Services at St Margaret’s St Lawrence, Seal Chart Parish Magazine during September 2013 September 2013 In the Church, every Thursday at 08:30, Morning Prayer (said) - CW

Sunday 1 Sept 11:15 All Age Open Air Service Sunday 8 Sept 11:15 Holy Communion BCP 18:00 Evensong Sunday 15 Sept 10:30 Sunday Club meets in the Village Hall 11:15 All Age Family Service Sunday 22 Sept 11:15 Parish Communion CW Sunday 29 Sept Joint Service at St Lawrence Sunday 6 Oct 11:15 All Age Family Service

ST LAWRENCE CHURCH AND VILLAGE CONTACTS Vicar - Revd Carol Kitchener - 01732 761766 Reader - St Lawrence Church - Mrs Gretel Wakeham - 01732 761534 Admin Assistant - Tim Pearce - 01732 832408 [email protected] Parish Website - www.sealstlawrence.org.uk Churchwardens Ron Drury 810214 S’oaks District Councillors Julia Thornton 07831 234449 (vacancy) Roderick Hogarth 760325 PCC Hon Secretary John Morris 810227 Seal Parish Council PCC Hon Treasurer Tony Webb 763436 Chairman Robin Watson 833930 Electoral Roll Clive McLintock 452964 Vice-Chairman Edward Oatley 465905 Covenant & Envelopes John Morris 810227 Clerk Lorna Talbot 763488 Organist Lizzie Veglio 01634 244700 Ward Councillors Peter Granville 763832 Choir Director John Morris 810227 Tony Bulleid Bellringers Hon Secretary Peter Wharton 810388 St Lawrence Village Association Deanery Synod Ron Drury 810214 Chairman Graham Moynes 760640 Peter Wharton 810388 Secretary Carol Smith 763561 Sunday School Hilary Darque 453929 St Lawrence Village Hall Management Committee Vicar Reader Child Protection Rep Sam Drury 810214 Chairman Peter Wharton 810388 deputy Gretel Wakeham 761534 Secretary Charlotte Sinclair 764285 The Revd Carol Kitchener Mrs Gretel Wakeham Church Flowers Sheila Jackson 811422 Treasurer Andy Smaggasgale 760552 St Lawrence Vicarage The White House Bookings Secretary Andy Smaggasgale 760552 St Lawrence CE Primary School Cricket Club Secretary Robin Webster 01892 862017 Stone Street Bitchet Green Headteacher Alison Saunders 761393 Badm’ton Club Contact Peter Wharton 810388 Chairman of Governors Sarah Hudson 810050 Bowls Club Peter Granville 763832 Sevenoaks, TN15 0LQ Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NA Clerk to the Governors Sarah Brew 761393 Tennis Club Contact Gretel Wakeham 761534 01732 761766 01732 761534 Archery Club Secretary Mike Davies 762266 St Lawrence Pre-School Becky Stammers 763289 Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators Church Warden Stone Street Contact Janice Brooker 760843 st 1 St Lawrence Brownies Janet Boswell 01959 523953 Seal Chart Contact Nicola Mitchell 764202 Ron Drury Copy for the next issue should be sent, preferably by e-mail, to the editor, Brian Sutton (01732 450873) at Garden Cottage, Raspit Hill [email protected] or [email protected] to arrive by 08:00 on Wednesday 18 September 2013 Ivy Hatch The next issue of the Parish Magazine will be in Church on Sunday 259 September 2013 Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0PE Edited and Typeset by Brian Sutton, 50 The Crescent, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3QY (01732 450873) 01732 810214 Printed by Highland Printers, Church Farm, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0AN (01732 762131)

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Our Vicar’s Page Church Flowers Most of us have heard about the famous saints of the church and have heard about the way that faith guided them to go to particular people or places to serve Sunday 1 Sept Jean Stirling God. Sunday 8 Sept Jean Stirling St Augustine was sent by the Bishop of Rome to ‘bring’ Christianity to these Sunday 15 Sept Bridget Stephens islands – sadly the authorities in Rome did not know that Christianity was already here! Augustine and his fellow monks arrived and the cathedrals and Sunday 22 Sept Bridget Stephens dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester were founded in the mid 800’s. Sunday 29 Sept Anthea Carlisle St Paul was a diligent religious enforcer for the religious authorities in Sunday 6 Oct Anthea Carlisle Jerusalem. While on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus, he was stopped on the road by a blinding light and he encountered Christ. St Paul was St LAWRENCE SUNDAY SCHOOL perhaps the most significant person in the spread of Christianity to people living around the Mediterranean. Children meet promptly at 09:45 in St Lawrence School Hall on the dates shown in bold and will then rejoin There are other, more well known saints, who could be named by people who do their parents in the church towards the end of the service. not come to church - St George, St Peter, St Nicholas (Father Christmas) to name Other dates are for information but a few. Most of what is known about them is folklore, but they are recognised All children aged 3 and upwards are welcome as individuals who did good things because of their faith in God. For further information contact Hilary Darque [0173 2 453929] Many of the ‘religious’ of the Middle Ages served their communities as wise men and women, consulted by people when they felt in need of guidance in practical and spiritual matters - St Julian of Norwich is perhaps the best known 1 Sept All Age Service and the church, where she was enclosed, is on the tourist trail today. 15 Sept Sunday School The Lost Sheep Wendy & Hilary But, most of the work of passing on faith from generation to generation happens 4 Oct Messy Church (15:15 - 16:15) when ordinary men and women share faith with their children and grandchildren. 6 Oct All Age Service - Harvest Festival This usually happens when people give God thanks for each day; for the food on 20 Oct Sunday School their table or when they tell each other the great stories of the bible. In the bible we are told to ask God for the gift of faith, with faith we can have confidence that we are living our lives in His way. Faith grows over time as we Your Prayers are asked for . . read our bibles and pray and it can grow as we live through the years, experiencing life with all of its ups and downs. all children starting a new school year We can though take opportunities to grow of our faith by joining bible study and for their teachers; groups, or attending short courses. There are two joint groups meeting regularly in our parishes and one that meets to explore themes from time to time. If you for the poor and needy, wherever they are; would like to know more call me, or talk to your church warden. On September 21 st 9.30 -12.30 we will be holding a joint Quiet Morning at the church rooms at for our service men and women; St Mary Platt. That will be an opportunity to explore the Christian faith in music, words and quietness - nothing too demanding, but time away to be refreshed and for the farmers as they harvest their crops; renewed in faith alongside others. If you If you would like to come, or would like to know more, then call me For all who are taking late holidays. Yours in the love of Christ 761766. Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

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FOR THE CHILDREN . . . . St LAWRENCE QUIET DAY on Saturday 21 September 2013 09:30 - 12:30 in The Church Room, St Mary’s, Platt

Led by Rev Chris Kitchener.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE !!!

Our Church is STILL in desperate need of a Treasurer to take over from Tony Webb who has now had to retire. Would you be willing to to this task on or do you know someone who might. If you think you can hekp please ring Ron on 01732 819214

The Royal Baby A prayer for the new royal baby has been released by the Church of , asking God to surround the family with “the light of hope and the warmth of your love”. The prayer also asks for “patience and wisdom” for William and Catherine to “cherish and love” their new son. In an online message, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “Delighted for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they welcome their baby boy. May God bless them all with love, health and happiness.” The full prayer from the Church of England reads: “God our Creator, who knows each of us by name and loves us from all eternity: we give you thanks for new life and human love. “Bless William and Catherine as they welcome their son into the world. “Give them patience and wisdom to cherish and love him as he grows. “Surround the family with the light of hope and the warmth of your love today and always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” **

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Ride & Stride Dedication of bells This year's event takes place on Saturday 14 On July 28 the Bishop of Tonbridge, the Rt. Rev. Dr Brian Castle, dedicated the September. Participants can choose to cycle, refurbished bells at St Lawrence Church at a Family Communion service. This walk or run around Kent churches. Any was the culmination of a project first discussed by the PCC in 2006. In 2009 a sponsorship money raised is divided equally sub-committee was appointed to move the project forward and a major fund- between Friends of Kent Churches and raising initiative was launched which raised £47000 by way of grants and church of choice. donations. If anyone would like to take part on behalf of Competitive estimates were sought from two bellhangers, both of whom St Lawrence's please contact Hilary Darque recommended that the size of the ‘ring’ should be reduced both to facilitate on 01732 453929 for further details. ringing and also easier access to the bell chamber. The two largest of the six bells have been replaced by two smaller bells whilst the other four bells have ** been refurbished and re-tuned. One of the two large bells is likely to be re-used Go in Peace and Live in Love: A Service for Healing. in a church in Cambridge whilst the other has gone to a collector in America. Sunday 29 th September at 6.00pmSt. Lawrence Church The chosen bellhanger was Whites of Appleton who sub-contracted the casting This quiet service of Holy Communion focuses on themes of Christ’s healing of the two new bells and the tuning of all six to Whitechapel Foundry, one of and offers the opportunity to receive prayer for yourself, or those who are on only two foundries in the country able to undertake this work. your mind and heart. The bells were re-hung in June and a final test ring was arranged for July 23. As nd Why come to a healing service? There are several reasons: we all have Prince George of Cambridge was born on July 22 the ringers decided that their concerns about someone; these could be health, relationships, a loss or regret. test ring would be a section of a popular ‘method’ titled Cambridge Minor. The We may just want the reassurance we are taking the right step. bellringers are delighted with both the sound of the bells and the ease of ringing. John Morris thanked the many people who had been involved in the project, Whatever your reasons, it will be a lovely opportunity to reflect and receive; a most importantly the 80 donors who contributed generously to the appeal. time of peace where we are met at our point of need and allowed to catch a Seventy people attended the dedication service after which they enjoyed glimpse of a future which is whole and perfect. Gretel celebratory drinks and refreshments outside in the sunshine. John M ** ** Some miscellaneous one-liners Commemorative album Help! I keep hitting ESC but I'm still here! An album has been produced to commemorate this major project for St Lawrence’s. It has been compiled by Rev’d Michael Cooke who was Priest-in- Be kind to your dentist. He has fillings, too Charge during the early stages of the planning process. It records in words and What's the first thing you should learn in chemistry? Never lick the spoon. photographs the progress of the work and includes names of donors. A circle is just a round straight line with a hole in the middle. A late draft of the album will be available to view in church at Sunday services I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. until the end of September. A copy will form part of the church archives. I’m worried that my inferiority complex is not as good as yours. Copies of the album are available for purchase at £30 each. If you would Not afraid of heights - afraid of widths. like to order a copy please contact John Morris on 01732 810227. Cheques Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever. should be made payable to St Lawrence’s Church and passed to John at It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the Beaconsmount, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NJ questions. ** **

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Childhood Memories of Adlestrop. The Jazz Concert In 1944 my father was a Group Captain in the RAF stationed at Moreton-in-the- “Best evening I have had in a long time”, “a wonderful concert. I enjoyed every Marsh Gloucestershire. He had rented part of a farmhouse in the tiny village of minute”, “the jazz boffins were extremely complimentary”, “my foot was still Adlestrop from where he travelled daily to the airfield. tapping the day after”, “a wonderful venue with great acoustics” I can remember on one occasion going to the Airport Control Tower, standing on These were just some of the comments from the Jazz Concert which was held in a balcony and watching planes take off and land in the early dawn light. My the church on Tuesday evening 6 th August.. elder brother and I had been given a packed lunch in one of those dark blue paper An audience of 90 (including half a dozen children) witnessed what was a first in bags in which sugar had been packed. I couldn’t wait to start to eat mine before the church’s 145 year history – a live jazz concert. lunch. My brother waited and kept his, much to my annoyance!! The Robert Reid Trio, consisting of Robert Reid (piano), Rod Brown (drums) On another occasion my brother accidently ran over me on his bicycle when I and Mike Porter-Ward (bass), entertained the audience for over two hours. fell off going down the village high street. I can still see all the heads popping out of the cottage windows in response to my screams! Robert introduced the evening with illustrations of the jazz piano story from the 1930’s and as the evening progressed showed how the genre changed and I seemed to make a habit of coming off my bicycle. This once occurred as my developed through to the 1970’s. brother and I were trying to keep up with a Queen Mary plane transporter. I hit the kerb and toppled onto the grass verge. A kindly motor cycle outrider kindly The audience was dazzled by the sheer brilliance of the performers as they stopped to see if I was alright and then, seeing that this was so, still gave his played their own interpretations of great songs written by Rodgers and Hart, army supply tin of sweets. Gershwin and Jerome Kern. We learnt about Stride (1930’s), Bebop (1940’s), Block Cords (George Shearing 1950’s), Latin and Blues, the latter being a I travelled to school from Adlestrop railway feeling that is said to inform all jazz. station although I have no memories of the school itself! On one occasion on the return Robert told us about several of the great jazz pianists including Fats Waller, Art journey the driver of the steam train Tatum, Oscar Petersen, George Shearing and perhaps his all time favourite, overshot the platform so that my carriage Erroll Garner. It is a fact that all these great performers were classically trained was well past it. It was a fair drop down to before turning to jazz. the ground for a 6 year old so I lent out of With the strains of Lullaby of Birdland, Misty, On Green Dolphin Street and the carriage window and shouted at the train Dave Brubeck’s Take Five still echoing from the rafters the Trio concluded the driver the reverse back to the platform, evening with their interpretation of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. This was which he did! followed by prolonged applause. The farm itself was a lovely place to spend a year. Little evidence of the war in We are most grateful to Robert, Mike and Rod for making this such a special that part of the country unlike living at my grandmother’s house in Stone Street evening and one which will be long remembered. Definitely a 5 Star rating!! when I can remember the noise of the planes and barrage balloons. Tony Huge thanks are also due to Sam Drury and Wendy Durtnell who, with the help ** of several others, organised and prepared superb drinks and refreshments during the interval. Thanks too to those responsible for preparing the church and Yes, I remember Adlestrop - And willows, willowherb and grass, The name - because one afternoon And meadowsweet and haycocks dry directing the parking. It made all the difference to a wonderful evenings Of head the express train drew up there No whit less still and lonely fair enjoyment. Tony Unwontedly. It was late June. Than the high cloudlets in the sky. ** The steam hissed. Someone cleared his throat. And for that minute a blackbird sang The Power of Prayer cannot be explained No-one left and no one came Close by, and round him, mistier, On the bare platform. What I saw Farther and farther, all the birds It has to be experienced Was Adlestrop - only the name. Of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. Edwad Thomas 1878 - 1917 **

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Services and Events at Cover Picture - Philadelphia The Church of St Lawrence Seal Chart Ala şehir, in antiquity and the middle ages known as Philadelphia, the city of during September 2013 brotherly love, is a town Aegean region of Turkey. It is situated in the valley of the Kuzuçay at the foot of the Bozda ğ Mountain about sixty miles from İzmir. Every Tuesday at 08:30, in the Church, Morning Prayer (said), (CW) The town was founded in 189 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon (197-160 BC) and named for the love of his brother, Attalus. Following the death of Attalus in Sunday 1 Sept Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity 08:00 Holy Communion BCP 133 BC, Rome established the province of Asia in 129 BC by combining Ionia Hebrews 13: 1-8, 15-16 Luke 14: 1, 7-14 and the former Kingdom of Pergamum. 09:45 All Age Family Service Luke 14: 1, 7-14 In 17 AD Philadelphia suffered badly in the earthquake that destroyed Sardis. Now being tested by really hard times, a succession of Roman emporers, relieving Sunday 8 Sept Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity the city of its obligations to pay taxes. 09:45 Family Communion CW A small theater located at the northern edge of of the modern town is all that Philemon 1-21 Luke 14: 25-33 remains of Roman Philadelphia.

Monday 9 Sept Prayer Time - (lasts about an hour - all are welcome) A number of ancient cities were named Philadelphia but this is definitely the one 14:00 At 1 Grenadier, Riding Lane, referred to by John as amongst the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. Philadelphia is the sixth church of the seven and the letter addressed to the Sunday 15 Sept Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Philadelphian church is recorded in Revelation 3:7-13. Philadelphia shares with 09:45 Family Communion CW 1 Timothy 1: 12-17 Luke 15: 1-10 Smyrna the distinction of receiving nothing but praise from Christ. Philadelphia was a prosperous Byzantine city, and in about 600 AD the domed Sunday 22 Sept Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity Basilica of St. John was built, and the remains of two pillars, depicted on the front 09:45 Matins BCP 1 Timothy 2: 1-7 Luke 16: 1-13 cover, are today the main archaeological attraction in the modern city. The Byzantine walls that once surrounded the city have all but crumbled away. Tuesday 24 Sept Prayer Time - (lasts about an hour - all are welcome) In the 14th century, Philadelphia was made the metropolis of Lydia by the Greek 10:00 At The Vicarage Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople, a status it still holds. It was granted this

Sunday 29 Sept Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity - St Michael & All Angels honor because the city did not capitulate to the Ottomans. The city was prosperous 09:45 Joint All Age Service at St Lawrence especially in the 13th and 14th centuries; there was a Genoese trading colony and Genesis 28: 10-17 Hebrews 1: 5-end the city was an important producer of leather goods and red-dyed silk. 18:00 Healing Service - Al are welcome ** Saturday 5 Oct Harvest Supper 19:00 In St Lawrence Village Hall - see page 7 for details HARVEST SUPPER

Sunday 6 Oct Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity - Harvest Festival in The Village Hall 08:00 Holy Communion BCP Phillipians 4: 4-9 John 6: 25-35 at 7 pm on Saturday 5 October at 7pm in the village hall 09:45 All Age Family Service Phillipians 4: 4-9 £10 per adult, and £5 per child ( under 12 )

Monday 7 Oct Prayer Time - (lasts about an hour - all are welcome) Tickets from Sam Drury 01732 810214 or Rosemary Cole 01732 763107 14:00 At The White House, Bitchet Green Please book early to avoid disappointment BCP = Book of Common Prayer - a service using traditional (17c) language and form We must limit the number of tickets to 80 as in recent years last minute CW = Common Worship - a service using contemporary (21c) language and form additions have sent the caterers into meltdown.

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