Crossway the Voice of St Luke’S Church

Crossway The voice of St Luke’s Church

September 2017

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SUNDAY WORSHIP 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.15 am Parish Eucharist 6.30 pm Compline as announced

1st Sunday in the month 10.15 am All Together Eucharist ------

JUNIOR CHURCH Children meet in St. Luke’s Hall at 10.15 am and join the regular congregation later in the service, receiving a blessing at the Altar rail during Communion.

WEEKDAY WORSHIP

Thursday 11.00 am Holy Communion Saints and Holy Days as announced Morning Prayer is normally said in church at 9.15am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Holy Baptism, Banns of Marriage, Weddings and Funeral Services should be arranged with the Associate Vicar

The Reverend Anne Bourne is available for help at all times, on 07512 734224 She is happy to visit parishioners in hospital or at home, whether you come to church or not, and will be grateful to be advised of any need. Please note that whenever possible she will keep Saturday as her “free” day. For regular visiting please contact Xanthe Duffill, our Pastoral Assistant., on 01959 523037

The Administrator is available in the Parish Office Monday to Friday 9am to 1.00pm Telephone 01732 743045

2 The Associate Vicar Writes

September is very much a time of new beginnings. For children and teachers, it is time to return to school after the long and hopefully relaxing summer break, even if the sunshine has not been as prolific as we might all have hoped for. For those younger children, some are beginning nursery for the first time and there are also those young people who are moving on to the next stage of their life journey as they prepare for university or the world of work.

For others of us who are not involved in education it may still be an opportunity to start a new chapter of work, perhaps retirement, or even a change of location. Here at St. Luke’s we continue with our interregnum and await the new chapter in our life here together. However, our life and fellowship do continue and many of our activities will begin again this month: Morning Prayer, TOTS, Junior Church and Choir. These are opportunities for learning and being involved in the life and worship of our church alongside serving and encouraging others in their pilgrimage. We shall also welcome Bishop James to confirm seven of our young people and hold them especially before God as they make this commitment.

As we begin again let’s remember to keep God at the centre of all we do that he may direct our path. With this in mind our All Together Service on the 3rd September has been planned as an opportunity to ask God to bless the year ahead and be reminded of the importance of placing our feet firmly on the foundations of Jesus Christ, the rock. It would be good for as many as possible to join us on this occasion.

Setting our feet on that firm foundation is important wherever we are and whatever stage of life we are at. With God at the centre when the challenges and disappointments come he will strengthen and enable us to face the future, whatever that may be and wherever he will lead us. In the words of David in Psalm 40, “He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” May we know God’s presence in our lives and our feet firmly on Jesus the rock.

May God bless us all as we begin again

Anne

3 St Luke’s Away Giving St Luke’s Give-as-you-go scheme

The Cause for September is www.thebridgetrust.org.uk The Bridge Trust has been supporting single homeless people in West Kent since 1991. We have helped over 6,000 homeless people with advice, accommodation and support. Significantly we have housed over 700 people in that time.

There is still much to do for homeless people in our community, and by working together with the local authorities and other agencies we continue to transform people’s lives by helping them to achieve independence and have a home of their own.

In West Kent only 10% of homeless people are rough sleepers, most are “sofa surfers” who manage to find a roof over their heads each night. Those who sleep rough are at great risk of being attacked and in recent months two people have lost their lives because they were out on the streets. For The Bridge Trust it is reminder that there is not enough service provision for all who need it in our community, especially if such terrible events are to be prevented. We always try to do whatever we can to help those who are homeless but it can never be enough. However we are always on the look out for property in West Kent which might be temporarily empty, homes or commercial properties, and any leads would be very helpful in trying to save the lives of those at risk on the streets.

Bridge Trust is a local organisation and offers support in our own area. If you want to know more about us copies of the Bridge Bulletin with

4 articles about current projects and fundraising activities are available from the back of the church. As your third Sunday cause for September, we will be speaking at the service on the 17th, to update you on our work and thank you for your generosity. Mark Griffin

**If you wish to donate but you won’t be in church on the Third Sunday, please either pass your donation to a Church Warden at any time or put it in an envelope, clearly marked with the Charity’s Name, in the collection on one of the two weeks before or the following week. Should you wish to Gift Aid your donation then see the information on the Current Events notice board.

What happened in July & August

In July £73.45 was collected for Mission of Seafarers

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In August £93.25 was collected for Kenward Trust

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Interregnum During the interregnum, we have to follow a process that is defined by the diocese. This was explained to the PCC by the Archdeacon, the Venerable Clive Mansell at a special meeting on May 8th. Our next step is to prepare a Parish Profile to attract the right clergy to apply for the post. This will include information about our church and our vision for the future, how we see St Luke's going forward over the next part of our journey with God. Many members of the PCC are currently working on this document. This needs to be finished before we can advertise the vacancy.

Janet Bates & Nick Donaldson, Church Wardens.

Book Reading Group Our next book is: Is a Radical Church Possible? by Adrian Alker Everyone is welcome when we discuss the book on Friday 8th September at Noon in the Parish Room. Laurence Pearce

Induction Mark is being inducted as Rector of St Martin’s and St Paul’s, Canterbury on Tuesday 19th September at 7.30pm.

Coach will leave church promptly at 5.30pm and will be £5.00 per head

Breakfast Brigade Russell and Abi King, assisted by Oliver will be cooking breakfast on Sunday 1st October and serving from 9am. We welcome children of all ages, and toddlers with Mum and/or Dad. The cost is £1 for cereal, cooked breakfast, and the ever-popular chocolate spread! If you would like to join us for breakfast please contact John Levett on 01732 460143 or email to [email protected].

6 Dates for the Diary September 7th ATC Passing Out Parade 9th Ride and Stride 19th Mark’s Induction in Canterbury 21st Confirmation Rehearsal in Church - 6.00pm 24th Confirmation Service, Bishop James Langstaff at 10.15am 24th Diocesan Partnership Celebration 6.00pm, St Mary’s Riverhead 30th Harvest Supper - 6.30pm October 1st Harvest Festival & Baptism 14th David Flood Organ Recital 15th Patronal Festival - Guest Preacher Canon Chris Dench th 29 Mattins and Evening Celtic Communion

St Luke’s Social & Study Group Our next meeting will be on Monday 2nd October at 8pm. We will be meeting at Margot Croft’s house: 43 Marlborough Crescent, Sevenoaks, TN13 2HH

Junior Church Junior Church will restart on Sunday 10th September at 10.15am in the hall. All welcome.

Ride & Stride Ride & Stride for Kent Churches takes place on Saturday 9th September. We shall no longer have Mark striding for us, which will make a significant difference to the amount of money we collect! Perhaps a team from the Junior Church could venture out with their leaders. Or better still two teams, one to ride and one to stride. Plan your route with care, start in good time to find your sponsors. Don’t forget to ask people who don’t go to church on a regular basis. It really is a lovely day out. Help to keep the “Show on the Road” by bicycle, scooter or even roller skates. There are eleven Churches in Sevenoaks.

Sunday Coffee Rota Please sign up, to keep the coffee flowing on a Sunday after the Service. Sign up sheet is at the back of the church. Many thanks!

7 Bookworm The Mighty and the Almighty Edited by Nick Spencer. Now that the election is behind us, it is interesting to reflect on the part that faith, especially Christian faith plays in the political process, both here in Britain and in the wider world. Do politicians speak of their own faith or do they use religious language as a way of cosying up to Christians or do they follow Alistair Campbell’s maxim “We don’t do God” and eliminate religious language all together? Into this discussion comes this fascinating book edited by Nick Spencer from Theos, the Christian think tank (who spoke at Food for Thought a number of years ago). The book contains twenty four short essays on recent political leaders from Britain, USA, Australia and across the world written by researchers connected to Theos. Each essay gives a short biography and then analyses their faith and how that influenced their politics and their approach to leadership before offering a very thoughtful conclusion. In a way it is a book to dip into, rather than read from cover to cover, as each profile is self- contained and stands alone. All of us will have those we approve of and disapprove of, those who surprise and those who are as expected. The two I enjoyed most were Bill Clinton, who saw himself as an heir to King David- a flawed womaniser in need of forgiveness but still used by God and David Cameron who while admitting to the fuzziness of his faith seemed to be the one who delivered most in his premiership. While Putin, Trump and May can only be provisional essays , they keep the book topical and allow us to contemplate religion and politics in the now with three very different approaches to faith and leadership. The book goes a long way to pinpointing some of the nuances in current especially in the approach of some leaders and Christians generally to Western Christendom and its preservation. This book is a very good read with some charming comments- Ronald Reagan didn’t go to church as he was worried about the inconvenience to the congregation his security team might cause was my particular favourite. A copy is now in the library and is heartily recommended.

Mark Griffin

8 Lifelong Learning, 2017-18 I hope we can keep this initiative of Mark’s going during the interregnum. I have greatly enjoyed preparing my talks on Poetry and related literary matters. This is just to give you advance notice that I shall resume the talks in November and they will be individual talks on twentieth century poets, such as Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney and Philip Larkin. I may include a more general talk on the poets of the thirties, Auden, Spender, MacNeice and Day -Lewis, though they have never been among my favourites. Tim Pearce

Air Training Corps We are very pleased that our friends from 2158 Sevenoaks Squadron will be coming to St Luke’s on Thursday 7th September at 7.30pm for their Passing out Parade, when the new cadets will be formally enrolled into the ATC and given their service record card. We’re looking forward to welcoming the cadets, staff and parents to St Luke’s, and pleased that the church plays such an important part in the life of the squadron. If you would like to be with us, you would be very welcome. Anne will be taking over the padre role from Mark.

Diocesan Partnership Celebration Service The Diocesan Partnership Celebration takes place at 6pm on Sunday 24th September at St Mary’s Riverhead with Dunton Green. Bishop James will lead the service and The Most Reverend Urmas Viilma, Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church will give an address. We are hoping the London Estonian Society Mixed Choir and Dancers will join us. Light refreshments afterwards. Donations to the Diocesan Partnership Fund. All welcome.

9 Confirmation Service On Sunday 24th September at 10.15am Bishop James Langstaff will confirm 7 young people from St Luke’s together with an adult from St. Mary’s, Riverhead. We are very privileged also to welcome Archbishop Urmas, Archbishop of Estonia as the preacher at our service. His wife Viilma will be joining us also. Please continue to hold all those preparing to take this act of commitment in your prayers and those who minister on this joyful occasion. Please be present to support all those being confirmed. Alistair Williams, Theo Tite, Phoebe Tite, Felicity Williams, Rebekah Bourne, Izzy Wright & Izzy Jenkinson.

Archdeacon of Tonbridge As you may have heard Rev Julie Conalty currently Vicar of Christ Church Erith. Area Dean of Erith and Bishop's Advisor for the Ministry of Ordained Women has been appointed the next Archdeacon of Tonbridge. It is likely that her collation will be 3pm on the 24th September at St Peter & St Paul, Tonbridge. Harvest Festival We shall celebrate and give thanks to God for our Harvest on Sunday 1st October. Please bring your donations of fresh produce and non-perishables items which we will distribute locally to help the homeless and those less fortunate. Harvest Supper Saturday 30th September 6.30pm in the Church Hall. We shall share a simple supper of Harvest Fayre and enjoy some entertainment. Tickets will be available from early September- be sure to get yours. A fun evening for all ages.

10 St Luke’s Fellowship - Programme for 2017-18 Over the years Fellowship has been an important part of the life of St Luke’s - the mix of visits and speakers, special afternoons and the opportunity for tea and cake have been part of fostering the sense of community that we enjoy in our church. On Thursday 28th September at 2pm in the Parish Room, we’ll be starting to plan a programme for 2017/18 - hopefully a mix of activities to help us think and to get to know each other better. There are always concerns as to whether Fellowship is viable, but it is important that as many people as possible support these activities, so that it can continue. Fellowship is open to everyone in the church, to come along every month or just once or twice when there is something of particular interest. Please be there on the 28th to provide some ideas and be prepared to support the talks and trips during the year . We’ve had a good year in 2017-18 and lots of fresh activities will keep Fellowship moving forward. Anne Table Top Sale – 17th September 2017 Margaret B & Joy P are minded to buying a goat (or two) and some hens. To that end, they propose with the agreement of the Churchwardens to hold a Table Top Sale on Sunday 17th September, after the Service. Margaret and Joy are very happy to receive contributions, if you are disposing of items surplus to requirements. However, since the idea first came to them, Margaret has broken her wrist and Joy’s knees are a bit cranky. So, they arranged with help of Oxfam to have the goats and hens looked after in Africa, which will be a good result all round! Margaret & Joy P

11 The Sevenoaks Festival John Smedley Smartest Artist Quiz – 27th June 2017

On a warm summer evening, five Quiz Teams gathered in St Luke’s Hall to do battle over ten rounds of tough questions covering a broad range of subjects. Each team was allowed to submit a Joker in any round, which would double that round’s score. Maximum points = 176.

Mark Griffin led our Team comprising Ian and Rosemary Goodacre, Christine Russell, Peter Ashwell and St Luke’s very own, amazing polymath, Stephen Ridout. The other teams were Three Arts; Sevenoaks Shakespeareans; Toast of the Oast; and the Kemsing Players. We were in high society all right and hoping not to be knocked into a top hat.

Promptly at 8pm, Ray Russell called the proceedings to order and we were off – Duos: Peter and Gordon, Torvill and Dean, Annie Lennox..and many others. Then Numbers – Length of a tennis court; Chains in a mile – Stop! Stop! we cried. But there was no let up….Books and Films: Pig; Lady Chatterley’s Lover; the Four Gospels (yes we did get that one correct and we played our Joker getting 22 out of 24!). Then Science & Inventions – Table Salt; Electric razor; Monkey wrench… where did they get these questions from??

Just as we were ready to drop, we were given a break to enjoy some delicious sandwiches and a drink. But during this moment of relaxation…we had to answer 3 table top rounds – Flowers, herbs and plants – a dingbat puzzle in which the answer was hidden in a cryptic arrangement of symbols and images; Sweet Dreams – linking well-known brands of confectionary to a pithy hint; Spot the Dog – linking the names of famous pooches from cinema and cartoons to their picture!!

“What relaxation?”, I hear you all cry. Indeed…we were nearly punch-drunk by the time we finished answering questions about Colours: In the national flag of The Sudan; the name of the person/role in charge of security at House of Commons; person delighted by a red sky at night. Then Pot Luck - the Greek equivalent of the Roman goddess Venus; furthest point south in Latin America. And finally Music: by listening to the opening bars of a stage musical song, its Title and its Composer - 20 of them. Oh boy…were we flagging….but excitement mounted as all the scores were tallied.

Your hard working and clear thinking Team came (drum roll)….2nd equal with Kemsing Players, scoring 165, just a solitary point behind the 2017 Champions “Toast of the Oast.” The cup was awarded to them with many congratulations and a huge round of applause for Ray Russell and everyone who helped organise such an enjoyable event. Thank you!

12 Crossway Intercessions - Help needed Have you ever wondered who does the Intercessions in Crossway each month? Well, I am one of the contributors and the team is getting smaller. There are now only 6 contributors. This means that we all have to do it more frequently than when I first started some years ago. If we could get a team of at least 10 it would make it easier for everyone. There are 163 people on the electoral roll of the church. Surely there must be someone who could help? It is something that can be done in your own time at home and only takes a couple of hours. You don’t need a computer. A hand written list is acceptable. Of course, if you have a computer then you can send the intercessions to Amanda by email. Please everyone reading this article think about it. Don’t just think there are others who could do it. Why not you? Let Anne or Amanda know if you are prepared to be added to the team. Jacquie Martin

Thank you Mark and Clare would like to say a very big thank you to everyone at St Luke's and beyond for all the kindness shown as their time in Sevenoaks came to an end and as they prepared to move to Canterbury. Their last Sunday was a very moving one, both in the service and in the events afterwards. The messages and good wishes were overwhelming but a sign of the closeness of our friendships and life as a church. The generosity of the gifts was breath-taking -the beautiful stole, the jug made by Mary Wright and the painting of St Luke's will be wonderful reminders of ten very happy years . Each time we use the William Morris china, we will think of the food and fellowship we enjoyed over the last decade at St Luke's- no one ever went home hungry. Thank you to all who contributed so generously . As we settle into life in Canterbury and prepare for our new roles, it was great to have been part of the St Luke's team from 2007 to 2017- for the journey that we made together and the way that we worked together to worship and reach out. St Luke's is a special place with very special people- I will keep you in my prayers and as a new subscriber to Crossway look forward to reading about the continuing life of the church and all the great things God has in store for you in the future. Every blessing

Mark and Clare 13 Keep on Praying

As part of “The Way Ahead” a need for an Intercessions Group at St. Luke’s was identified. We began to meet in Lent to pray for the parish, the wider church, the local community and the world, on behalf of the parish. We have 4 or 5 committed people who try to turn up at 1.45pm until just before 2.30pm to meet and pray in the Upper Room on the first Monday of the month. However, we have sometimes struggled to have 2 or 3 gathered, if people are ill, have appointments or are on holiday. After consulting about other days or times we’ve realised that transferring e.g. to a Friday would mean losing one or two who come as regularly as possible. So we’ll keep to Monday at 1.45pm for the time being.

Do come and join us if you can, even if you can only come occasionally. We spend a few minutes talking about what might be a focus for prayer and then pray for about 20 minutes. We bring the prayer intentions from the prayer tree and any other requests with us. If we can voice our prayers, the others can make them their own with an “Amen” or “Hear our prayer”. If you aren’t moved to speak aloud every time don’t worry: you would still be a valued member of the group. And if you can’t come at all, perhaps make a note of the dates when we are meeting and at 2pm make a quick prayer for those who are praying on behalf of the parish, or even, if you have time, set aside – say – 2pm to 2.20pm to pray in your own home. (Let us know and we can think of the wider praying community.)

The next 2 dates: Monday 11th September and Monday 2nd October at 1.45pm until 2.30pm (at the latest). Come down the side of the church by Emily Jackson Close to find the back door.

If you have any comments or suggestions please contact Elizabeth Pearce (464598 or [email protected]).

Advanced Notice Sunday 5th November ALL SOULS We shall be holding a special service at 4pm to remember all those who have died but especially those over this past year. More details to follow next month, but please note the important date.

14 Sevenoaks Summer Festival St Luke’s has supported the festival in the past so please respond if you feel able. From the Chairman of the Festival Ray Russell You may have read or heard that, though Festival 2017 was an artistic success, its financial outcome is likely to be a deficit approaching £10,000. Clearly, we cannot sustain a loss of this magnitude for more than a couple of years before our reserves are wiped out and Festival is no more. I’d hate this to happen before we reach our 50th anniversary in 2020 or, indeed, our 50th Festival in 2019. So I’d welcome your comments, suggestions and recommendations (and those of your members, if applicable) to help us shape Festival 2018. To this end, we’ve designed a feedback questionnaire, applicable whether or not you were able to participate this year, accessible via this link to Cognito Forms: https://www.cognitoforms.comSevenoaksSummerFestival SevenoaksSummerFestival2017ParticipantFeedback If you’re not keen on completing the questionnaire, please at least tell us: Why you chose to participate or why not, as the case may be. If you participated, were you satisfied or not with: How we promoted your event(s) It’s/their success or otherwise. What changes would you (or your members) suggest we make for 2018? Will you apply to participate in Festival 2018? Thank You.

Shared Thoughts A Smile A Smile Costs Nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. 15

Coincidences In the July issue of Crossway there was an interesting article from Ian Thomas concerning his association with the Sea, having been brought up in Oystermouth, a village near the sea in South Wales. He attended the same school there as Rowan Williams, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. In the same month I received my copy of the parish magazine of the church which I attended in Sheffield, before moving to Sevenoaks. In this booklet were the reminiscences of a man, also brought up in Oystermouth and more or less contemporary with Ian. Surprise, surprise, he too went to the same school as Rowan Williams (later Lord Oystermouth). That the unlikely geographical triangle of Oystermouth, Sheffield and Sevenoaks should be connected in this way, and that I was involved, I consider a coincidence. Are there any more coincidences out there? Jean Smedley

Why Sing? Well, God commands us to sing – Colossians 3.16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…….singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”. Sing because the Lord has been good to you. We sing about love, if we love God we sing. Singing is good for your health – deep breathing is part of singing and this helps your heart and lungs. Joining a choir and singing with others is rewarding, fun, and relaxing – you have to think about what you are doing, so you can’t think about problems or other troubles. You don’t have to be good at singing for it to be good for you. So come on and join our choir and find out how much better you feel. You don’t have to be able to read music but hopefully you will find that gradually, in just singing you may learn to do so. If you have children, bring them along. It has been shown that singing supports mental development in many different ways, including reading, maths and general confidence. And of course, as well as helping in all those ways, singing is enjoyable. Allan Ruddle 16 Lunchtime Recital Series

Every Wednesday in church (except in January and August). Performances start promptly at 12.30pm and last around 30 minutes. Coffee is served from noon.

Our regular Wednesday recital series resumes in September after the summer break. We have some wonderful performers lined up for the autumn and into next year so we do hope many of you will come along to support them. It’s a perfect moment for mid-week reflection – and it’s free!

The autumn schedule begins on 6th September with Sue Casson (singer- songwriter) & Lily Blackmore (flute and voice). On 13th we welcome Miriam Cox & friends (solo cello/ensemble) followed by a return performance on 20th September by Victoria Edge (soprano) & Roger Lilley (piano).

Flyers are now available at the back of the church with more details. Admission is free, but there is a plate at the back of the church for a contribution towards the recital series expenses.

St Luke’s Patronal Festival 2017

17 Calendar - September 2017

Sunday 3 8.00am Holy Communion - BCP 10.15am All Together Service 3.30pm Confirmation Group Tuesday 5 No TOTS today 2.00pm Julian Group Wednesday 6 12 noon Coffee in Church 12.30pm Lunchtime Recital - Sue Casson & Lily Blackmore Singer/Songwriter & Flute/Voice Thursday 7 11.00am Holy Communion, followed by coffee 11.45am Holy Communion at Emily Jackson House 7.30pm Squadron 2158 Passing out Parade Friday 8 12 noon Book Group - Parish Room Saturday 9 10.00am Ride & Stride from 10.00am - 6.00pm Sunday 10 8.00am Holy Communion - BCP 10.15am Parish Eucharist 10.15am Junior Church Recommences 3.30pm Confirmation Group Monday 11 1.45pm Intercessions Group - Upper Room 2.30pm Holy Communion at Rockdale House 7.30pm Social Committee Tuesday 12 10.15am Tiny Ones Together Service 2.00pm Julian Group Wednesday 13 12 noon Coffee in Church 12.30pm Lunchtime Recital - Miriam Cox Ensemble & Solo Cello Thursday 14 11.00am Holy Communion, followed by coffee Sunday 17 8.00am Holy Communion - BCP 10.15am Parish Eucharist 11.30am Table Top Sale Tuesday 19 10.15am Tiny Ones Together Service 2.00pm Julian Group 7.30pm Mark’s Induction in Canterbury Wednesday 20 12 noon Coffee in Church 12.30pm Lunchtime Recital - Victoria Edge & Roger Lilley Soprano & Piano Thursday 21 11.00am Holy Communion, followed by coffee 18 11.45am Holy Communion at Emily Jackson House (Harvest) 6.00pm Confirmation Rehearsal in Church Sunday 24 8.00am Holy Communion - BCP 10.15am Confirmation Service with Bishop James Langstaff Monday 25 8.00pm PCC Meeting Tuesday 26 10.15am Tiny Ones Together Service 2.00pm Julian Group Wednesday 27 12 noon Coffee in Church 12.30pm Lunchtime Recital - Mike Jeffree & Paul Clark Baritone & Piano Thursday 28 11.00am Holy Communion, followed by coffee 2.00pm Fellowship Planning Meeting Saturday 30 6.30pm Harvest Supper in the Church Hall

Calendar - October 2017

Sunday 1 8.00am Holy Communion 9.00am Breakfast Brigade 10.15am Harvest Festival & Baptism Monday 2 1.45pm Intercessions Group - Upper Room 8.00pm Social & Study Group - 43 Marlborough Crescent Tuesday 3 10.15am Tiny Ones Together Service 2.00pm Julian Group Wednesday 4 12 noon Coffee in Church 12.30pm Lunchtime Recital - Mike Hatchard - Piano Thursday 5 11.00am Holy Communion, followed by coffee Sunday 8 8.00am Holy Communion 10.15am Parish Eucharist Tuesday 10 10.00am MOG Committee 10.15am Tiny Ones Together Service 2.00pm Julian Group Wednesday 11 12 noon Coffee in Church 12.30pm Lunchtime Recital - To Be Confirmed Thursday 12 11.00am Holy Communion, followed by coffee 11.45am Holy Communion at Emily Jackson House

21 ST LUKE’S CHURCH Eardley Road, Sevenoaks Website: www.stlukes-sevenoaks.org.uk LUNCHTIME RECITALS Lasting 30 minutes Every Wednesday at 12.30pm Please join us – admission free Refreshments available from 12 noon September 6th Sue Carson & Lily Blackmore Singer/Songwriter & Flute/Voice

13th Miriam Cox Ensemble & Solo Cello

20th Victoria Edge & Roger Lilley Soprano & Piano

27th Mike Jeffree & Paul Clark Baritone & Piano

If you would like to take part in the St Luke’s Lunchtime Recital series, or know someone who would, please speak to Sara Bartolozzi our Recitals Impresario on 01959 569 490 or email [email protected] or contact Amanda in the Parish Office on 01732 743 045 or email [email protected]

22 CHRISTIAN MEDITATION ACCORDING TO JULIAN OF NORWICH Just be yourself—in the silence Unite in prayer with other Christians Learn to let go and LET GOD Invite others to join Adore the Living Creator Now

JOIN THIS ECUMENICAL CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER GROUP IN THE CHURCH ON TUESDAYS AT 2.00PM More information from Margot Croft—463061

TOTS—Babies and Toddlers

Come to our Tuesday morning gathering. Enjoy a sing-a-long, a story and a prayer, with time to relax and play together. Everyone is welcome – grandparents, parents and carers. Refreshments for young and old. Join us from 10.15am Why not join us, it’s great fun! You will be very welcome! Contact: Verity Scorey - 454854 TOTS restarts on Tuesday 12th September

23 Intercessions for September

We pray for our parish and its people; bless them, and us. May we know Your presence and peace in our homes; fill them with Your love, and use them for Your glory. This month we are asked to pray for: 1. Amanda our administrator 2. Sevenoaks Counselling Service 3. Papa Youth as they continue preparing for confirmation 4. Young people and teachers returning to school this week 5. Those preparing to head off to university 6. The Wednesday lunchtime recitals recommencing today 7. Members of the Sevenoaks ATC Passing out parade this evening 8. The fire and ambulance services 9. Those married over the summer months 10. Junior Church leaders 11. The Social Committee meeting this evening 12. TOTS and Verity as she leads the group 13. All who contribute to the musical life of our church 14. Martin our Rural Dean and members of the Deanery Synod 15. The residents of Emily Jackson House and the Bungalows 16. Nick and Janet our Churchwardens 17. The Bridge Trust 18. Sevenoaks District Council 19. Mark as he is instituted in Canterbury this evening 20. Bishop James and the diocesan staff 21. All those exploring vocation 22. The many who use our Church Hall 23. Church and hall cleaners 24. Those being confirmed today 25. PCC as it meets this evening 26. Our outreach within the Parish 27. Those who minister to the bereaved 28. The children who are part of our Junior Church 29. Young people suffering mental health issues 30. Those being deaconed and priested in our diocese today

24 In Remembrance: September 1st Harold Ivor Jones 5th Madeleine Joan Evershed 8th Nancy Jeanie Brown 10th Margaret Tait 13th Joseph Sinclair Carolin Stephen James Bonsall 14th Ruth Elizabeth Stephenson 15th Josephine Bunch 19th Una Meryon Harris Jean Hartley Singleton Edward (Ted) Griffin 20th Lily (Lyn) Fern 25th Travers Bird (Trevor) Singleton 28th Michael Henry Cohen

Registers Funeral 22nd August at Kent and Sussex Crematorium Dorothy Margaret Watson 24th August at Kent and Sussex Crematorium Elizabeth Mary Irvine

Wedding Mia Louise Douglas and Oliver Max Brady 29th July

25 St Luke’s Support for Christian Aid Update Summer 2017 The CA Treasurer has reported that the total CA Week Collection across Sevenoaks and Otford last May was £7,746 plus Gift Aid of £426 – totalling £8,172. Whilst this is a marvellous total, it is significantly lower than the level of donations collected in recent years. This reduction might be the result of a number of factors, such as more on-line giving, but one thing is for sure the more people who volunteer to be Collectors, the more we will collect. If you think that you would like to get involved next May (13th to 19th ) but are worried about the “idea” of cold calling at strangers’ front doors, then please speak to me. If St Luke’s cannot encourage more people to volunteer to join our local collecting then perhaps we could think of a different way to support this incredibly important charity. The CA website always has lots of ideas for groups and individuals. Do take a look and let me know what you think would work well for St Luke’s. Peter Ashwell 01732 461087 or [email protected]

26 40 Years ago On Sunday 1st May 1977, after a 7:30 Commissioning Service, at St Luke’s, 140 parishioner's and friends, together with about 30 from Newham, London set out on a sponsored walk of 20 miles to Newham to raise money for the conversion of a disused Methodist church there into a Christian Community Centre. The walk was the brainchild of John and Diana Hargreaves who, after drawing a blank on guidance for the route from the Ramblers Association, worked out their own route. The youngest “walker” was William Alderson, who was pushed by his mother Priscilla, who struggled valiantly through muddy fields and over styles, with young Juliet in tow too. There were plenty of marshals at strategic points, with paper dots and arrows on trees and posts, and a poster – each one different – on every style and fork, placed by a front runner who had left at 5:30 am! The route was extremely pleasant and we hardly saw a road except when we stopped at a church hall in Sidcup for picnic lunch at 1:20pm. Dr Clifford Hill, Director of the Newham Renewal Scheme, plus son and dog, joined us there. Drinks were provided at Avery Hill at 3:00pm (17 miles). There were remarkably few blisters as we neared Woolwich, but oh, the last few miles did seem a long way as we walked across Greenwich Common towards Woolwich, after which we were glad to rest our legs a little as we crossed the Thames on the Woolwich Ferry. Then a short walk to St George’s Newham where we had been promised Bangers with the Bishop of Barking, but there was much more – a choice of hot or cold meal plus dessert and drinks AND such friendly service from all the catering ladies. People from five churches crushed into the building at 7:00pm for a service of thanksgiving with a music group entertaining us as we assembled. Coaches took us home by 9:00pm. St Luke’s walkers raised £900 of which the oldest walker, Donovan Pearce, 70, raised £142. However he got lost on the Sunday and so that we did not miss out on his sponsor money, John Hargreaves walked the whole route with him again the following day! (This great effort unfortunately resulted in John developing a gammy knee from that time onward). Newham walkers collected £500. 84 people helped as marshals or caterers. A great day out, with much laughter and friendship. Construction work on the centre had already begun, carried out by a team recruited from unemployed young men in the area, supervised by experienced craftsmen. And now? The Community Centre website shows a thriving organisation with services held by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and many social gatherings.

Allan Ruddle 27 Wash -Up or Washout? One of the best-known and most quoted stories of Jesus is His washing the disciples’ feet (Gospel of John 13). Why is this?

Two thousand years ago in New Testament times in Palestine, while the Roman Army built many paved roads (mainly with slave labour) to connect military sites and major cities, elsewhere most roads (even city streets) were unpaved. As a result in dry weather they were all extremely dusty, and in wet weather very muddy.

In those days most people went about either barefoot (if they were very poor), or in open-topped sandals, with only the rich and the military wearing boots or shoes in the modern sense. Further, unless owning a horse or other beast of burden, or having access to a military chariot or farm wagon, one had to make land journeys on foot. Consequently almost everyone arrived at their destination with very dusty or muddy feet which could quickly render a home almost uninhabitable!

Therefore, inside their front door every householder would have permanently placed a basin of clean water and some towels. In the richer homes these would be guarded by a servant or slave to remove the sandals and wash the feet of all ar- rivals. The poorer ones would do it for themselves, or perhaps each other as a courtesy. This was a matter of good housekeeping. In Britain, even until quite recently, it was usual to change between “indoor shoes” and “outdoor shoes”: at my school we were all given “lockers” to store them. In extremes of weather, we still choose our footwear appropriately.

In other words, when the Gospels were written, it was normal for most people to wash their feet (or have it done for them) every time they returned indoors from a city street or open country. This had no religious significance whatsoever. With today’s paved streets and universal footwear, our feet do not get any dirtier than the rest of our bodies, and tend to be washed only as part of “a full bath”.

As a result, “washing the feet” on their own has acquired a ceremonial significance, which in Christianity has been associated with Jesus. Does this make sense in the 21st century? Should we really be treating this as a sacred ceremony rather than a relic of everyday life in 1st century Palestine which no longer applies?

Alan Wolfe

28 July/August Sudoku solution

September solution in The October issue

The next magazine is the edition for OCTOBER 2017 All contributions must be placed in the ‘H’ pigeon hole at the back of the church by WEDNESDAY 14th SEPTEMBER Items for the Magazine can also be e-mailed to: [email protected] or you can put your contribution on a CD and place it in the ‘H’ Pigeon hole

St Luke’s Parish Hall and Rooms for Hire

Offer three types of high quality accommodation with a variety of possibili- ties for groups and individuals. All accommodation is equipped for the disa- bled. The Hall and Rooms are located in Eardley Road, a short walk from Sevenoaks Station. They are an ideal venue, close to the many organisations and businesses based in Sevenoaks.

The Principal Hall may be used in a number of different ways for recep- tions, functions, meetings and social gatherings c.150 persons standing or c.100 sitting at tables. A well-equipped kitchen is available for preparing food.

The Parish Room is ideal for meetings of up to 15/20 people and as a breakout facility for the principal hall. In addition, there is also a small, private, enclosed quiet garden area attached to this room.

The Upper Room is also available for meetings of up to 12 people. Approx. 15 sq. metres of carpeted and heated ‘creative’ space.

Further details and information on hall and room hire rates, please telephone: 01732 743045 email: [email protected]

33 ADVERTISE HERE

If you would like to advertise in Crossway Magazine

Please speak to Amanda in the Parish Office

Or email: [email protected]

HIGHLAND YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISER (since 1993) PRINTING

We publish and produce this local FREE Unit One, Church Farm, Church Street magazine which brings local news and Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0AT information to the surrounding areas. The 01732 762131 circulation of this magazine has grown steadily over the last twenty years and is delivered in the 07850 806771 first week of every month.

[email protected] [email protected] Delivered every month to each property in Seal, www.highlandprinting.co.uk Kemsing, Otford, Shoreham, Seal Chart, Noahs Ark, Underriver, Godden Green, Stone DIGITAL & LITHO DESIGN & PRINT Street, Ightham, Plaxtol, Borough Green, Wrotham & North Sevenoaks SELF ADHESIVE LABELS DIGITAL COPYING Can we advertise your business? CANVAS PRINTS Why not give it a try? DISPLAY ITEMS LARGE FORMAT PRINTING 01732 762131 / 07850 806771 PRINTED OR EMBROIDERED or email: [email protected] LEISURE WEAR You can now view us on the internet. Go to www.highlandprinting.co.uk and YOUR LOCAL PRINTER follow the signs.

34 THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LUKE - WHO’S WHO

Associate Vicar The Reverend Anne Bourne 07512 734224 Churchwardens Janet Bates 07908 159670 Nicholas Donaldson 453478 Reader Laurence Pearce 464598 Pastoral Assistant Xanthe Duffill 01959 523037 Director of Music Helen Isom 750870 Deputy Wardens Ronald Adamson 452570 Tim Pearce 465110 Gina Short 760263 Adrian Maydom 742619 Michael Curry 668445 Parish Office Administrator Amanda Humphrey 743045 & Hall/Room Bookings PCC Secretary Xanthe Duffill 01959 523037 Treasurer Tony Adams 453056 Sacristan Team Co-ordinator Andy Hone 456421 Electoral Roll Officer Sarah Rogers 454850 Envelopes Jane Adamson 452570 Gift Aid Frank Mancktelow 760446 Flowers Ruth Mancktelow 760446 Sylvia Hardy 453527 Bible Reading F’ship Juliet Bankes 454162 Sidesmen Peter Fleming 451466 Transport Ian Funnell 461341 Archivist Jacquie Martin 454194 Church Cleaning Sylvia Hardy 453527 Library Laurence Pearce 464598 Recital Coffee Vicky Adams 453056 Children’s Representative Ros Ward 01959 525638 Website Jonathan Bourne & Amanda Humphrey

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Junior Church James and Pia Styles 453651 James Wright 742770 Sarah Jenkinson 461163 TOTS Verity Scorey 454854 Breakfast Brigade Abigail King 455245 Russell King 455245 John Levett 460143

PCC SUB COMMITTEEES Fabric Frank Mancktelow Hall Ian Fleming Finance John Boreham MOG Anne Bourne Social Gina Short (Sec) Festivals John Levett

St Luke’s Church Hall and Meeting Rooms – for information and booking details, please telephone 01732 743045. Whilst parking is available in Eardley Road and Granville Road, Hirers are asked to respect the needs of local residents when parking in this residential area and under no circumstances are vehicles to be parked in Emily Jackson Close .

St Luke’s Parish Church—Associate Vicar: The Reverend Anne Bourne St Luke’s House, 30 Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1XT Telephone/fax 01732 452462. Parish Office: 01732 743045 Email: [email protected] Web: stlukes-sevenoaks.org.uk