Newsletter - 11-15

Services:

Sunday 17 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1500 Forest Church at Penshurst Rectory Garden

Sunday 24 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

1700 All Age Service at Fordcombe Village Hall

Life Events:

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

Weddings: We continue to pray for Amelia and Liam, Ella and Jack and Niall and Lucy, who married in October.

Baptisms: We hold Ottilie, Elise and Ronnie in our prayers ahead of their baptisms in November, and wish them and their families well as they embark on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We hold Hilary Allen, Myra Morris, Roger Theobald and Rhian Palmer in our prayers, along with their families as they prepare for 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:

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 08/11/2024 High Weald Churches 08/11/2024

Newsletter - 11-08

Dear Parishioners,

Our churches and schools are busy over the next few days with Remembrance events. The ‘There but not There 2024’ installation in Penshurst is in situ until Saturday lunchtime; Martin Barraud’s thought-provoking exhibition, which began life at St John the Baptist Church in November 2016, inspired a national project and new charity. You may find this link interesting: https://littleolives.co.uk/there-but-not-there-the-story-of-the-penshurst-silhouettes/

The RBL Tommys inspired by this exhibition are in place in other local churches, including the Chiddingstones, and in many civic settings. Such a moving tribute for the fallen, that speaks to us on so many levels.

With my inability to be in several places at once, I have spread the church and school Remembrance services over several days. On Sunday 10th, there will be a Holy Communion service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst at 0800. The main Remembrance services will be in the churches at Penshurst and St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway. Please be seated by 1045.

I shall also be leading an Act of Remembrance on Fordcombe Village Green, starting at 1100 on Monday 11th. Once the school have joined us for the main act of Remembrance, we shall move to the War Memorial in The St Peter’s Churchyard to remember the fallen in a further time of reflection. At 1445 on Monday afternoon, I shall be joining the Community of Chiddingstone School for their act of worship at St Mary’s. They will be laying poppies on the war memorial and remembering the fallen as part of their service. I held a Remembrance assembly at Penshurst School on Thursday 7th, and will be following up with another related act of worship next week.

Two of our three local primary schools will be inspected by SIAMS next week. Chiddingstone will be under the microscope on Wednesday and Penshurst on Thursday. The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) is, for the Church of England and Methodists, a key element of the life in church schools in England. SIAMS explores ways in which each school’s Christian vision drives its work and enables the school to live up to its foundation as a church school. All of our local schools are wonderful communities that bring out the very best in the children in their care. Please keep the schools in your prayers this week.

On Sunday 3rd, three Special Parochial Church Meetings were held to broaden the numbers serving on local PCCs. Thank you to all those who have been nominated and were voted to serve:

In Fordcombe: Michael Gilbert, Evelyn Goldsmith and Christobel Sworder

In Penshurst: Wendy Ellis, Lindsay Frederick, Simon Frederick, Stephen Hazell-Smith, Diana Osborne, Matthew Stevens, Sarah Wickens and Larraine Wilson

In Chiddingstone: Robert Golds, John Gordon-Reid, Robert Hunt, Chris Lloyd, Claire Lockwood, Mark Streatfeild, Juliette Vestrin and Dennis Ward

Also, in Chiddingstone, three new Church Wardens came forward to support the existing office holder, Paul Allen. Thank you to Joanna Allwood, Penny Harris and Jane Streatfeild. They have also been voted to serve (in the first instance) between now and the next APCM. Their legal term of office will begin once they have been admitted by the Archdeacon.

Thank you to all who have stepped into these new roles and also to those who continue to hold office, work or volunteer in our parishes. Please know how much you are appreciated.

My thanks also go to the Archdeacon elect, Rev’d Nick Cornell, for chairing the SPCM in Chiddingstone and for his ongoing role in managing the consultations regarding the future pastoral organisation of our local churches. The Archdeaconry team will be in contact to explain and manage next steps as soon as they can.

The normal governance of the benefice continues to be under the care of The Joint Council. The board next meet on Thursday 21st November, agenda items and papers should be submitted via Tabby our administrator, as soon as possible.

With every blessing for the week ahead

Lisa

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 10 November

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1045 Remembrance Service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1045 Remembrance Service at St Luke's, Chiddingstone Causeway

1500 Remembrance Service outside at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Monday 11 November

1100 Remembrance Service at Fordcombe village green (with school)

Sunday 17 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1500 Forest Church at Penshurst Rectory Garden

Sunday 24 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

1700 All Age Service at Fordcombe Village Hall

Life Events:

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

Weddings: We continue to pray for Amelia and Liam, Ella and Jack and Niall and Lucy, who married in October.

Baptisms: We hold Ottilie, Elise and Ronnie in our prayers ahead of their baptisms in November, and wish them and their families well as they embark on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We hold Peter Hutchins and Rhian Palmer in our prayers, along with their families as they prepare for 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

High Weald Churches 01/11/2024 High Weald Churches 01/11/2024

Newsletter 11-01

To our benefice friends,

This Sunday we will be hosting the Annual Memorial Service for All Soul’s Day, at 6pm at St John the Baptist. This service offers an opportunity to sit with others who mourn, light candles and pray for our loved ones as we remember those that we love but see no longer.

The There But Not There installation has returned to St John the Baptist, and this year will be holding a special evening with the installation on Friday 8th November. Remembrance displays will also be in St Mary’s and St Luke’s, along with the special altar frontals made by the Chiddingstone sewing group Restore, Renew, Refashion.

On Saturday 9th November Penshurst Choral Society will be returning to St John’s for their autumn concert. Tickets are still available for those interested.

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 3 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Luke's, Chiddingstone Causeway

1800 Evening service for All Soul's Day at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 10 November

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1045 Remembrance Service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1045 Remembrance Service at St Luke's, Chiddingstone Causeway

1500 Remembrance Service outside at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Monday 11 November

1100 Remembrance Service at Fordcombe village green (with school)

Sunday 17 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1500 Forest Church at Penshurst Rectory Garden

Life Events:

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

Weddings: We continue to pray for Amelia and Liam, Ella and Jack and Niall and Lucy, who married in October.

Baptisms: We hold Eleanor in our prayers ahead of her baptism on Sunday and wish her and her family well as they embark on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We pray for the family and friends of Rhian Palmer, as they plan her funeral in late November.

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 25/10/2024 High Weald Churches 25/10/2024

Newsletter 10-25

To our benefice friends,

Please see below for a note from the Bishop of Rochester, for those who attended the Archdeacon’s farewell service on Sunday, thank you to all who attended and helped make the service so special.

Dear Lisa and Sal,

This is just a quick note to thank you most warmly for all your help organising the splendid farewell service for Archdeacon Sharon last Sunday.

It was both a joyful and a sad occasion, but everything you did helped it to come together as a very special time for Sharon and for everyone present.

The service was very personal, and the refreshments afterwards were absolutely delicious – a great combination all round!

Please would you pass on my sincere thanks to everyone who helped in so many ways to make it such a great occasion.

With my warmest thanks to you both and very best wishes,

Jonathan

The Rt Revd Dr J R Gibbs

Bishop of Rochester

Coming up, please also be aware of a couple of dates for your diaries. On Saturday St John’s will be hosting a piano concert with Jeffrey Straker, we hope to see many of you there.

We will also be holding an Annual Memorial Service for All Soul’s Day, at 6pm at St John the Baptist. This service offers an opportunity to sit with others who mourn, light candles and pray for our loved ones as we remember those that we love but see no longer. All are welcome. The following week Remembrance Services will be taking place across the benefice, please find further details below.

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 27 October

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1700 All Age Service in Fordcombe Village Hall

Sunday 3 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Luke's, Chiddingstone Causeway

1800 Evening service for All Soul's Day at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Sunday 10 November

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1045 Remembrance Service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1045 Remembrance Service at St Luke's, Chiddingstone Causeway

1500 Remembrance Service outside at St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

Monday 11 November

1100 Remembrance Service at Fordcombe village green (with school)

To download a full copy of the October 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 Niall and Lucy in our prayers ahead of their wedding on Saturday.

We congratulate Jenny and Glynn celebrating forty years of marriage at a special service in St Mary’s, this Sunday.

Christenings: We pray for Eleanor and Cecily ahead of their upcoming baptisms, and wish them well on their pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We pray for the family and friends of Patricia Loring whose funeral took place on Friday; and Rhian Palmer, as they plan her funeral in late November.

We remember with affection and respect Rev’d Jean Lorimer. Her ashes will be laid to rest in St Mary’s churchyard this Saturday at noon.

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 18/10/2024 High Weald Churches 18/10/2024

Newsletter 10-18

Greetings from Penshurst Rectory

Another busy week in the parish. Last Sunday the final harvest service in the benefice was celebrated at St Peter’s in Fordcombe. Thank you to everyone who attended the six services in three locations over two weeks. Thanks to your generosity, local foodbanks are now well stocked! Also last Sunday we baptised Pippa at St Mary’s Church and later forty or so people attended Forest Church in The Rectory Garden. We thank God for all of the children on our parishes and pray for their journey of faith.

I understand that the harvest lunch held in Chiddingstone Causeway last Sunday raised funds for a local farmers charity and a group from St Luke’s met on Friday to mark their patronal festival. Thank you to Sally Musson for stepping into lead this service, which was organised at short notice. St Luke will also be celebrated in prayers used in church on Sunday.

During the week I have led worship in Penshurst and Fordcombe Schools, attended school governor events and had the opportunity to brief Brian Buck, a local lay minister who is leading the 1000 Matins service in St Luke’s this Sunday and several forthcoming services. This Sunday there will also be a 1000 Holy Communion in St John the Baptist, Penshurst. At 1630 the church is also hosting the Archdeacon of Tonbridge’s farewell service. Bishop Jonathan and many of the great and good from across the diocese will be in attendance. The music is led by a visiting organist and choir from St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Yalding and they are being joined by local voices. This is a service of Evening Prayer with presentations and drinks afterwards. Please park at Penshurst Place if you are attending.

Rev’d Jean Lorimer’s ashes will be laid to rest in the churchyard at St Mary’s at 12 noon on Saturday 26th October. Please contact John Gordon Reid for further details.

I am sad to report the recent death of Patricia Loring who died aged 80. Pat and her late husband John are well known to residents of Fordcombe and Speldhurst. Pat’s funeral service is at 1215 at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium on Friday 25th October. Mourners are invited to wear something red, which was Pat’s favourite colour. Also this week, Rhian Palmer of Chiddingstone Hoath died. We send our sincere condolences to her husband Richard and their young daughter, Rosie. Rhian’s funeral will be at St Mary’s Chiddingstone on Friday 29th November. Further details will follow once confirmed. Please hold these families in prayer as they mourn.

Next weekend Niall and Lucy will marry in St Mary’s on Saturday. The next day Jenny and Glyn will mark forty years of marriage with a special service at St Mary’s. The wedding season will then be paused until two ceremonies in December.

Lastly, please look out for an e mail and notices at each church door regarding three Special Parochial Church Meetings scheduled for Sunday November 3rd.

With blessings for the week ahead,

Lisa

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 20 October

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Luke's, Chiddingstone

1630 Evensong service and farewell to Archdeacon Sharon Copestake

Sunday 27 October

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1700 All Age Service in Fordcombe Village Hall

Sunday 3 November

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Luke's, Chiddingstone Causeway

1800 Evening service for All Soul's Day at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

To download a full copy of the October 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 Niall and Lucy in our prayers ahead of their wedding next weekend.

Christenings: We pray for Eleanor and Cecily ahead of their upcoming baptisms, and wish them well on this pilgrimage of faith.

Funerals: We pray for Patricia Loring and Rhian Palmer, along with their families, 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

High Weald Churches 11/10/2024 High Weald Churches 11/10/2024

Newsletter - 10-11

Greetings from Penshurst Rectory,

It has been a week of harvest celebrations. Two church services last Sunday, three school services last week and this, and a final chance to celebrate God’s bountiful provision at St Peter’s Fordcombe on Sunday at 1000. Thank you for those who have given so generously for local foodbanks. I hope those invited to the Chiddingstone harvest lunch have a splendid gathering. I wish you all well with whatever you have planned.

Last week we celebrated Amelia and Liam’s wedding, and this week Eleanor and Jack will marry in St John the Baptist, Penshurst. On Sunday it will my honour to baptise Pippa at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone. We hold all those coming to church for our occasional offices in prayer.

On Sunday afternoon, Forest Church will meet at The Penshurst Rectory at 4pm. I suggest that you wear wellies or shoes that can cope with things being a bit slippery underfoot. We will be celebrating Autumn, and I hope picking the last of the crop of apples. There will be some apple bobbing and a bonfire for toasting marshmallows. This informal service is suitable for children and families but there are no upper age limits. Refreshments will be served. Please come along.

This Thursday is results day for those who have completed the Kent Test. This leaves year six parents two further weeks to submit their secondary school applications. I am not going to be at work for a lot of half term, so if you need supplementary application forms signing for church schools, please will you make an appointment to see me before the children break for half term. E mail is the best way to contact me rector@highwealdchurches.org.uk

With every blessing for the week ahead,

Lisa

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

Sunday 13 October

0800 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

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

1600 Forest Church at Penshurst Rectory

Sunday 20 October

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Luke's, Chiddingstone

1630 Evensong service and farewell to Archdeacon Sharon Copestake

Sunday 27 October

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1700 All Age Service in Fordcombe Village Hall

To download a full copy of the October 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 Ella and Jack, and Niall and Lucy in our prayers ahead of their weddings in October.

Christenings: We pray for Pippa and her family ahead of her baptism on Sunday, 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:

Mailing

High Weald Churches 04/10/2024 High Weald Churches 04/10/2024

Newsletter - 10-04

Greetings all,

I am writing this in the feast day of St Francis of Assisi; and with his love of animals and respect for the created order this is an opportunity to invite you afresh to our various creation themed services in the next week.

Please donate harvest gifts at the morning services on Sunday in Penshurst and St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway. These will be added to the items gathered by schools for local foodbanks. The Chid school community gathered for a splendid harvest service at St Mary’s on Tuesday. Some of their donated items are shown in the photograph. Items collected in the Chiddingstone services will be passed to the Foodbank in Edenbridge. Items collected this week in Penshurst and next week in Fordcombe will be donated to Nourish in Tunbridge Wells. There are two school harvest services this week in Penshurst on Thursday, and Fordcombe in Friday. Both begin at 0915.

This Sunday we will be holding our annual pet blessing service at Poundsbridge at 6pm. All well behaved owners and their pets are welcome. Please keep dogs on leads.

We wish Amelia and Liam every blessing for their wedding day this Saturday and Ella and Jack marrying next weekend. This year’s wedding season stretches right through until the end of the year. Watch this space!

I close with a prayer of blessing for the harvest season:

May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Who is the source of all goodness and growth,

pour his blessings upon all things created,

and upon you his children,

that you may use his gifts to his glory

and the welfare of all peoples.

Amen

With every blessing for the week ahead,

Lisa

In this edition

Ø Services

Services:

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

Sunday 20 October

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Matins at St Luke's, Chiddingstone

1630 Evensong service and farewell to Archdeacon Sharon Copestake

To download a full copy of the October 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:

Mailing

High Weald Churches 27/09/2024 High Weald Churches 27/09/2024

Newsletter - 09-27

It is good to be back from holiday. We enjoyed a glorious week of sunshine in South Wales. Dibley Dog had the time of her life and we were able to rest and recharge once she was tired out each day. Although only a four hour drive away, Wales is very different in feel to this part of our nation; so I was able to experience both change and rest in the 10 days away.

Parish life continues apace whether the Rector is there or not. I offer thanks to those who led services in my absence: Revs Judi, Sheila, Penny and Simon and lay minster Mandy. I gather that the memorial service for Jean Lorimer was well attended, and Rev Jean received the sendoff she deserved. Judi’s sermon reminded us that all we do as Christians should point others to the person of Jesus Christ. Thank you also to Tabby for keeping our administrative systems afloat and all those whose labours, often quietly done without anyone witnessing, keep our churches and environs running smoothly. Thank you all.

This weekend our Benefice service of Holy Communion is at St John’s Penshurst at 1000. Please be aware of the Tonbridge Half Marathon and the road closures through Leigh and Chid Causeway that may affect your journeys to and from church.

On Sunday evening at 1830 two of our Penshurst flock, Ruth Howard and Julia Brown are being confirmed by Bishop Simon. The service is at St Stephen’s Tonbridge and all are welcome to join the service and support our candidates. It has been a joy preparing them during the summer months and they have put me through my paces asking searching questions.

The Pet Blessing service, originally scheduled for this week, will now take place next Sunday evening at 6pm in Poundsbridge. Pets of all varieties are welcome; but dogs the most likely to attend. Please do come along.

Over the next fortnight there will be six harvest services three led by the schools and three on Sundays more suitable for adults. At each of these services we are encouraging donations to local foodbanks. If you have children, grandchildren or neighbours at the local schools you may want to attend the school led services. They are always child led and delightful occasions. The Chid service is always very busy, so please be aware of the need to arrive early.

Tuesday 1st October 0915 School service at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone
Sunday 6th October 1000 Harvest services at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway and St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Thursday 10th October 0915 School service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst
Friday 11th October 0915 School service at St Peter’s Fordcombe
Sunday 13th October 1000 Harvest Service at St Peter’s Fordcombe

Blessings all for the week ahead. Praying for better weather.

Lisa

You may be interested to read this notice in the Church Times of Friday 27th September. We continue to hold Ruth and Martin’s loved ones in prayer.

BEAUMONT. — On 30 August, the Revd Stephen Martin Beaumont: Assistant Chaplain of Marlborough College (1977-81); Rector of Ideford, Luton and Ashcombe (1981-84); Domestic Chaplain to the Bishop of Exeter (1981-84); Chaplain of Taunton School (1985-91); Haileybury College (1992-2000); Second Chaplain and Head of Divinity of Tonbridge School (2000-04); Senior Chaplain (2004-11); Priest-in-Charge of Chiddingstone with Chiddingstone Causeway (2011-12); Rector (2012-17); Hon. Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) in the Wellington and District Team Ministry (2020-23); aged 73

In this edition

Ø Services

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:

Mailing

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.

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