 16/08/2024

Newsletter 08-16

Greetings from Penshurst Rectory,

August in the parish remains reasonably quiet. There are a steady stream of visitors passing through our churches and villages. We are so blessed to live and worship in this beautiful corner of Kent. The improved weather continues; it was certainly a very warm day for Lara and Seb’s wedding at All Souls Chapel in Poundsbridge last Saturday. Who knew that 110 people could be fitted into such a small space?! We have ten further marriage services left this year, with 19 marriage services already booked for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Thank you for making couples feel so welcome as they attend church to make their qualifying connections with us.

This week I began preparing candidates for confirmation in late September. It is not too late to sign up for the next series of confirmation classes. Please drop me an e mail if you are thinking of taking this step in faith. The service will be in Tonbridge on the evening of 29th September.

This week many people received A level results, and GCSE results land this Thursday coming. Warm congratulations to those who have secured the grades they need for the next stage. We pray for our families preparing for their youngsters to attend college, university or the world of work in the weeks ahead.

We will say farewell to Rev’d Lindsay at an evening prayer service at St Peter’s Fordcombe at 6pm on Sunday. Wine and nibbles will be served afterwards. Sunday is Lindsay’s last working day after a little under two years working as our Associate Priest. We wish her and her family every blessing as they move away to pastures new.

I remain Rector of all of our parishes, and the third anniversary of my licensing service is next month. I share The Cure of Souls with the Bishop of Rochester and my care for you extends across the whole community, whether you are churchgoers or not. My Sunday morning ministry is being assisted by The Rev’d Penny Stephens and she is leading worship in The Chiddingstone Churches when available. Occasional offices (Weddings, Baptism and Funerals) remain my responsibility, as does my pastoral care for you all.

Service patterns and content continue to be coordinated across the benefice churches so that music, scripture and liturgy are themed with the lectionary used across The Church of England. Going forward other ministers with permission to officiate will be helping me out on some Sundays, and when I am away from the parish. Please direct any enquiries around services, pastoral or prayer support to me directly or via Tabby in the Office. Email is the most reliable way to be in touch.

Wishing you a blessed week ahead.

In this edition:

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 18 August: Trinity 12

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

1800 Choral Evensong at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 25 August: Trinity 13

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 1 September

1000 Holy Communion at St John’s, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

To download a full overview of August services please Click Here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Weddings: last week we married Lara and Sebestian at Poundsbridge, and later this month will welcome James and Alice, James and Emily; and Rachel and Todd to celebrate their marriages. We hold them in our prayers.

Christenings: We wish Isabelle, Emily and Charlotte and their families well on their pilgrimage of faith, as they approach their upcoming baptisms.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer and Stewart Tucker, and their families, in our prayers and will update on details for both funerals in the coming weeks.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 09/08/2024 High Weald Churches 09/08/2024

Newsletter 08-09

Greetings from Penshurst Rectory. It has been a relatively quiet week in the parish but this is in great contrast to events in many of our towns and cities. In a letter to The Times on Tuesday, UK faith leaders wrote: “Every British citizen has a right to be respected and a responsibility to respect others, so that together we can build a cohesive and harmonious society for all. As faith leaders, we salute the many people who have stepped forward to repair damage and restore their neighbourhoods.” Let us pray for peace wherever there is conflict and for those living in fear to be assured of God’s love through times of difficulty. May we each in our own communities follow the teachings of Micah and do justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with our God [Micah 6:8].

In church this weekend we congratulate Seb and Lara who will be married on Saturday afternoon at Poundsbridge. I left the rehearsal just as teams of flower arrangers were descending to decorate the chapel. I am really looking forward to the All Souls wedding experience.

Our worship this week is centred on Fordcombe and from that community we hold the family of Stewart Tucker in prayer. Mr Tucker’s died earlier this week. Funeral details will follow once they are known.

The Joint Council will be meeting this Thursday evening. Please let your wardens know if there any local matters you would like them to raise on your behalf.

In this edition

Services:

Sunday 11 August: Trinity 11

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 18 August: Trinity 12

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 25 August: Trinity 13

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

To download a full overview of August services please Click Here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Upcoming weddings: in August we will marry Lara and Sebestian, James and Alice, James and Emily; and Rachel and Todd. We hold them in our prayers.

Christenings: We wish Isabelle, Emily and Charlotte and their families well on their pilgrimage of faith, as they approach their upcoming baptisms.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer and Stewart Tucker, and their families, in our prayers and will update on details for both funerals in the coming weeks.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 02/08/2024 High Weald Churches 02/08/2024

Newsletter - 08-02

Dear Parishioners,

I hope you have all had a good week. It has, at last, felt like summer for some of the time. I have, between working, very much enjoyed being an armchair athlete and impressed by the talents shown by Olympic competitors. In the book of Hebrews our journey of faith is described as “running with perseverance the race marked out for us.” I can only imagine how hard individuals and teams have toiled over years to be at their peak performance in Paris. The Olympics, of course, exist to promote values as well as skills. The IOC website summarises Olympian values as:

Striving for excellence and encouraging people to be the best they can be
Demonstrating respect in many different manners: respect towards yourself, the rules, your opponents, the environment, the public, etc
Celebrating friendship, which is quite unique to the Olympic Games – an event that brings people together every few years.

I am not sure we need to don sports clothing to live these values in our everyday life. Our New Testament Epistle on Sunday concludes with a command for believers to build up the body of Christ in love. I can think of no better values to promote in our church family and beyond.

What a busy week I have had. I have baptised one of the youngest in our church family, Charlotte, and laid to rest one of the oldest, Shirley. In between I have had very upbeat conversations with wedding couples for this year and next, been on pastoral visits and completed the first half of my safeguarding leadership training. With lots of study and paperwork behind the scenes too, I can never say that The Rector’s role is dull.

On Saturday I will be away from the parish working as volunteer Duty Priest in St Paul’s Cathedral; a role I carry out 3 or 4 times a year. It is such an honour to lead prayers and The Eucharist under the dome of the cathedral and always so interesting to meet with the rich variety of people who come into the cathedral’s care across the day.

On Sunday I look forward to leading Holy Communion at St John the Baptist in Penshurst and we welcome Rev’d Penny Stephen’s to lead at St Mary’s. Both services are at 1000. In the afternoon I shall be at Poundsbridge with the family of Pamela Hazeldine, laying her ashes to rest. Next Saturday I shall be officiating at Seb and Lara’s wedding in Poundsbridge Chapel. My first in this setting since my appointment three years ago and my first ever wedding by special license in my six years of ordained ministry.

Please keep Sunday 18th August at 6pm in your diaries for Rev’d Lindsay’s final service of Sung Evensong.

I look forward to seeing many of you in church and around the villages in the week ahead.

In this edition

Services:

Sunday 4 August: Trinity 10

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 11 August: Trinity 11

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 18 August: Trinity 12

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

To download a full overview of August services please Click Here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Upcoming weddings: in August we will marry Lara and Sebastian, James and Alice, James and Emily; and Rachel and Todd. We hold them in our prayers.

Christenings: We wish Isabelle, Emily and Charlotte and their families well on their pilgrimage of faith, as they approach their upcoming baptisms.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer in our prayers. A much-loved minister in Chiddingstone, who will be missed by many. Her funeral is on 13th September and we will update the details when they have been signed off.

And we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time of year, they shall be prayed for in church on Sunday.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing:

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 26/07/2024 High Weald Churches 26/07/2024

Newsletter - 07-26

Dear Parishioners,

I write this at the end of a mercifully warm and sunny day. It is fair to say there has been a lot of weather in recent weeks. Clearly it is good for my lawn, which seems to be growing at the rate of a triffid this week.

On Tuesday it was lovely to see the Fordcombe School family in St Peter’s church for their Y6 leavers service. I am glad to see the children off to pastures new with confidence and a firm foundation that should mean they experience a smooth transition in September. Meanwhile my social media accounts are flooded with pictures of other people’s holidays, which I am enjoying vicariously. (No pun intended).

Last weekend Fergus was baptised at Poundsbridge Chapel, and on Sunday Charlotte will be baptised in St John the Baptist in Penshurst. We wish these children every blessing as they and their loved ones journey together in faith. Of course, my job as Rector sees me alongside families at all stages of life and it will be my honour to lead the funeral for Shirley Jenner from Fordcombe next Friday. The service is at The Kent and Sussex Crematorium at 1130.

In recent newsletters I have mentioned the recent death of Rev’d Jean Lorimer. Jean served for ten years as an associate priest in Chiddingstone and was much loved by the community. A memorial service for Jean will be on Friday September 13th at St Mary’s Chiddingstone. Some details are still being finalised and I will update you as plans become firmer.

On Sunday we have two services in the morning, both at 1000. Rev’d Penny Stephens will lead a service in St Mary’s, and I shall be presiding at St Peter’s. Also, there is a service of Evening Prayer at Poundsbridge Chapel at 6pm. Please join me for a service from the Book of Common Prayer. We will sing some traditional hymns and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. At past Poundsbridge services many people have combined their visit to the chapel with a dog walk. Your furry friends are most welcome to join us for the service. Water is available for their refreshment, but please bring a suitable bowl!

A reminder that Rev’d Lindsay’s final service with us will be Evensong at St Peter’s, Fordcombe at 6pm on Sunday August 18th. Please do come to say farewell.

In this edition

Ø Learning and growing

Services:

Sunday 28th July: Trinity 9

10am Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

6pm Evening Prayer at All Souls Chapel, Poundsbridge

Sunday 4 August: Trinity 10

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 11 August: Trinity 11

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

To download a full overview of July and August services please Click Here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Upcoming weddings: in July we married Amy and Richard, and hold them in our prayers as they begin their journey in marriage.

Christenings: This week we will baptise Charlotte, we wish her and her family well on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer and Shirley Jenner in our prayers ahead of their upcoming funerals.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time, we remember with thanksgiving, their names will be read during service on Sunday. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 19/07/2024 High Weald Churches 19/07/2024

Newsletter - 07-19

To our benefice friends,

I write on a warm day in Penshurst, what a treat! This was a busy week in all of our local schools with school productions, leavers’ services in church, and all sorts of celebrations. It is such an honour to be asked to speak at services offering our leavers a few words of wisdom. Fordcombe have their final service early on Tuesday.

This weekend we have a service of Holy Communion in Penshurst at 1000, to which you are all most welcome. We will also be baptising Felix in Poundsbridge Chapel at the end of the morning and we pray for him and his loved ones as he begins his journey of faith.

During the week two projects, which have been a long time in the planning, were completed. The preparation work to bring water to Fordcombe church has taken place. This church has had no running water since being built in 19th Century but now, amongst other benefits, cleaning will be easier and we will soon be able to baptise babies without using bottled water! We have a small team planning for a loo to be built, and in the medium term some kitchen facilities. Thank you to Roger and Angela for much background work.

In Penshurst, the louvres on the bell tower have been replaced in several sections. This will help the tower be more weatherproof as we begin our project to restore the bells within. Thank you to all of you who volunteer to maintain our church fabric and grounds across five church buildings and several church yards. With a special mention to Christine and Simon, who do so much work keeping St Mary’s ship shape! You are all stars!

Following the recent death of our friend Rev’d Jean Lorimer we have placed a book of condolence in St Luke’s Church. The church is open every day, and the book will be brought to St Mary’s on Sundays when there is a service there. Jean has left clear instructions for a rousing send off. For an assortment of reasons, the date for celebrating Jean’s life is yet to be confirmed. As soon as the arrangements are finalised, we will share them.

With every blessing for the week ahead,

Lisa

In this edition

Services:

Sunday 21st July: Trinity 8

10am Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 28th July: Trinity 9

10am Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 4 August: Trinity 10

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

To download a full overview of July and August services please Click Here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their life events:

Upcoming weddings: in July we married Amy and Richard, and hold them in our prayers as they begin their journey in marriage.

Christenings: This week we will baptise Fergus, followed by Charlotte next weekend, we wish them and their families well on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer in our prayers. A much-loved minister in Chiddingstone, who will be missed by many. We will update you with further details on the funeral in due course.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time, we remember with thanksgiving:

20-Jul

21-Jul

Valentine Patrick Fleming

22-Jul

William James Ellson
Doris Charlotte Dalton

23-Jul

24-Jul

25-Jul

Ena Aitchison

26-Jul

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 13/07/2024 High Weald Churches 13/07/2024

Newsletter - 07-13

To our benefice friends,

I hope that you have all had a good week. We seem to have had all of the seasons in the last few days. I am sure it is good for the garden, if not our mood! As our local schools move into the last week of term we have several performances of school plays, leavers’ events and end of term services across the benefice. I look forward to welcoming many families to church this week, or catching up with you in school.

On Tuesday, about 300 people gathered in St John the Baptist church in Penshurst for the funeral of Clint French. A long-time participant in shooting at Penshurst Place and well known in the world of field sports, Clint was given a rousing send off in a service led by Rev’d Simon Rowlands, the Vicar of Faversham.

The late notification of Jean Lorimer’s death meant that I was not able to pay proper tribute to her in last week’s mailing. Jean was a really lovely lady and incredibly precious to the people of Chiddingstone to whom she ministered. She was part of the first wave of ordained women in our diocese. Jean had a rock-solid faith and a heart for pastoral ministry. After some years of deteriorating health, we give thanks that Jean is now at rest in the arms of her heavenly father. No funeral arrangements have been shared with me yet, but I will make them known once the information reaches me. I hope someone close to her might write a fuller obituary for Jean ready for the August magazine deadline next week.

Rev’d Lindsay has been serving on General Synod this week. A busy agenda with long debates and much information to process. Excitement in the Chid Rectory also surrounded exam results. We send congratulations to Morgan for his IB results. His excellent scores means that he can begin his degree apprenticeship in September. And finally, Lindsay’s final service in the benefice will be evensong at St Peter’s Fordcombe at 6pm on Sunday August 18th.

With every blessing for the week ahead.

Lisa

In this edition

Services:

Sunday 14th July: Trinity 7

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 21st July: Trinity 8

10am Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 28th July: Trinity 9

10am Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

To download a full overview of July and August services please Click Here.

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their Life Events:

Upcoming weddings: on Saturday we married Amy and Richard, and hold them in our prayers as they begin their journey in marriage.

Christenings: We will baptise Fergus and Charlotte in July, and wish them well on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We continue to hold the late Jean Lorimer and her family in our prayers. A much-loved minister in Chiddingstone, who will be missed by many. We will update you with further details on the funeral in due course.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time, we remember with thanksgiving:

13-Jul

14-Jul

Florence Constance (Poppy) Jenner
Alan Ewan Donald

15-Jul

Ellen Annie Matkins

16-Jul

Arthur Pearson
Walter (Wally) Henry Leppard
Joan Wilks

17-Jul

18-Jul

Gillian Muriel Killingbeck

19-Jul

Ronald James Bassett

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 06/07/2024 High Weald Churches 06/07/2024

Newsletter - 07-06

To our benefice friends,

A week of many changes. A new government after a six-week election campaign bookended with heavy rainfall. Whether the election result is personally pleasing or more of a worry, perhaps we might give thanks that we live with the freedom to cast our votes and have a say in who can lead our government. I pray for a smooth transition in Westminster and give thanks for all those who are prepared to offer themselves for public service. I pray for the safety of our politicians and public servants and for our nation to flourish under their care.

Last Sunday many enjoyed the traditional fete in The Causeway. Thank you to all involved. I was in Rochester for the weekend, and joined many others in celebrating the 30th anniversary of women’s ordination in The Church of England. On Thursday many gathered in my rectory garden for a tea party to mark Rev’d Lindsay’s 25 years ordained. The weather was kind and the gathering gave a chance to celebrate all that is good in ministry and friendship. Thank you to all who provided sandwiches and sweet treats.

Today, there is a wedding in Chiddingstone for Amy and Richard. We pray for their happiness and a long and happy marriage. Tomorrow there are two Holy Communion services. Rev’d Lisa will lead worship in Penshurst and Rev’d Penny in Chiddingstone. In Penshurst there is a funeral in Penshurst at 1pm for Clinton French. Parking is provided in Church Field.

I am so sorry to announce the death of Rev'd Jean Lorimer a few days ago. Jean was amongst the early generation of female parish priests and was much loved in Chiddingstone where she ministered with great compassion. She lived out her latter years at The College of St Barnabas in Lingfield and had many regular visits from her friends in the parish.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory. As soon as we know more about funeral details we will share those with you. I offer my deepest condolence to all who knew and loved Jean.

In this edition:

Sunday 7th July: Trinity 6

10am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10am Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 14th July: Trinity 7

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Sunday 21st July: Trinity 8

10am Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors this month to mark their Life Events:

Upcoming weddings: in July we will be marrying Amy and Richard, and hold them in our prayers as they approach their wedding day.

Christenings: We will baptise Fergus and Charlotte in July, and wish them well on this pilgrimage of faith.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time, we remember with thanksgiving:

06-Jul

John Brodie Thomson Hall
Olive Knudsen
Cameron McIlwham

07-Jul

John William Everest

08-Jul

09-Jul

Robert Alexander Stephen
Albert Henry (Jack) Dalton

10-Jul

Cecil Eric Everest

11-Jul

12-Jul

Sonia Dorothy Gullifer
Tom Godfrey Faussett

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 29/06/2024 High Weald Churches 29/06/2024

Newsletter - 06 -29

To our benefice friends,

A slightly shorter update this week, after a busy few days for me. Thursday was another full-day training session, followed by the Bishop of Rochester’s annual summer garden party. Both were welcome opportunities to congregate with clergy from other parishes.

Thankfully, after a warm spell, we have welcomed the (somewhat late) arrival of summer. The sunshine has emerged just in time for a number of events taking place across the parish. In addition to a flurry of weddings this weekend, Chiddingstone will be celebrating their summer fete, in the Causeway from 2pm; please do come down to support.

Speaking of support, I would like to extend a huge thanks to all of those who attended the working group at Poundsbridge last Saturday, and for your help in maintaining the beautiful space surrounding the chapel.

And I once again thank Rev Penny Stephens, who will be stepping in to lead service at St Mary’s from this Sunday. I shall be away from 29 June to 2 July, but should you have any questions, or require anything please do contact the office.

In this edition:

Sunday 30th June: Trinity 5

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe. Led by Rev’d Penny Stephens

Sunday 7th July: Trinity 6

10am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10am Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Sunday 14th July: Trinity 7

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors in the to mark their Life Events:

Upcoming weddings: we welcome Harry and Nicole, and Matt and Katie through our doors and wish them well for their upcoming weddings.

Christenings: We baptised Augustin in June, and wish him well on his pilgrimage of faith.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time we remember with thanksgiving:

29-Jun

30-Jun

01-Jul

Roy Slack

Sally Mundy

James Stutely Allwood

02-Jul

03-Jul

Mary Huntley

04-Jul

Alice Louise Slack

Douglas Frank Hunt

05-Jul

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Events:

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving - 30th anniversary of women ordained to the priesthood

30 June 2024, 3:15pmpm at Rochester Cathedral More info

On which note, there is an exhibition: Women And The Church Of England - A new exhibition at Lambeth Palace Library is marking 200 years of women’s ministry and agency. Open now until June 2024. Entry is free. For full details and opening times click here

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 22/06/2024 High Weald Churches 22/06/2024

Newsletter - 06-22

To our benefice friends,

Following on from the Bishop of Rochester’s announcement last week, we have had many kind messages of thanks for all of Lindsay’s hard work in previous years, and expressing how she’ll be sorely missed. While she’ll be setting off on the next chapter of her journey we shall of course remain in contact, and I hope to see many of you at the upcoming celebration of Lindsay’s 25th year since ordination at Penshurst rectory on 4 July at 3pm.

With Lindsay moving to pastures new we have adapted the service programme accordingly; working closely with the Archdeacon on a schedule, agreed by the Joint Council, we have ensured at least one, if not two, 10am services will be available to attend each week across the three parishes. More details can be found below, and will be added to the website in due course. In St Mary’s, the Revered Penny Stephens will be covering the next three months of Sunday services and we welcome and thank her for her assistance.

Elsewhere in the benefice it has been a very busy few weeks, with several training sessions taking place earlier in the month, from safeguarding to intercessions courses, which we were pleased to see some of you attending. We also had the Quiet Day on Tuesday, kindly hosted by Barbara Lloyd, which was a useful opportunity to pray and reflect together.

A working party will meet at Poundsbridge on Saturday, if you are available and willing we’d be very grateful for your support in maintaining the churchyard there. This will be just a two-hour session, 1000- noon, in order to keep the beautiful site looking its best. Evening Prayer services resume at Poundsbridge in late July. Dogs as well as humans are most welcome. Details to follow.

I’m also thrilled to see numerous fundraising efforts taking place across the benefice in the coming weeks with so many of you lending your time and talents to support the upkeep of the churches and our community initiatives. Following on from the enormously successful piano concerts at St John’s, we have the upcoming church and village fetes in the Chiddingstones; please do come along to what should be very enjoyable afternoons, which present an opportunity to meet as a community and support one another. The first taking place next Sunday 30 June 2-4:30pm.

Rev’d Lisa will be on leave between June 29th and 1st July. Please direct any urgent enquiries to Tabby our administrator who will be able to direct you to the most appropriate help.

In this edition:

Services:

Sunday 23rd June: Trinity 4

10am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

5pm All Age Service, Fordcombe Village Hall

Sunday 30th June: Trinity 5

10am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe. Led by Rev’d Penny Stephens.

Sunday 7th July: Trinity 6

10am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10am Holy Communion at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors in the to mark their Life Events:

Upcoming weddings: Tom and Izzy, Harry and Nicole; and Matt and Katie through our doors and wish them well for their upcoming weddings.

Christenings: We baptised Augustin in June, and wish him well on his pilgrimage of faith.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time we remember with thanksgiving:

22-Jun

Delia Johnson

23-Jun

John Spencer Cutler

24-Jun

Peter Winter
Winifred Young

25-Jun

26-Jun

27-Jun

Albert Henry Gribble

28-Jun

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Events:

Poundsbridge Working Group

We’re forming a working group to conduct basic maintenance on the church land at All Soul’s Chapel, Poundsbridge on Saturday 22 June. Please do come along and lend a hand if you can, we will be taking no longer than two hours.

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving - 30th anniversary of women ordained to the priesthood

30 June 2024, 3:15pmpm at Rochester Cathedral More info

On which note, there is an exhibition: Women And The Church Of England -A new exhibition at Lambeth Palace Library is marking 200 years of women’s ministry and agency. Open now until June 2024. Entry is free. For full details and opening times click here

Updates:

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa

High Weald Churches 14/06/2024 High Weald Churches 14/06/2024

Newsletter - 06-14

We have a number of upcoming dates for your diary for the coming week. On Saturday the Intercessor Training session will be taking place at Penshurst church, we do hope to see some of you there. Then on Tuesday there will be the Quiet Day, kindly hosted by Barbara Lloyd. All details for both events are included below.

In this edition:

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Services:

Sunday 16th June

8am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors in the to mark their Life Events:

Upcoming weddings: Tom and Izzy, Harry and Nicole; and Matt and Katie will be marrying in the benefice in the coming weeks, and we wish them well for their special days.

Christenings: We baptised Augustin in June, and wish him well on his pilgrimage of faith.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time, we remember with thanksgiving:

15-Jun

16-Jun

Elsie Lorimer

17-Jun

18-Jun

Adeline Maud Coy

19-Jun

Marion Reilt Latten

20-Jun

21-Jun

Joyce J Theobald
Elizabeth Kentish
Catherine Kentish
Emma Kentish

22-Jun

Delia Johnson

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Intercessions Training

We are running a training session for existing and aspiring intercessors on Saturday June 15th. The training will run from 1100-1230 in Penshurst Church. Intercessory prayer is a feature of all services where we pray in Jesus’ name for one another and the world. It would be helpful to broaden our team of intercessors so that most prayers come from the congregation members rather than the clergy, as happens in Penshurst and Fordcombe, or a small handful of lay volunteers as happens in Chiddingstone. No previous training is needed, just a desire to develop this part of your faith. Those who already pray will, I hope, be able to share their good practice with you.

Safeguarding Training

We encourage everyone who helps in church in a public facing way to carry out safeguarding training. For some posts it is a statutory requirement and for others a recommendation. On Saturday 15th June, after the intercessions training, we will be running a basic safeguarding course for those who would prefer to learn in person rather than complete the course at home and online. We will begin at 1230pm. The course takes around an hour to complete. This course is free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Events:

Quiet Day

We will be holding a quiet day on Tuesday 18th June at Selby’s Oast. On the Leigh-Hildenborough border. Many thanks to Barbara Lloyd for making her home available for our use.

We will meet for coffee at 0930 and the focus will be different styles of prayer. Anybody who would like to join in a time of quiet reflection would be most welcome. Those attending the intercessions training may find this a helpful time to reflect. We plan to finish at 1230. Please let Lisa know if you would like to take part in this day rector@highwealdchurches.org.uk

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving - 30th anniversary of women ordained to the priesthood

30 June 2024, 3:15pm at Rochester Cathedral

On which note, there is an exhibition: Women And The Church Of England - A new exhibition at Lambeth Palace Library is marking 200 years of women’s ministry and agency. Open now until June 2024. Entry is free. For full details and opening times click here

Mailing:

High Weald Churches 07/06/2024 High Weald Churches 07/06/2024

Newsletter - 06-07

To our benefice friends,

We have a slightly shorter newsletter this week as your clergy have been very busy with learning and development. Lisa was out to undergo several days of training under her new role as Area Dean, which provides a very exciting opportunity for her and the benefice more broadly. Learning and training is somewhat of a theme for this newsletter, and both Lindsay and Lisa will be undergoing further safeguarding training on domestic violence next week, with further parish training taking based locally.

Throughout June we have a number of sessions taking place across the benefice, to which all are welcome; these include intercessors training and a follow-up on safeguarding. We also have our quiet day later in the month, so we can reflect and grow together. We hope to see many of you there over the coming weeks, please see below for more details.

As we are now well and truly into wedding season, and the summer appears to have finally arrived, this time of year is filled with happy occasions. This week was no different with the Archdeacon’s Visit taking place on Wednesday; the service welcomed 101 worshippers from across the archdeaconry, many thanks to all who attended for your display of support for your clergy and wardens.

Please, as always, do keep in touch with us with any feedback on the current service programme, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions. And there remain a number of vacant Joint Council positions, if you’re interested in getting involved more formally, we encourage you to speak to the clergy, or contact the office.

In this edition:

Sunday 9th June

10am Sung Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

6pm Holy Communion at St Peter's, Fordcombe

Sunday 16th June

8am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone

Sunday 23rd June

10am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

4pm Forest Church, Penshurst Rectory

5pm All Age Service, Fordcombe Village Hall

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors in the to mark their Life Events:

Upcoming weddings: Brandon and Rianna, Tom and Izzy, Harry and Nicole; and Matt and Katie through our doors and wish them well for their upcoming weddings.

Christenings: We baptised Augustin in June, and wish him well on his pilgrimage of faith.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time we remember with thanksgiving:

08-Jun

Joy Wisdom

09-Jun

Philip Anthony Corby

10-Jun

11-Jun

12-Jun

John Austin Cole

13-Jun

Pauline Margaret Winter

14-Jun

Edwin Ginger Meade

08-Jun

Joy Wisdom

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Courses:

Intercessions Training

We are running a training session for existing and aspiring intercessors on Saturday June 15th. The training will run from 1100-1230 in Penshurst Church. Intercessory prayer is a feature of all services where we pray in Jesus’ name for one another and the world. It would be helpful to broaden our team of intercessors so that most Sundays’ prayers come from the congregation members rather than the clergy, as happens in Penshurst and Fordcombe, or a small handful of lay volunteers as happens in Chiddingstone. No previous training is needed just a desire to develop this part of your faith. Those who already pray will, I hope, be able to share their good practice with you.

Safeguarding Training

We encourage everyone who helps in church in a public facing way to carry out safeguarding training. For some posts it is a statutory requirement and for others a recommendation. On Saturday 15th June, after the intercessions training, we will be running a basic safeguarding course for those who would prefer to learn in person rather than complete the course at home and online. We will begin at 1245pm. The course takes around an hour to complete. This course is free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Events:

Quiet Day: We will be holding a quiet day on Tuesday 18th June at Selby’s Oast. On the Leigh-Hildenborough border. Many thanks to Barbara Lloyd for making her home available for our use.

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving - 30th anniversary of women ordained to the priesthood

30 June 2024, 3:15pmpm at Rochester Cathedral More info

Updates:

Ø Archdeacon Andy has decided to move on from his role as Archdeacon of Rochester, later this year. Read more

Ø 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.

Ø And remember, we’re encouraged to share the new video highlighting the Church of England's ambition to be net zero carbon by 2030. Do watch, and consider whether you want to be part of this project bringing our beautiful Churches to Net Zero. Watch video

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa and Lindsay

High Weald Churches 01/06/2024 High Weald Churches 01/06/2024

Newsletter - 06 - 01

To our benefice friends,

We had a lovely occasion this week, as Anne Godfrey Fausett turned 90 and celebrated with a tea party enjoyed by friends and family across the benefice. Elsewhere, the weather hampered some of our plans, but Lindsay took a short break in Dublin, which gave her the opportunity to discuss how the cathedral there engages with their visitors, and offered food for thought regarding our buildings that offer such an opportunity to encourage the spirituality of those passing through. If anyone wants to think collectively about this, do get in touch with Lindsay or the office.

As ever, we try and work collaboratively across the benefice, so let us have any feedback on the current order of service. We’ll be looking to have a review of the past year’s worship in the early autumn, which should include a review of the new pattern of services. A draft of these is currently being considered by members of the Joint Council and will be published more widely in the days ahead.

We’re also looking for help working to reduce our carbon footprint, and to make our finances more sustainable through fundraising. We still need a couple of people for our Joint Council, so please think hard about whether you can offer the benefice a handful of hours a month from your skills and passions.

A reminder of the intercessions training coming up in June. This is aimed both at our established intercessors, who will have the opportunity to share good practice, and anyone who’d like to take up the ministry. It’s followed by a quiet day during the following week, so we can reflect and grow together. See below for more details.

On Wednesday we’re hosting one of the Archdeaconry’s Visitation services, at which all the Churchwardens across the Archdeaconry must hear the Archdeacon’s Charge to them and to make their solemn undertaking, as Churchwardens and lay officers of the Bishop, to discharge “… their duties as assigned to them by canon law [as] foremost in representing the laity, and in cooperating with the incumbent. They are to use their best endeavours, both by personal example and precept, to encourage the parishioners in true religion and to promote unity and peace among them.” Come and support Angie, Karen and Paul as they make their promises!

Finally, an advanced notice of another upcoming, happy, occasion: this summer we celebrate Lindsay’s 25th year since ordination and will be holding an afternoon tea to mark the occasion. This will take place on Thursday 4th July at 3pm and will be hosted by Lisa in her Rectory Garden. We hope to see many of you there.

In this edition:

Sunday 2nd June

8am Morning Prayer at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

10am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Wednesday 5th June

8pm Archdeacon’s Visitation service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 9th June

10am Sung Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

6pm Holy Communion at St Peter's, Fordcombe

Sunday 16th June

8am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors in the to mark their Life Events:

Ashley and Olivia’s wedding on Saturday 1st June.

Upcoming weddings: Brandon and Rianna, Tom and Izzy, Harry and Nicole; and Matt and Katie through our doors and wish them well for their upcoming weddings.

Upcoming Christenings: We will be baptising Augustin in June, and wish him well on this pilgrimage of faith.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time we remember with thanksgiving:

01-Jun

John Churchill

02-Jun

Douglas Eade
Doris Eleanor Broad

03-Jun

Rosemary Scott
Charles Tolliday
Donald Mitchell McLauchlan-Clark
Henry Freddie Foy
Keneth Ernest Glover

04-Jun

William Arthur Roberts

05-Jun

06-Jun

07-Jun

Bob Pedlar

08-Jun

Joy Wisdom

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Courses:

Intercessions Training

Safeguarding Training

We encourage everyone who helps in church in a public facing way to carry out safeguarding training. For some posts it is a statutory requirement and for others a recommendation. On Saturday 15th June, after the intercessions training, we will be running a basic safeguarding course for those who would prefer to learn in person rather than complete the course at home and online. We will begin at 1245pm. The course takes around an hour to complete. This course is free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Orthodox spirituality and the Jesus prayer
28 May 2024,10am to 3pm at St Benedict’s Centre, West Malling More info

Events:

Quiet Day: We will be holding a quiet day on Tuesday 18th June at Selby’s Oast. On the Leigh-Hildenborough border. Many thanks to Barbara Lloyd for making her home available for our use.

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving - 30th anniversary of women ordained to the priesthood

30 June 2024, 3:15pmpm at Rochester Cathedral More info

Updates:

Ø Archdeacon Andy has decided to move on from his role as Archdeacon of Rochester, later this year. Read more

Ø 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.

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa and Lindsay

High Weald Churches 24/05/2024 High Weald Churches 24/05/2024

Newsletter - 05-24

To our Benefice Friends

After last weekend’s glorious weather, it’s been a bit hit or miss this week... I hope nobody got quite as wet as our Prime Minister!

Both of your clergy have been quite education-focused this week. Both Lisa and Lindsay have been taking assemblies, and Lisa has been doing her governance work with the schools. They have also begun planning our upcoming intercessions training day (see below). Lindsay has also been assisting with some of the Bishop’s Certificate students in the Diocese.

Wedding preparation continues apace. Although we’re quieter this year than last, by some measure, we still have a good many wedding couples and it’s a real joy to walk with them through this exciting time – and hopefully ease some of their (natural) anxiety!

Finally, Lindsay has completed her safeguarding training (leadership) this week. It’s been really interesting and useful training, which hopefully the Joint Council can discuss together as we all renew our learning. The safeguarding team, both nationally and locally, are constantly reviewing and updating their training, so although Lindsay has been taking this course every three to five years for the last 25 years it has never been quite the same each year (although the general guidance has, of course, been consistent!). It is fascinating to observe how it has changed and adapted over the years.

Do please consider – even if it’s not required of you – taking the Basic Safeguarding Training provided by the Church of England so that, together, we can develop a culture in this church that proactively safeguards as a community.

Finally, we hope that students enjoy the half term break, and we wish all families good quality time in the week, or two weeks, ahead.

In this edition:

Services:

Sunday 26 May

8am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10am Morning Prayer with Christening at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone

5pm All Age at Fordcombe Village Hall

Sunday 2nd June

8am Morning Prayer at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

10am Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 9th June

10am Sung Matins at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

6pm Holy Communion at St Peter's, Fordcombe

Life Events:

In our prayers we hold those coming through our doors in the to mark their Life Events:

Upcoming weddings: In June we welcome Ashley and Olivia, Brandon and Rianna, Tom and Izzy; and Harry and Nicole through our doors and wish them well for their upcoming weddings.

Upcoming Christenings: We will be baptising Rosie and Augustin in the coming weeks, and wish them well on their pilgrimage of faith.

And among those whose anniversary falls at this time we remember with thanksgiving:

19-May

Margaret Bishop
Albert Thomas Firminger

20-May

21-May

Harold Alfred Huntley
Joan Frances Allen

22-May

Evelyn Violet Hook
May Victoria Bassett

23-May

Eileen Vicary
John (Dick) Reardon

24-May

Peter Richard Benton

25-May

Eileen Alice Stanton

26-May

27-May

28-May

29-May

William Bernard Roberts

30-May

Raymond Charles Medhurst

31-May

01-Jun

John Churchill

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Learning and growing:

Courses:

Intercessions Training

Safeguarding Training

We encourage everyone who helps in church in a public facing way to carry out safeguarding training. For some posts it is a statutory requirement and for others a recommendation. On Saturday 15th June, after the intercessions training, we will be running a basic safeguarding course for those who would prefer to learn in person rather than complete the course at home and online. We will begin at 1245pm. The course takes around an hour to complete. This course is free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Orthodox spirituality and the Jesus prayer
28 May 2024,10am to 3pm at St Benedict’s Centre, West Malling More info

Events:

Quiet Day: We will be holding a quiet day on Tuesday 18th June at Selby’s Oast. On the Leigh-Hildenborough border. Many thanks to Barbara Lloyd for making her home available for our use.

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving - 30th anniversary of women ordained to the priesthood

30 June 2024, 3:15pmpm at Rochester Cathedral More info

Updates:

Ø Archdeacon Andy has decided to move on from his role as Archdeacon of Rochester, later this year. Read more

Ø 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.

Mailing

With every blessing,

Lisa and Lindsay

High Weald Churches 17/05/2024 High Weald Churches 17/05/2024

Newsletter - 05-17

To our Benefice Friends

Our three benefice schools have all been involved in SATS tests this week. We hope they have gone well and the Y6 pupils enjoy the precious last weeks of learning before transitioning to secondary school. Upcoming residentials and school plays will, we hope, bring much joy. Thank you to all of the school staff who work so hard to support our young people for all aspects of their education.

Older students have this week finished the International Baccalaureate exams, with those taking A levels and GCSEs just starting. For all people preparing for summer exams our prayers go with you.

And this week both Revs went back to the classroom to be ‘grilled’ by Y2 and Y5 classes in Chiddingstone School. Searching questions were asked and they enjoyed the opportunity to talk about our faith with local children and to help them think about the similarities and differences between Christians and followers of other world religions.

As far as our own learning is concerned, do read about the courses and events listed at the bottom of this bulletin. Locally, we’re running a training day for our intercessors (those who lead the prayers after the creed on Sundays), which is open both to established intercessors, and the intercession curious. After, we have another local safeguarding session for anyone who wants or needs to get some baseline training, so that we can make our congregations as safe as possible. We’re also holding our first quiet day for some time.

Visiting ministers

Over the next few months, we will be welcoming various lay and ordained ministers and ministers in training to some of our Sunday services and weddings. They may be there to compare us to their training parish; or be with us to build their experience in leading, preaching or intercession within services. Sometimes they will be robed and up front and at other times simply sitting in the congregation taking notes. Please make them welcome as they develop in their vocational calling alongside our church family.

In this edition: