High Weald Churches 17/01/2025 High Weald Churches 17/01/2025

Newsletter - 01-17

Greetings from my rectory in Penshurst,

This is my first mailing of 2025. If I haven’t already said this in person, Happy New Year. Christmas seems a distant memory but I am pleased to report we had over a thousand people through the benefice church doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Thank you to everyone who worked to ensure the Advent and Christmas seasons ran smoothly and to all those who attended. Special thanks to Fr Stephen Mitchell and Rev Penny Stephens for leading services in Chiddingstone.

Sadly, the winter season often sees a spike in deaths and this year is no exception. It is an honour to lead the funerals of parishioners and to help families both celebrate the lives and gifts of characters of their loved ones. Thank you for the ways in which you support each other in the community as people work their way through their grief journey. On Wednesday we said a fond farewell to Elaine (Ellie) Mimms at St John the Baptist. On Friday the family of Jenny Chettle met to say goodbye to her at a private service at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium. Jenny’s life will be celebrated by her large circle of friends and family in St Mary’s Church on Saturday 25th January at 1000. My thanks to Sally Musson for leading both of Jenny’s services.

On Wednesday 22nd at 1300 Ada Pickering’s funeral takes place at The Kent and Sussex Crematorium. On Wednesday 29th Yvonne Braiden’s funeral will be held at Hastings Crematorium. Finally, on Thursday February 13th, we shall celebrate the life of Bob Atkins with a thanksgiving service at St John the Baptist in Penshurst.

We hold all bereaved families and friends in prayer.

At the other end of our age group, this Sunday at 1600 there will be a Christingle Service at St John the Baptist Church in Penshurst. Although billed as a Forest Church service, the service will be inside the church, the heating and kettle will be on and all ages are welcome. Christingle services can take any time between Advent and Candlemas and, given there were already nine children’s services before Christmas, it made sense to leave this service for the new year.

Our three benefice schools have been back for two full weeks and are very busy. I would like to offer congratulations to Mrs Haysom and all the staff, volunteers and pupils at Chiddingstone School for their recent OFSTED report. They were inspected in December and the report, published this week, described the school as Outstanding in all areas. The full report can be read here. https://www.chiddingstoneschool.co.uk/inspection-reports-3/

Next week the World Council of Churches celebrates a week of Christian Unity. This is an ecumenical celebration, which encourages different denominations to work together. I finish my mailing this week with a prayer for church unity written by for the Bose Community (An ecumenical community of Nuns and Monks from Italy)

“God our Father, accept our praise and thanksgiving for what already unites Christians in the confession of and witness to Jesus the Lord. Hasten the hour when all churches will recognise each other in the one communion you willed and for which your Son prayed to you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Hear us, you who live and reign now and forever.”

With every blessing for the week ahead

Lisa

In this edition:

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Services:

Sunday 19 January: Epiphany 2 - Week of prayer for Christian Unity

1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion

1600 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Forest Church Christingle Service

Sunday 26 January: Epiphany 3

1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion

1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion

(Note: No Fordcombe Evening service this month)

Sunday 2 February: Candlemas (The last Sunday of Christmas)

1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion

Life Events:

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

Baptisms: We hold Louis and his family in our prayers, as they prepare for his baptism in January.

Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Jenny Chettle, Bob Atkins, Ada Pickering and Yvonne Braiden in our prayers ahead of their upcoming 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:

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:

Ø 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 10/01/2025 High Weald Churches 10/01/2025

Newsletter - 01-10

To our benefice friends,

Please find below notice of a number of upcoming funerals and burials in the benefice, for you to be aware of.

A service will be taking place at St John the Baptist for Elaine Mimms on 15 January at 2pm.

Jenny Chettle’s memorial is to be held at St Mary’s on Saturday 25 January at 10:15. This follows a service for her family at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium on 17 January, if you’d like details to access the livestream do get in touch.

Lisa will also be conducting funerals for Ada Pickering, at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium on Wednesday 22nd January at 1pm, and Yvonne Braiden in Hastings on 29 January. Please get in touch if you’d like further details of Yvonne’s funeral.

Finally, we pray for Maggie and the loved ones of Bob Atkins, and will share his funeral details in due course.

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Services:

Sunday 12 January: Epiphany 2. The Baptism of Christ

1000 St Peter’s Fordcombe: Holy Communion

1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Matins

Sunday 19 January: Epiphany 2. Week of prayer for Christian Unity

1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion

1600 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Forest Church Christingle Service

Sunday 26 January: Epiphany 3

1000 St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway: Holy Communion

1000 St John the Baptist, Penshurst: Holy Communion

(Note: No Fordcombe Evening service this month)

Life Events:

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

Baptisms: We hold Louis and his family in our prayers, as they prepare for his baptism in January.

Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Jenny Chettle, Bob Atkins, Elaine Mimms, Ada Pickering and Yvonne Braiden in our prayers ahead of their upcoming 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:

Mailing:

High Weald Churches 20/12/2024 High Weald Churches 20/12/2024

Newsletter - 12-20

Greetings to you all for Penshurst Rectory. After a week of school services with much tinsel, tea towels and enthusiastic carol singing we are on the final run in for Christmas week.

I am delighted that, with Tabby’s help, we have managed to staff two services in each parish between sundown on Christmas eve and lunchtime on Christmas Day. There is a mixture of formal and informal services, which should cater or every taste.

The fun starts at St Peter’s at 1600 with family carols; continues at 1730 service at St Mary’s with carols by candlelight. Thank you to Rev’d Stephen Mitchell for leading this. Please note that ‘midnight’ Holy Communion starts earlier this year at 10pm at St John the Baptist. I very much hope that we can mark midnight in the comfort of our own homes! There will be a quiet communion service at St Peter’s at 0900 on Christmas Day. Rev’d Penny Stephen’s is leading a Holy Communion Service on Christmas Day at St Luke’s at 1030. At St John the Baptist I shall be leading a child- friendly morning service, also at 1030.

Whatever the Christmas season brings you, I hope that there will be time for peaceful contemplation as well as celebration. I am aware that for some this is not an easy time of year. For those bereaved, unwell or carrying emotional, financial or health burdens, life can feel raw and difficult. Please know that you are very much loved by God, and he never leaves your side. As we celebrate the incarnation afresh, I offer this blessing from our Common Worship liturgy:

May the joy of the angels,

the eagerness of the shepherds,

the perseverance of the wise men,

the obedience of Joseph and Mary,

and the peace of the Christ child

be yours this Christmas;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen

Rev’d Lisa

In this edition

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Ø Spirituality and Prayer

Services:

Sunday 22 December: Advent 4

1000 Said Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1800 Nine Lessons and Carols at St John the Baptist

Tuesday 24 December: Christmas Eve

1600 Family Carol Service at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1730 Carols by Candlelight St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

2200 United Benefice Christmas Night Holy Communion, St John’s
(Please note the earlier start)

Wednesday 25 December: Christmas Day

0900 Said Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1030 Family Service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1030 Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Sunday 29 December: First Sunday of Christmas

1000 United Benefice Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Life Events:

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

Weddings: Jack and Celia married last weekend at St Mary’s, and Rebecca and Nicholas are making their final preparations for their upcoming blessing at St John the Baptist, we hold both couples in our prayers.

Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Jenny Chettle in our prayers this week. For those who would like to attend her funeral, we hope to be able to share details in due course.

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

Learning and growing:

Mailing:

Please note that no weekly mailing is planned until the new year. Please keep an eye on our website for the latest information.

High Weald Churches 13/12/2024 High Weald Churches 13/12/2024

Newsletter - 12-13

I begin this week’s newsletter with sad news. Jenny Chettle a long-standing member of the Chiddingstone Churches family died last Friday. We pray for Jenny’s family and friends as they mourn her loss. Jenny was a truly lovely lady. She had a deep faith, lived out in service to others and in a great love for music. She supported charitable, musical and children’s work right across the benefice and was always an encouragement to others. She will be greatly missed. I am not yet aware of funeral arrangements for Jenny, but I will share them here once known.

I enjoyed a few days off at the start of the week. I am very grateful to Rev’d David Kitley for leading the 1000 service in Fordcombe last week. Dibley and I enjoyed some very bracing walks at Camber Sands. It was good to step away from home for a few days. Meanwhile on Monday, Chiddingstone School received ‘The Call’ from OFSTED and were inspected during Tuesday and Wednesday. Hot on the heels of a SIAMS inspection less than a month ago, the school rose to the challenge of the inspection with admirable professionalism. The report will be published early in the new year. Meanwhile, if you would like to read the school’s splendid SIAMS report it is at the foot of this webpage: https://www.chiddingstoneschool.co.uk/inspection-reports-3/

After two very successful Nativity Services in Chiddingstone on Wednesday, there are many school productions and services to come. I shall be at all but one of these. If attending too, I hope you enjoy every minute. See you there!

17th December 1400 Ash Class Nativity at Fordcombe School
18th Dec 1400 KS1 Nativity at St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst
18th Dec 1800 KS2 Carol service at St Mary’s Church, Chiddingstone
19th Dec 0915 KS2 Carols at St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst
19th December 1430 Elm & Oak Nativity at Fordcombe School
20th December 0915 End of Term Service at St Peter’s Church, Fordcombe

There are two meetings this coming week where the expanded PCCs of each parish will meet with Archdeacon Elect Rev’d Nick Cornell. The Chiddingstone PCC will meet at the parish room at St Luke’s on the evening of Thursday 19th December (please speak to your church wardens for details). The PCCs of Penshurst and Fordcombe will meet at 1030 at St John the Baptist Church on Friday 20th. Both meetings will offer an opportunity for Rev’d Nick to explain the pastoral consultation process planned for the benefice in early 2025.

As the Christmas festivities draw near, it may be that you or a loved one would like me to visit so that you may receive Holy Communion at home. Please drop me an email if you would like me to add you to my list of planned visits. I hope to see most people between 22nd and 24th December, but have some availability in the week to come.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the concerts, productions and services in the week ahead.

In this edition

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Ø Spirituality and Prayer

Services:

Sunday 15 December: Advent 3

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1800 Nine Lessons and Carols at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Sunday 22 December: Advent 4

1000 Said Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1800 Nine Lessons and Carols at St John the Baptist

Tuesday 24 December: Christmas Eve

1600 Family Carol Service at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1730 Carols by Candlelight St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

2200 United Benefice Christmas Night Holy Communion, St John’s
(Please note the earlier start)

Wednesday 25 December: Christmas Day

0900 Said Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1030 Family Service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1030 Morning Service at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Sunday 29 December: First Sunday of Christmas

1000 United Benefice Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

Life Events:

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

Weddings: We hold Jack and Celia, and Rebecca and Nicholas in our prayers ahead of their weddings in December.

Funerals: We hold the family and loved ones of Jenny Chettle in our prayers this week. For those who would like to attend her funeral, we hope to be able to share details in due course.

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

Learning and growing:

Mailing:

Spirituality and Prayer:

Ø Over the next couple of weeks St John’s in Penshurst will host a number of very simple prayer stations to mark the start of Advent. Please do try and visit and engage with them if you can and perhaps pray that they might prove helpful to our visitors too.

High Weald Churches 06/12/2024 High Weald Churches 06/12/2024

Newsletter - 12-06

To our benefice friends,

A brief update for this edition of the newsletter. This week has been a busy one, with funerals for Roger Theobald, Hilary Allen and Sheila Potter taking place across the benefice. We continue to pray for Roger, Hilary and Sheila, along with their loved ones.

Please find upcoming services detailed below, including a breakdown of our Christmas schedule. We do hope to see many of you passing through our doors in the coming weeks as the Christmas programme continues.

Further details are available on the services page of our website.

In this edition

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Ø Spirituality and Prayer

Services:

Sunday 8 December: Advent 2

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

1000 Matins at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Sunday 15 December: Advent 3

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1800 Nine Lessons and Carols at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Tuesday 24th Christmas Eve

16.00 Family Carol Service at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

17.30 Carols by Candlelight St Mary the Virgin, Chiddingstone

22.00 United Benefice Christmas Night Holy Communion, St John’s
(Please note the earlier start)

Wednesday 25th Christmas Day

09.00 Said Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Fordcombe

10.30 Family Service at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

10.30 Morning Service at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Life Events:

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

Weddings: We hold Jack and Celia, and Rebecca and Nicholas in our prayers ahead of their weddings in December.

Funerals: We hold Hilary Allen, Roger Theobald and Sheila Potter in our prayers, following their funerals this week.

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

Learning and growing:

Mailing:

Spirituality and Prayer:

High Weald Churches 29/11/2024 High Weald Churches 29/11/2024

Newsletter - 11-29

Greetings from The Rector:

One of the great joys of leading our benefice is the chance to work in three excellent Church of England primary schools. There are nine school services and productions to choose from in the benefice during Advent this year. If you are watching one of these with your family and friends, I hope you experience much joy. All other things being equal I shall attend seven of the nine listed below. In case you need to put the dates in your diaries:

School services and productions until the end of term

4th Dec 0915 Christingle at St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst
11th Dec 1400 and 1730 EYFS / KS1 Nativity at St Mary’s Church, Chiddingstone
18th December 1300 Christmas Production Fordcombe School
18 Dec 1400 KS1 Nativity at St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst
18th Dec 1800 KS2 Carol service at St Mary’s Church
19th Dec 0915 KS2 Carols at St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst
19th December 1pm Christmas Production Fordcombe School
20th December 0915 End of Term Service at St Peter’s Church

Of course, our schools live out their Christian values all year and as I explained two weeks ago, all church schools are inspected by the Statutory Inspectorate of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS). We await Chiddingstone’s report, which is still being finalised, but Penshurst was able to publish the report on its recent SIAMS inspection a few days ago. Click on the link to read:

https://penshurstschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/SIAMS-report-Penshurst-Church-of-England-School-118720-14112024-Final.pdf

Of course, our churches serve the flock at all stages of people’s lives. Following last week’s service for Myra Morris, we have four funerals ahead in the coming days. On Friday St Mary’s Church hosted the funeral of Rhian Palmer. Thank you to the two visiting ministers Lynette and David for leading this service. On Monday 2nd December, Chiddingstone will be saying a final farewell to Roger Theobold. His service is at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium at 1130, with a celebration at the Kentish Horse to follow. I imagine both will be lively!

On Thursday 5th December Hilary Allen will be laid to rest after a service at St Mary’s at 1300. My thanks to Rev’d Mandy Carr from Weald for leading this service. Finally, on Friday 6th the family and friends of Sheila Potter who lived in Penshurst for 50 years will gather at St John the Baptist for her funeral service. Let us hold all who mourn in our prayers.

As we look forward to new stages in our church family life, those recently elected as wardens or PCC members will be hearing from our Safeguarding Lead, Wendy Ellis. All wardens and PCC members need to be DBS checked and to undergo several layers of safeguarding training. Please can I encourage you to fill in the necessary forms and book the training as soon as possible. Most training is online, but some can be booked in person. Wendy will be pleased to guide you through the booking process if you need any help.

Next week there are several performances of the Penshurst Pantomime, Robyn Hood. Matthew our Operations Manager has a major ‘baddie’ role (booooo!) and I shall be popping up in tights (and suitable other clothing) as one of Robyn’s Merrie Maids. I am having a few days annual leave from 8th December, and so next Sunday there will be no 0800 service in Penshurst and the 1000 in Fordcombe will be led by Rev’d David Kitley. Next week’s church mailing will be crafted by Tabby and I shall report back in two weeks.

Blessings all

Lisa

In this edition

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Ø Spirituality and Prayer

Services:

Sunday 1 December: Advent 1

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Sunday 8 December: Advent 2

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s Fordcombe

1000 Matins at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Sunday 15 December: Advent 3

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1800 Nine Lessons and Carols at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Life Events:

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

Weddings: We hold Jack and Celia, and Rebecca and Nicholas in our prayers ahead of their weddings in December.

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

Funerals: We hold Hilary Allen, Roger Theobald and Sheila Potter 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:

Mailing:

Spirituality and Prayer:

High Weald Churches 22/11/2024 High Weald Churches 22/11/2024

Newsletter - 11-22

To our benefice friends,

Regretfully, there are a number of funerals upcoming in the benefice in the coming weeks, details of which are included below.

This coming Friday the funeral for Rhian Palmer will be taking place at St Mary’s, Chiddingstone, at 11am.

Roger Theobald’s funeral will be at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium on Monday 2nd of December at 11:30am.

On Thursday 5th December St Mary’s will be holding the funeral of Hilary Allen at 1pm. And the following day, on 6th December at 11:30, we will be holding the funeral for Sheila Potter at St John the Baptist, Penshurst.

If you have any questions on these services please do contact the office.

In this edition

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

Services:

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

Sunday 1 December: Advent 1

1000 Holy Communion at St John the Baptist, Penshurst

1000 Holy Communion at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Sunday 8 December: Advent 2

1000 Holy Communion at St Peter’s Fordcombe

1000 Matins at St Luke’s, Chiddingstone Causeway

Life Events:

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

Weddings: We hold Jack and Celia, and Rebecca and Nicholas in our prayers ahead of their weddings in December.

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

Funerals: We hold Hilary Allen, Roger Theobald, Sheila Potter 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

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 15/11/2024 High Weald Churches 15/11/2024

Newsletter - 11-15

Dear Parishioners

I begin our newsletter with the very sad news from our Chiddingstone Church family. Hilary Allen, the wife of Church Warden Paul, died last weekend. We offer our sincere condolences to Paul, his daughters, grandchildren and wider friends and family at this sad time. I am awaiting confirmation of Hilary’s funeral details. I hope to have more information to share next week. As Rector of the parish, I thank God for Hilary’s life of service to her community, strength of character and dedication to her family. I know she will be missed by many. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Also in Chiddingstone, Roger Theobald’s funeral has been confirmed for 1130 on the 2nd December at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium. On Friday 22nd, the family and friends of Myra Morris will gather at Penshurst Church for her funeral. This begins at 1130.

The Fordcombe community were rocked this week by a house fire that has left two families having lost all their possessions, and extensive damage to houses and stables. The community and the schools in Fordcombe and Langton Green have closed around the families, and various fundraising events and gatherings of donations are planned. In the first instance, please speak to Ness at Fordcombe School for advice should you wish to help.

Remembrance events on Sunday and Monday were very poignant and well attended. Thank you to all of you who took the time to attend acts of worship in churches, at war memorials and in schools to remember the fallen. I am proud that as a nation and as local communities, we take time to remember that our peace and prosperity has been hard won and should never be taken for granted

Our church schools in Chiddingstone and Penshurst were inspected by SIAMS this week. Both schools were able to demonstrate the multiplicity of ways in which their Christian vision is embedded and the impacts of this on the school and wider community. From my perspective as Rector, it was fascinating to see how each school does this in their own unique and authentic way. I am also quite glad that this a five yearly process!

This Sunday, Forest Church is at 3pm in my Rectory Garden in Penshurst. We will be celebrating Christ the King. Th earlier time is to make best use of the remaining daylight. All are welcome. Outdoor footwear and coats are recommended

As the long nights draw in, and the final flurries of leaves make it to the compost bin; I wish you all every blessing for the week ahead.

In this edition

Ø Services

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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:

Mailing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

Ø Life Events

Ø Learning and growing

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

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