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September 2016 see pages 6-7 Wrap-Around St Mary’s Church, hat a wonderful weekend we variety of creative and decorative panels with lots of activities and goodies to eat. the project from day one reflected on the had for our Patronal Festival we had – the imaginative designs were Throughout the Saturday cakes, coffee original idea which had been to: W a testament to the ingenuity of everyone and tea were served and on the Sunday, and our Wrap-Around project. who had made a panel. The wide variety after the Festival Service, we had a come- Focus on the fabric of the It was the culmination of many of the panels undoubtedly reflected our together and share picnic, sitting outside church and focus on the fabric of community from the Junior Church Litter the church in the sunshine admiring the months of work by many people the community by focusing from every part of the Lamberhurst Picking for Christian Aid panel with its panels! All the panels were blessed by sweet wrappers and representations of the Rev Roger Bishop and the Sunday on the fabric of the fabric panels community – individuals, societies, rubbish; through to the incredible tie was also a Gift Day for the restoration – thanks to the incredible and organisations. and dye panels made by the Brownies; fund, where donations could be made. the generous and happy support from the school, a panel from each class, A highlight of the church service was The Wrap-Around of the church building reflecting the names of their class names when the 1st Lamberhurst Brownies of everyone it was achieved. happened and, despite the occasional, of jewels – Ruby, Emerald, Topaz, Amber, paraded with two examples of their tie but very heavy showers on Saturday 2 Sapphire, Garnet and Diamond; Fidgets & dye panels and made the presentation However, the Wrap-Around and the July the magnificent, display of the fabric Nursery and Tinies Church with hand and of their gift of £367.00 which they had Focus on the Fabric which took place panels that adorned the church on the footprints of all the children and babies; raised. on the weekend in July is not the end – outside, right around all the four walls, the Lamberhurst Dance School with every plans are being made for the project to those hanging from the tower and the one of the pupils’ names written on the The total raised at the time of continue, and an Arts and Crafts group will be started in the autumn for anyone ones attached to the handrail on the path ribbon edge. Of the societies that helped writing is £9,600 – the money is leading to the car , all withstood the out the Pantomime Society, with its great who wishes to continue their creativity to wet and the wind. When the small group donation of loads of costumes and fabric; truly significant and the come to. During this we hope to develop of us who worked to bring this project the History Society; the bell ringers; the fund raising will go on to aim the fabric panels into other items – such together envisaged the project we flower arrangers – we had a panel from at the need for £250,000 for the as new altar clothes or Community knew that in spite of all the enthusiasm Scotney Castle and wonderful panels and Comfort Cushions. So watch this space! we and others had the weather could a welcome banner from St Luke, , stonework repair. The Wrap goes on…! wreck the weekend – but it didn’t! A few our sister church alongside panels made In the wider sense the Wrap-Around repairs to some panels were needed but in memory of loved ones. We had great media coverage – see the represents our great community by giving marvellously the outside ‘Wrap’ remained Rev Mandy’s Blog on: www.rochesteraim. everyone the chance to participate and intact until Sunday afternoon. The weekend was incredibly busy with com/fabric-for-the-fabric; we were on enjoy each other’s company and to share a large number of visitors; we held a Meridian News throughout the day on creative gifts and talents. As the bunting In total we had 151 panels – many of Welcome Party for new residents on Tuesday 5 July; there was an article in the on the paths leading up to the church those hung inside the church as well as the Saturday afternoon and the brilliant Messenger article on Friday 8 July fluttered in the wind on that weekend, those around the outside. And what a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, always such fun and a live interview with Phil Harrison on those of us who had been involved in Radio Kent on Sunday 17 July.

Copy deadline for the October issue of Rochester Link is 4pm on 16 September 2016. Copy to: [email protected] 2 ochester Link What’s on What’s On September 2016 RAINHAM GILLINGHAM 25 September at St Margaret’s Church at 6:00pm, 4 September Pam Rhodes is to perform a concert in aid Bishop Chad Gandiya of Harare to preach at the annual of the St Mary Magdalene Church Appeal at 2:30pm. celebration of our Diocesan Overseas Partnerships. The The concert is entitled “Then Sings my Soul”, the title service to be led by Bishop James Langstaff with the of her latest book, and will follow the format of “Songs help of a Zimbabwean choir! Come to worship, maybe of Praise” on which she has been a familiar face since dance (!) and hear how the church continues to flourish 1987. Tickets to include refreshments are priced at £8 by God’s grace and power. (at the door £10) and can be obtained from The Parish Office 01634 853459; [email protected] SEVENOAKS or Hilda on 01634 932135 25 September at St Luke’s Church, Bishop Chad Gandiya

of Harare to preach at 10:15am Parish Communion. All SEVENOAKS welcome Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Lunchtime Recitals, Lasting 30 minutes. Every Wednesday at 12:30pm. Please join us WEST PECKHAM – admission free. Refreshments available from 12 noon 30 September – 2 October Harvest Flower Festival SEPTEMBER Fabulous flower arrangements on display in the beautiful WIN! Knowing Anna Book 7 Deborah Gjeloshaj and the Rev Canon Mark Griffin – 11th century Church of St Dunstan. Celebrating autumn A Recital with a difference! and the Harvest. Children’s fun art activities and themed Entry Rules: One entry per UK household. Entrants must reside in 14 New Benedict Singers quiz (Saturday and Sunday). View rarely seen archive the Diocese of Rochester. Entry is free. No cash or alternative prize 21 Jackie Sanjana’s Beethoven Five Wind Ensemble photographs illustrating life in the village. Morning will be given. The judge’s decision is final. Entrants must send their 28 Marjorie Ouvry – Mezzo Soprano, Amy Müller, Pianist coffee, light lunches and cream teas served each day name and postal address to [email protected]. For future organ recitals, see: organrecitals.com in the village hall. See photographs displayed in the org or St Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SL. Closing village hall taken by the current children of the village date 1600 Friday 16 September. Entries received after this will be SHORNE themed “work” ,“rest” and “play”. Saturday 1 October disqualified. 10 September Open Day & Afternoon Teas at St Peter & a fabulous evening of Jazz & Prosecco £8.00 per ticket Question: Which instrument is featured in the photograph on St Paul, Butchers Hill, Shorne, DA12 3EB. Church open price includes concert, glass of Prosecco and nibbles the front cover of “Knowing Anna”? from 10:00am for self-guided visits, guided tours 2:00pm, (for tickets email [email protected]) or contact 3:00pm and 4:00pm, afternoon teas from 2:30pm to Celia Stevenson 01622 817693). Flower Festival and CONTACT US 5:00pm. Information at www.shorneparishchurch.co.uk parking free News and letters to the Editor: [email protected] Telephone: 01634 560000 LAMBERHURST What’s On October 2016 16 September Lamberhurst Music Festival at St Mary’s IFIELD ADVERTISEMENTS Church, Lamberhurst at 7:30pm. Julian Bliss, Classical 1-2 October Exhibition: “History of Ifield and Singlewell” Email: [email protected] music for clarinet and piano. More information from at St Margaret’s Church, Church Road DA13 9AR, Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by email please. www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk Saturday and Sunday 2:00 - 5:00pm. Free entry, Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. refreshments available. Ending with Harvest Festival (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do BECKENHAM service at 5pm on Sunday. the rest for you.) 18 September Churches Together in Beckenham’s annual picnic at St George’s Green, Beckenham at 2:30pm. BEXLEYHEATH Activities for all ages, including information on local 8 October Countess of Wessex String Orchestra at churches and arts/crafts and face painting. Food and Christ Church, Bexleyheath at 7:00pm. Tickets £10 in soft drinks available. advance £12 on the night. Parish Office 020 8301 5966 [email protected] SIDCUP 24-25 September Harvest Festival Marquee Service SEVENOAKS followed by a weekend of fun and fellowship. Event 14 October Garth Hewitt Concert at St Luke’s Church, takes place at Kelsey’s Farm, Water Lane, Sidcup, DA14 Sevenoaks at 7:30pm. Tickets in advance £5 from 5ET (off North Cray Road). Saturday service at 3:00pm 01732 461087 followed by outside adventure play at 4:30pm, Barn Dance from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. £15 per person or £25 CRAYFORD a family ticket which includes evening buffet (bring your 22 October The Friends of St Paulinus Jubilee Concert own drinks & glasses. Sunday Messy Church at 3:00pm. to be held in St Paulinus Church at 7:30 pm. Contact For more information, contact Sue Sauter 07910 245486 on 01322 557532 or [email protected] or Pam Sanders 07950 740301 Inter Faith Week 2016 13–20 November By the Rev Richard Martin be marked at a local level. For some ideas, please Plans are taking shape across the Diocese visit www.interfaithweek.org. Under “Resources” for using this week (which this year includes you will find a comprehensive “Inter Faith Week Remembrance Sunday) to reach out in friendship Toolkit”. One simple way is to invite people to a to people of other faiths, and to learn more about meal. FROM PROPAGATION their beliefs and lifestyles. Another possibility is to begin “Scriptural On Saturday 12 November Dr Stephen Laird of Reasoning” (for a full description please visit TO PARTNERSHIP the University of Kent and St Augustine’s College www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk/sr) If you would like will be leading “An Introduction to Islam” at Christ help with getting started, please contact me. Church, Orpington, 10-2pm. When Stephen ran As Us returns to the well-loved USPG, the P in this event in Canterbury Diocese over 100 people Here is a prayer you might like to use in Inter- attended, so please book your place in good time faith week:- our name has changed! It might seem a small by contacting Val Butler at the Diocesan Office Heavenly Father change but it’s an important one. It’s the way [email protected] Thank you for the many positive contributions we do mission now - inclusive, empowering, which people of faith make to our communities. On Saturday 19 November Kevin Wren, Director Help us to build good links with those who forward-looking. of South Asian Concern, will be leading “An have different beliefs to ourselves, growing in Introduction to Sikhism”, at Christ Church Milton, understanding, working together for the common Old Road East, Gravesend DA12 1NR 10:00am - good, and reaching out to those who find belief 3:00 pm. If you’d like to attend please email me difficult. at [email protected] We pray through Jesus Christ, who reconciles the UNITED SOCIETY whole world to you, PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL There are many other ways Interfaith Week can Amen ochester Link 3

Baba Askofu....

write this during a visit to our partner dioceses I in Africa – I have completed a week in Kondoa and am now in Mpwapwa. The latter has been interesting as a full programme of Confirmation services is planned (it is Confirmation season here), in which I would normally have shared with the bishop – that’s what happened in Kondoa where Bishop Given and I confirm in tandem. But Bishop Jacob of Mpwapwa is also the Archbishop of Tanzania for five years, and he has been called away in that capacity. So I find myself as Honorary Assistant Bishop of Mpwapwa confirming on my own – my grasp of Kiswahili has had to grow rapidly so that I can confirm people in their own language!

In Tanzania, whenever the bishop visits a parish, the leaders make a report to him – and in Bishop Jacob’s absence, I have found myself receiving these. ‘Baba Askofu....’, they begin – ‘Father Bishop....’. The report includes details of the parish activities and how many people are involved in different things; the structure of each parish is broadly similar – children, youth, Mothers’ Union etc – so the reports have a common shape. There is information given about any work on the church building, also on any daughter churches in the parish (most have them). Daughter churches are usually led by a catechist, so we are told how many of them there are. We hear too about the state of the pastor’s house. And then there is the money.

In fact the section on money is usually near the beginning of the report and is often the longest section – perhaps that would be similar with us. But interestingly it is also often the most upbeat section, with the leaders appearing very keen to tell their Bishop how much they have contributed. Photo by Bridget Langstaff So we hear about how much has been paid by the various departments in the parish (youth, children, MU etc) to their discipleship. I see Christians who have, certainly I don’t need to tell you that we have our financial diocesan-level bodies. We hear how many iron-sheets in relation to us, almost nothing. In Kondoa almost challenges as a diocesan family. Put bluntly, the have been provided to roof the house of retired clergy all of the clergy receive no stipend at all, living off amount we contribute collectively does not fully cover (the nearest equivalent to a clergy pension). We hear how the land. Even in the more established Diocese of the costs even of our deployed clergy and the training much has been contributed to the diocesan office and to Mpwapwa resources are not great and yet, because I of ordinands and curates. In a diocese as relatively any special fund which the Bishop may have established. In am confirming in their parishes, the local parishes have affluent as Rochester, that is a situation which really Kondoa, a poor diocese, the amounts are tiny; in Mpwapwa, insisted on paying for my accommodation while I am should not persist. In very round figures, covering all especially in the town, they are often quite substantial. I here. Indeed everywhere I go, there is generosity. In those costs (all of which go directly back into parish may of course have mis-read the tone due to my cultural one parish in Kondoa – a very new parish, still being mission and ministry) amounts to less than £500 per and linguistic limitations, but my strong sense (confirmed by established - the people gave the Bishop 500,000 year from each regular worshipper. my conversations with the bishops) is that the people are Tanzanian Shillings towards diocesan costs. That’s less keen to give and see it as a mark of their discipleship. than £200, but in that setting it was incredibly generous My time in Tanzania challenges me to consider the and left the Bishop almost speechless – something one strength of my own discipleship. Can I encourage all of While here, I often find myself challenged about my own can rarely say of Bishop Given! us to do the same? Bishop James’ Diary September 2016 1 Thursday All Day Annual Leave 12 Monday All Day College of Bishops - Oxford 24 Saturday 10:00am Kent Workplace Mission Quiet 3 Saturday 10:30am Opening and Rededication to 15 Thursday Day - Rochester Ceremony - Platt War Memorial 2:15pm 40th Anniversary Celebration 6 Tuesday 5:30pm Finance Committee - Rochester 16 Friday Evening Christians Against Poverty Wateringbury Primary School 7 Wednesday All Day Bishop’s Staff Meeting Event - Rochester - Wateringbury - Rochester 18 Sunday 10:00am WW1 Memorial Stone 25 Sunday 11:15am 400th Anniversary Service - 4:30pm Bishop’s Fund for Mission Re-dedication - Christ Church, East Peckham with Nettlestead Meeting - Rochester Milton 3:15pm Installation of Honorary Canons 7:30pm Institution of the Rev Laurence 19 Monday All Day Housing Justice Day - Rochester Cathedral Powell - King Charles the - Rochester 6:00pm Celebration Service Partnerships Martyr, Tunbridge Wells 20 Tuesday 2:45pm Kings’ Confirmation Service with Diocese of Zimbabwe - 8 Thursday 7:30pm Licensing of the Rev Rachel - Rochester Cathedral St Margaret, Rainham Wilson - St Thomas, 5:30pm Bishop’s Council - Rochester 26 Monday All Day Bishop Leadership Programme Southborough 21 Wednesday All Day Turning Up the Volume to 28 Wednesday - Cambridge 9 Friday 7:00pm Centenary Service Meeting - London 28 Wednesday 11:00am Ordination Preliminaries - - St Augustine, Gillingham 7:30pm Institution of the Rev Paul Rochester 10 Saturday 9:30am Bishop’s Council - Rochester Kish - Yalding with 29 Thursday 12:15pm Housing Justice Cymru Launch 7:00pm Institution of the Rev Richard 22 Thursday 7:30pm Licensing of the Rev Andrew - Cardiff Thomas-St Philip,Tunbridge Wells Axon - Lamberhurst and Matfield 30 Friday All Day New Head Teachers’ Day-Rochester 4 ochester Link

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[email protected] ochester Link 5 Help us to reveal our Hidden Treasures Birchwood House Rest Home fter more than 2 years of Residential Home for Abuilding work, Rochester the Elderly Cathedral is ready to launch Respite care & short stay available “Hidden Treasures Revealed”. The A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, set Heritage Lottery funded project in 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easy reach of and Tunbridge Wells. has created new spaces and • All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call transformed others which were system. Lift to all floors. • Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered behind closed doors. For the first for. time we are able to share the library •Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop. • Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to and the crypt with everyone. the local church. Stockland Green Road, The medieval crypt will host our new , Kent TN3 0TU permanent exhibition where we will Telephone: Langton (01892 86) 3559 reveal our magnificent collections of plate, vestments, paintings and stones and will showcase Rochester’s Textus Roffensis – a world changing manuscript. Metalsmith The Textus Roffensis is the only existing www.steelyourself.co.uk copy of the first code of English law and was Conscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall civilisation of the British Isles.’ And it will our visitors feel warmly welcomed. They written in Rochester during the early 1120s. provides new work and maintenance for a only be on display in Rochester Cathedral, give their time generously and in return we It is one of the most important documents number of churches. its home. offer challenging training and development To join his list of satisfi ed customers in English history. This manuscript, opportunities, fun, knowledge and a call: 020 8850 7851 or 077 6666 2747 written in Old English and Latin, is hugely Engaging the community in our permanent wonderful sense of community. important in the history of English law and temporary exhibitions is key to the and language and is believed to have success of the project and to achieve this we If you want to become involved in this influenced wording of the Magna Carta of are looking for new volunteers to support exhilarating and far reaching legacy project 1215 and, later, the American Declaration of in the running of our exhibition space and have a respectful and friendly approach Independence of 1776. The historian and alongside our existing team. Our volunteers to people and a keen interest in your history television presenter, Michael Wood, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds then please contact Lisa Johnson on 01634 has supported the project, says that Textus but all share a passion for heritage, a love 810077 or lisa.johnson@rochestercathedral. Roffensis is of ‘supreme importance...one of of the Cathedral and a desire to make all org to learn more. the few crucial works in the history of the

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he last week of July saw around 220 such a noise as to be audible in the High “Seeing some 8 year old girls in our group Tchildren, 100 volunteers and 22 young Street. Meanwhile the 4-5 year olds had take part in a really determined game of helpers at St Peter & St Paul, Tonbridge and stories, song, games and craft at St Saviour’s football” St Saviour’s churches for Holiday Club! church while parents and grandparents could “The outdoor games and the songs” watch from the coffee area. “Making a prayer” During the week the children learned about “Seeing Andy [leader] dressed to climb who Jesus was and why he came, why he Hoping that children and leaders had learned mountains when it was really hot” died and why it is important. Woven around something as well as having a lot of fun, we film and talk on Jesus’ ministry was a drama asked a few what they had liked best: Leaders are presently too exhausted to about a mixed group of explorers who contemplate next year, but we love this variously give up, get stuck, experience fear, “When we got the competition results each ministry and pray it brings families to join and endure hardships. Competitions, songs day” us – look out for 2017! and challenges at St Peter & St Paul caused “Making things in our den, and the BBQ” 6 ochester Link Bromley Schools Festival

he Rev Anne Jablonski and husband proudly displaying the name of their production of The Sermon on the Festival last September because TAndrew launched their Bromley schools. A riot of multi-coloured school Mount for the day. The children offered Rochester Cathedral was closed. We Schools Festival on a bright and sunny uniforms filled the pews. Each child gifts and prayers, asking God to help needed a venue for that year 6 festival, Tuesday morning, with the theme of was given a free wristband displaying them with things like passing their and we enjoyed that so much that “Feeding the Five Thousand.” A variety the words, “I am special to God.” forth coming 11+ exams (one so that this year we carried on with year 5.” of workshops were stationed around the she could become an architect) or they (The year 6 festival has returned to church to emphasise this biblical story, The Rev Anne Jablonski opened the apologised for where they felt they had Rochester Cathedral.) and throughout the day the children day by telling the children, fallen short of expectations. Finally, sang, danced, acted, drew, worshipped they offered prayers of thanks. Anne continued, “This is important and cooked their way to the closing “We are going to commit the because the participating children prayers. day to God. Let’s join in prayers The children then watched the second come from mainly church schools. This together.” part of the drama production. reinforces the connection with Church. Some 425 children attended the action- We give the children a good experience packed day, beginning by marching This was followed by the singing of The Rev Anne Jablonski said, “We of church to say that children are very into the church carrying banners hymns and Scene 1 of the drama started planning this Bromley Schools important to God and very important to ochester Link 7

us as a church and that God loves them and Alex Runting (aged 18) from The only church could always be this much numerous egg canapés to represent all very much.” Kent County Association of Change fun! feeding the 5000. The church was alive Ringers introduced the children to the and vibrant with the children from St Kacy (aged 10) explained, “We are mechanics of bell ringing. The organisation required to make Mark’s school energetically dancing making an art project; we are going to the day run smoothly should not be to “Walking on Sunshine” and being pin our work up and make a sea of fishes; If you would like to find out more underestimated, but the Rev Anne congratulated by team leader Lauren it’s because we are showing feeding the about bell ringing, please contact: Jablonski remained unflappable for learning the choreography so 5000 with fish. I’m really enjoying the [email protected] throughout; even when one school quickly. day.” (St Mark’s School, Bromley.) and one of the entertainment providers Children then took turns in learning didn’t arrive. Eventually the footballers The Rev Anne Jablonski closed the The Rev Andrew Jabonski said, “I think how to manipulate large puppets for arrived – just three and-a-half hours day with a list of thank yous and told this is about having fun in church and the final lively, heavy rock puppet show! late. the children “It was lovely to have you maybe getting opportunities to do Puppets ranged from an emu and a here!” The day closed with the sweet things they otherwise wouldn’t do, like frog to a lion and a big blue monster. Meanwhile in the kitchen, batches of sound of 425 young children joining in bell ringing. Alex Fishburn (aged 20) The youngsters were captivated. If children were enthusiastically making saying the Lord’s Prayer. 8 ochester Link

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By June Wright, Pastoral Assistant again. The one night which should have WE CAN been joyful, was cruel and painful. To n Saturday 9 July, I attended give birth, was the same procedure. This is happening in our own country as well DESIGN OInspiration Day at Christ as abroad. The girls will not have ‘well- Church, Orpington. The guest woman’ tests as they are embarrassed by speaker was Elaine Storkey. the look on the face of the doctor when he sees the state of her body. Many young PRINT I first met Elaine and her husband Alan, girls from this country are being taken at Spring Harvest many moons ago when away as if on holiday, never to come back, DISTRIBUTE I was a new Christian. They were regular sold as child brides - children of 9 yrs old speakers. I knew she was an excellent married to men of 40. communicator of the word,and I wanted see if she still was. She is!! So, armed with all this information and YOUR much more, we shared with each other. The theme for the day was ‘How do we What could we do? How do we hear God’s LEAFLETS listen for God’s voice and how does He voice. speak to us internationally, nationally and AND MORE locally?’ I suggested that we were like

Internationally, she gave examples of small grains of sand which, when corrupt government millionaires who don’t put together make a beach. If • Design care about people and their lives, who buy we each do our own individual a debt from a poor country for £2 million Our talented designers can give and then take them to court to sue for bit, it all makes a difference. the original amount of £15 million. This They had seen Jesus in the love of the your business or event a great has bankrupted small economies in some We as individuals could play our part. We Baptist Pastor. I wept. look. We can source images and African countries. Big conglomerates do certainly could and should pray Christ proof read your print media. business in a country but refuse to pay the into all these happenings. Then we went On a closing note, we were given Ps 137 relevant taxes. back for the last session and Elaine told a and Jeremiah 29: 4 – 9 both telling of the story where she visited a country, where exile to Babylon. One was negative and Nationally, we have corrupt bankers, they had little Bhuddas everywhere. As one was positive. The first saying how can • Print media which meddles and peddles lies a Christian Tearfund representative, she we sing for our captors, and they hung up and misconstrues the truth. Again big wondered what they were getting into. their harps on the trees, they looked back We can manage the print of your businesses stash funds into tax havens They made a visit to a factory where the to the past instead of looking forward to leafl ets, business cards, stationery, which quite often are owned by the UK procedure meant placing your hands into the future. Their captors had heard of anyway. Elaine also spoke about FGM in corrosive liquid, which was disfiguring their their lovely Jewish songs and just wanted and almost anything else. quite graphic and harrowing detail. This hands. The story was told of a Baptist to hear them, to feel the joy. They didn’t We offer short runs as well as was difficult for her to tell, and hard for Minister, in a parish down the road from sing the songs, so lost the opportunity to us to hear. Though it needed to be told. this factory, who saw this and went in each integrate and share. In Jeremiah, we hear large quantities at great rates I am not sure that many people really day and took gloves for the workers and God’s voice, telling them to live peaceably including FREE UK mainland understand the barbaric ritual of FGM did the hand dipping himself. His hands in Babylon to integrate, intermarry, to delivery on most orders. (female genital mutilation). I never knew too, became disfigured. When asked by a build, to make a new life for themselves. that there were three levels of ‘cut’. The member of the factory, why she, Elaine, That He would not forsake them, that He 1st quite light, 2nd actually removing the a woman of importance, a Christian, a would bring them home in time. There clitoris and 3rd the removal of most of the woman of influence, had come to their seems to be a message, needing to be flesh and labia, stitching up the cut, so that factory to visit them, Elaine explained, heard, for our country at this moment in • Distribution there is no way she could be adulterous with because she cared, because she wanted time, when we need to build, look forward, anyone else. It’s another example of male to see if they (Tearfund) could help and to unite and to live peaceably with those We are able to insert your leafl ets domination and treating women, in certain to tell them of the love of Jesus. ‘Oh! We strangers within our shores. into this and similar publications have met Jesus’, the Bhuddist lady replied. cultures, as possessions. This circumcision enabling you to reach a church or procedure, is sometimes done at birth. ‘Really?’ asked Elaine, ‘Oh yes, he comes I felt I had learnt so much about so many The baby often bleeds to death. On her into our factory every day, he washes the things that study day, and I am stronger audience in this and other CofE wedding night she has to be cut open to leather for us and he gives us gloves’. because I am better informed. dioceses. receive her husband. Then, re- stitched Dedication for Kondoa Kindergarden

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CREonline THE ONLY PLACE TO FIND A HUGE RANGE OF CHURCH RESOURCES CREonline.co.uk/tv UNDER ONE ROOF! @CRE_churchshow Take an inner journey ochester Link 11 Intercessions FRIENDS OF KENT CHURCHES Rochester Diocese -September 2016 Thursday 1 September Giles, hermit, c.710 Rochester Diocese: For those called to the religious life. Rochester Diocese: For all who are lonely, or withdrawn, and Saturday 17 September Hildegard, abbess, visionary, 1179 THE SPONSORED RIDE AND STRIDE 2015 those who choose a solitary life. Rochester Diocese: Speldhurst, St Mary the Virgin, with RAISED THE MAGNIFICENT SUM OF Friday 2 September Martyrs of Papua New Guinea, 1901, 1942 , St John the Evangelist, and Ashurst, St Martin £128,007 Rochester Diocese: Hildenborough, St John the Evangelist. of Tours, Rector: The Rev Douglas Wren MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO TOOK PART Vicar: The Rev Tim Saiet Sunday 18 September Saturday 3 September Gregory the Great, bishop, teacher Rochester Diocese: For Bishop Chad Gandiya, Dean Farai of the faith, 604 Mutamiri and all the diocesan team in Harare. Rochester Diocese: Leigh, St Mary, Vicar: The Rev Lionel Kevis Monday 19 September Theodore, archbishop, 690 PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2016 RIDE AND STRIDE Sunday 4 September Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, Holy Trinity with Christ TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2016 Rochester Diocese: For those beginning training for ordination. Church, Vicar: The Rev Howard Flint By cycling, walking or running around Kent churches Monday 5 September Tuesday 20 September John Coleridge Patteson, bishop, you can raise Money to be divided equally between the Rochester Diocese: For schools: staff, children and families and companions, martyrs, 1871 Friends of Kent Churches and the church or chapel of preparing for a new school year. Rochester Diocese: Brothers and sisters in the Orthodox your choice. Tuesday 6 September Allen Gardiner, missionary, founder communities Sponshorship forms available from your local organiser or see www.friendsofkentchurches.co.uk of the South American Mission Society, 1851 Wednesday 21 September Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Rochester Diocese: , St John the Baptist and Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Barnabas, Priest-in- Event Co-ordinator: Carolyn Millen 01622 843383 Fordcombe, St Peter, Rector: The Rev Tom Holme Charge: The Rev John Caster [email protected] Wednesday 7 September Thursday 22 September In aid of friends of Kent Churches, and your local Church or Chapel Rochester Diocese: For Tunbridge Wells, King Charles the Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St James, Vicar: The Rev FKC Registered Charity No 207021 Martyr and the Rev Laurence Powell, commissioned today. Canon Jim Stewart Thursday 8 September Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary Friday 23 September Rochester Diocese: Tonbridge, St Andrew, St Peter and St Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St John, Vicar: The Rev Paul, St Philip, and St Saviour, Vicar: The Rev Mark Brown Giles Walter Friday 9 September Charles Fuge Lowder, priest, 1880 Saturday 24 September Rochester Diocese: Tonbridge, St Stephen, Vicar: The Rev Rochester Diocese: For the appointment of a new Bishop of Mark Barker Tonbridge. Saturday 10 September Sunday 25 September Rochester Diocese: For St Philip, Tunbridge Wells, and for the Rochester Diocese: Orpington Deanery, The Rev John Tranter, Rev Richard Thomas instituted today. Area Dean; Mr Barry Kemp, Lay Chair. Sunday 11 September Monday 26 September Wilson Carlile, founder of the Rochester Diocese: Malling Deanery, The Rev Matthew Church Army, 1942 Buchan, Rural Dean; Mr Barry Fisher, Lay Chair. Rochester Diocese: For ministers in the Church Army. Monday 12 September Tuesday 27 September Vincent de Paul, founder of the Rochester Diocese: , All Saints, Vicar: vacant Lazarists, 1660 Tuesday 13 September John Chrysostom, bishop, teacher Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Luke, Vicar: The Rev of the faith, 407 Caroline Glass-Gower Rochester Diocese: , St Paul, Vicar: The Rev Ronnie Wednesday 28 September Ember Day Williams Rochester Diocese: For our ordinands, going away together Wednesday 14 September Holy Cross Day on retreat today. Rochester Diocese: Southborough, St Peter with Christ Church Thursday 29 September Michael and All Angels and St Matthew, and , St Lawrence, Team Rector: Rochester Diocese: Tunbridge Wells, St Mark, Vicar: The Rev

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By Heather Bartley, Licensed Lay Minister A cheque was given to Door of Hope 0116 272 0500 for £1,200. This is beyond any amount Authorised & regulated by the FCA What an amazing morning....On 18 June expected. As a volunteer, I know the money 64 lovely ladies engaged in this first ever will be well spent. Since the breakfast, Tower special breakfast. Many came from within Hamlets Council has pledged a significant ALGARVE Luxury 3 bed villa (all ensuite) London Borough of Bexley, many not normally one year grant. Door of Hope is the only Sleeps 6/8, near Carvoeiro. attending a church and others from different Own pool, all mod cons project out at “stupid o’clock” to care for Situated on Pestana Golf Resort. denominations. Golf, Tennis, Free Wifi. the ladies. They acknowledge the Christian Also on Trip Advisor distinctiveness of engaging with the women, Full details and brochure: Brian Chambers This raised awareness of St Barnabas not a number-crunching exercise. This Tel: 02380 265 683 nominated summer charity: Door of Hope. [email protected] money will provide additional part time paid www.casa-oleander.co.uk Opening words....”you are on a cruise staff to take the ladies forward with daytime ship...a special buffet breakfast has been support. We desire their journey will be to prepared, yet in addition, we will provide exit prostitution. Outreach is back to every made to order omelettes.” A sense of being Friday night. Who is like you, O Lord, valued as a person, together with all the among the gods? Who hard work, which often occurs behind the Hot off the press, we are now beginning scenes, was very important. early morning outreach from 5am... twice is like you, majestic in a month, check out on line ”beyond the holiness, awesome in Door of Hope is a Christian project which has streets/door of hope” or please ask. supported women exploited by prostitution glorious deeds, doing in the East End of London for over 20 I personally want to thank everyone for love, wonders? years. This breakfast provided a wonderful prayers and financial support. opportunity to chat and learn about social Ex 15:11 issues not too distant from our doorstep. In saying all the above, give praise and By the grace of God, the charity will move glory to God. He is the only one who can forward after many months of prayer, transform lives. pruning and obedience. 12 ochester Link

St Augustine Arrives at Malling Abbey

By Rev Dr Alan Gregory requires a Church that is confident in Christ and bold in its the facilities with the faculty and students as together we teaching. Not only a new name, though, from September, occupy and shape a place of Godly encounter, prayer and St Augustine’s is also bringing its offices, library, and half formation.” Well, not personally, perhaps, but in inspiration. its teaching program to the new facilities at Malling Abbey, For the past twenty years, the South East run by the St Benedict’s Centre. In all that we do, we bring biblical witness and the teaching Institution for Theological Education, known of the Church together with contemporary life, with all its Working alongside the St Benedict’s Centre, the staff and excitement, suffering, bewilderment, and hope. We help enigmatically as SEITE and occasionally trustees of St Augustine are looking forward to expanding our students reflect on the context of their lives in ways mispronounced SETI (which studies extra- its ministry as a source for Christian education in the that help them to discern God’s call in the times and places terrestrials), has trained for ordination men south east. The college offers its courses, accredited by of their work, both inside and outside the worshiping the University of Durham, to Readers, Ordained Ministry community. At whatever level they study, and whether and women from Rochester Diocese, as students, and to anyone interested in learning more they are with us for a single event, or several years, we well as from Chichester, Canterbury, and about their Christian faith. St Augustine is dedicated to try and inspire in our students the personal formation that Southwark. Now, SEITE has the new and fostering spiritual formation, theological understanding, brings us into the freedom of Christ. That freedom comes and Christian mission. New ventures include a Certificate in from opening our minds, engaging our prayer, deepening much less puzzling name of St Augustine’s Youth Ministry, currently in the planning stage, and an MA our trust in God’s love, and so strengthening us to minister College of Theology. program, beginning in September and open to clergy and that love to others. Malling Abbey, with its community of Readers interested in continuing education, as well as to prayer, its long witness to Christian faithfulness, and now We have chosen St Augustine, south-east England’s qualifying laity. We shall also participate in the educational its new facilities for teaching and learning, provides an missionary saint, to help us keep in mind that the world ministry of the St Benedict’s Centre. The Director of the ideal place to pursue that vision of Christian and ministerial needs the gospel of Jesus as much as ever and that mission Centre comments they “are looking forward to sharing formation.

Patronal Festival at St Margaret’s Church, Rainham.

By Tony Fairclough St Margaret’s Church, Rainham, celebrated its Patronal Festival with a Communion Service and BBQ in the Vicarage garden. 70+ parishioners gathered in the Vicarage Garden for a service of Holy Communion led by the Rev Judy Henning and the Rev James Harratt.