Issue 3/16

Diocese of

A Celebration of Faith Newsletter - July-September 2016 New Members Festival Service and Commissioning of Trustees for Canterbury & Ashford Archdeaconries the new Triennium Holy Trinity Church, Margate Suzanne Lundie Archdeaconry St John the Baptist Church, Tunstall Sue Thomas and Rachel Thomas both transferred from Holy Trinity Church, St Michael’s Church, Sittingbourne Brenda Hammond, Thelma Taylor, Florence Court, Wendy Court and Alison Fosher Congratulations Canterbury & Ashford Archdeaconries St Leonard’s Church, Deal 90th Birthday, Molly Leivers St Stephen’s Church, Canterbury 90th Birthday, Kathleen Vinten St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church, Long Term Membership, Peggy Henley, 50 years Maidstone Archdeaconry Minster Abbey, Isle of Sheppey 90th Birthday, Joyce Clark and Kay Edwards St John the Baptist Church, Tunstall Long Term Membership, Pam Gray, 51 years St Nicholas Church, Allington 80th Birthday, Gladys MacKay St Andrew’s Church, Diamond Wedding, Dorothy Bryant St Michael’s Church, Sittingbourne 97th Birthday, Florence Court

FROM THE EDITOR… Some members might like to make a permanent reminder marking the 140th anniversary of the Mothers' Union by producing a kneeler for your church. The link below will give you details of how and where to obtain the pattern and kit. https://churchkneelers.com/detail.php?d=515 If you haven't got access to the internet ask someone who has, and I am sure they will order it for you. Happy cross-stitching. Bishop , Nikki Sweatman (Canterbury Provincial David Horwood President) and Marianna Poliszczuk (Diocesan President) with the Lord Front Cover photo: Mayor of Canterbury and her Consort and the High Sheriff of . Our Mothers’ Union Trustees being commissioned at our Festival Service in . Those Who Have Died My dear friends Mothers’ Union is loving, authentic and inclusive; all Canterbury & Ashford Archdeaconries illustrated wonderfully in the service of commissioning Holy Trinity Church, Margate Revd Pat Pollard A Tribute. She contributed consistently and humbly to the priestly ministry of your trustee board alongside that of the Provincial here at Holy Trinity since her arrival some six years ago. Ministering from her President. A quarter peel of the Cathedral wheelchair often in much discomfort she has been a remarkable loving celebrated the event. My thanks to every one of you servant of Jesus. Her leadership of the Mothers’ Union here for four years who contributed so much to the success of the also saw a great surge forward in membership on Tuesday afternoons, twice occasion. I was delighted so many members were able monthly, and saw the creation of a young Mothers’ Union group meeting on Wednesday evening. This in its way has strengthened our ministry to the to be there and well done to those in the parade of our Toddler Group and Messy Church and out into the community. historic banners. Come along to our annual meeting in Revd John S. Richardson June to see more photos. We have more colour pages in the newsletter; I hope Maidstone Archdeaconry you will enjoy the pictures. St John the Baptist Church, Tunstall Elizabeth Hudsmith Summer is the season for bbqs and garden parties and plans are well advanced , , , for both as members come together to celebrate our Mary Sumner Founder’s and 5 Church Brenda Bailey Day on 9th August. To raise our visibility in the community branches have held St Nicholas Church, Allington Stella Farnworth quizzes, beetle drives, skittles, morning coffee and afternoon teas while raising funds for our charitable objectives. Funds are also being raised by Easy Dates for your Diary Fundraising. Give it a try and recommend it to family, members and friends who shop on-line. (see back cover). Tuesday 5th July Trustee Board Meeting, Diocesan House Boardroom 10.00 am - 1.00 pm We now have a PowerPoint display CD, available through the Archdeaconries, to Thursday 28th July Cathedral Prayer Time, 12 noon show to others what we are doing for the families through an Away From It All St Gabriel’s Chapel Holiday. Do use it at your open mornings, church meetings and any fundraising Friday 29th July Copy deadline for Newsletter event. Saturday 30th July Saying Goodbye Service in Cathedral at Similarly if you are hosting a cake sale at church or having a coffee morning for 12.30 pm friends you can take advantage of the free Big Summer Appeal pack from Tuesday 9th August Founders Day, 140th Anniversary Mothers’ Union headquarters: www.mothersunion.org/get-involved/give/big- Celebrations around the summer-appeal. This central fundraising initiative will support the work Thursday 25th August Cathedral Prayer Time, 12 noon overseas of our Community Development Coordinators and the core charity St Gabriel’s Chapel activities of the MU. Thursday 8th September Maidstone Archdeaconry meeting 11.00 am So many more of us are involved in Messy Church and other outreach activities. Knightrider Baptist Church, Maidstone There will be more news to pass on from the MU leadership conference Thursday 22nd September 140th Celebration Service in “Equipping our members to Serve”. This is attended by representatives from to Friday 23rd Winchester Cathedral and General Meeting in Basingstoke across the UK and Ireland. Updates of activities and daily prayers are posted on the social media Facebook page for Canterbury and our website. Thursday 29th September Cathedral Prayer Time, 12 noon St Gabriel’s Chapel Grace and Peace Thursday 29th September Finance & Diocesan Services Meeting Marianna Poliszczuk, Diocesan President E-mail: [email protected] St Michael’s Church, Commissioning of Central Trustees at Sittingbourne A very happy occasion Mothers’ Union is one of the was the reforming of the greatest of women’s groups in the world affirms the Archbishop of branch and enrolment of Canterbury; new members by the Revd In a moving service in Lambeth James Pettit. Pictured here Palace on St David’s Day, the , the Rt Hon with the Branch Leader , affirmed the Worldwide Valerie Hemsley-Flint are President and the International Board the members of the branch of Trustees in their governance role for the Mothers’ Union. with Marianna Poliszczuk Speaking on Psalm 6, The Archbishop said the Mothers’ Union (Diocesan President) and Trustees Jean Sweetman and Rita Pengelly. The Archbishop said “The Mothers’ Union in holds in its hands two aspects of “the event took place during Sunday morning worship. so many places is an organisation that most extraordinary treasure that God listens to the voices of weeping. has brought together.” Marianna Poliszczuk Whether it’s in Burundi, the Congo or “You are one of the greatest of South Sudan; whether it’s in homes in women’s groups in the world, and you All Souls Church, Cheriton cities where when the local football have the treasure of the gospel of Among the many Lady Day team loses there is a 50 percent reconciliation. What more could be increase in domestic violence; whether it needed to be transforming of the world services in our Diocese, I is in the loneliness of weeping by people in which we live?” “Nine-tenths of your attended All Souls Cheriton in my who are not suffering physically but are work is hidden in the parishes and the spiritually empty and lost; it is the dioceses, in the hills and the villages – role as Godmother and we were Mothers’ Union that exists in the vision doing the work of bringing hope and joined by members from St of Mary Sumner to speak of those things strengthening families, of supporting Leonard’s Deal. I had a lovely that God has provided that bring hope, churches, of transforming communities.” help and a future. Central to this vision, Mothers’ Union has been at the time, they all welcomed me very he said, is “an extraordinary movement heart of reconciliation work in many warmly, and the service was thoughtful and inspiring. I feel very blessed to support the family.” countries in the past twenty years. In belonging to MU and it's always great meeting new friend's. “There has never been a time when Rwanda Mothers’ Union came the family was not a place that needed alongside people from all tribal groups Rita Pengelly the light of Christ shining within it to to bring about community cohesion as become what God has called it to be. people returned from conflict and Contact List And you hold that treasure in your promoting women in community Diocesan Administrator Susan Bradley 01303 864289 hands, and as we go to the leadership to help restore peace. In Wingmore, Brady Road, Lyminge, CT18 8EU reaffirmation that is part of the vision.” South Sudan, where conflict continues He added: “But there is also such a to tear communities apart, Mothers’ E-mail: [email protected] need for global women’s groups. And Union has the specific role of bringing Canterbury & Ashford Margaret Horwood 01227 455080 you are among the most embedded, the reconciliation to communities as part Archdeaconry President E-mail: [email protected] most effective, the most widespread. of the Relief work of the Anglican There are few that can rival you – if Church of Sudan and South Sudan. Maidstone Archdeaconry President Jean Sweetman 01622 728233 any.” We pray for our Overseas Link of E-mail: [email protected] Reflecting on United Nations Kajo-Keji Diocese in South Sudan for a Diocesan Website: www.muenterprises.org/canterburymu research showing that no major civil quick implementation of the peace deal conflict since 1945 has ended without and the deteriorating economic crisis Mothers’ Union Website: www.mothersunion.org the involvement of women’s groups, the in the country. Registered Charity No. 250124 Whitstable Team Fellowship Whitstable Team MU Branch has undertaken new challenges as from the St Martin & St Paul’s Church, Canterbury beginning of 2016. We have now become a Fellowship and are still in the process of finding our way whilst maintaining a long established and what We enjoyed the Wave of Prayer very has been, a quite active, membership. It has taken a great deal of thought much, it's a lovely service. We and prayer, to say nothing of some courage, to take this step. preceded this with a shared lunch In 2015 a new committee was not forthcoming but Margaret Lakin-Hall and then went on to make up the had already agreed to be Branch Leader. There are, at the moment, 34 Easter baskets for St Martin's members in four different churches of the Team Ministry. Many being Hospital. This is a fun activity and we fill the baskets with little plants, long—serving MU members and keen to remain within the organisation primulas usually, and a great variety and to support its Aims and Objectives. On the other hand, many of us of eggs and chicks, etc. are "getting on a bit" and some unable to take active part in the activities of the MU. They are able, however, to offer financial and prayerful support of the organisation. Our branch has been doing this since The Team has long before I appeared on the scene, and also many they are always very well received. burgeoning and progressive outreach Marylyn Collins opportunities and those of us who are able will, quite naturally, support such initiatives wherever possible. Stephen’s Church, We, however, do not see this as either a failure nor a problem, An "opportunity" rather. An Canterbury opportunity to develop and maybe explore different ways of following The At Home afternoon tea is Mary Sumner's example. Perhaps a more "back to basics" look at what the a scrumptious annual event. MU can achieve locally and nationally. The tea towel holders are Many of us have extended families as well as extending church Alice Haller and Rosie Barford, fellowships which we are anxious to foster and support in whatever way Branch Leader, with the team we can. of cake and sandwich makers, We trust in our Lord to be with us as we explore and evolve in a true fellowship with each other and with those we meet and care for in the and some of the invited many, many opportunities we have. guests from the Trustee Board and the community. SO WATCH THIS SPACE! Each guest received one of the new MU promotional postcards. Wendy Bailey Rosie Barford

This magazine is produced by Mothers’ Union in the . All items must come with a note of the contributor’s name and contact details. The editor reserves the right to edit or not Copy for the next Newsletter to be with the Editor, David Horwood, by Friday publish anything received. Items are not intended to represent the official position of the Church of 29th July 2016. Please let me know what is happening in your area. Send to: , nor the official position of the Mothers’ Union. 27 Abbey Gardens, Canterbury CT2 7EU or email: [email protected]. St John the Baptist Church, St Michael and All Angels Margate Church, Marden The Mothers’ Union held an open For the Wave of Prayer morning in the hall and it was an members gathered at the opportunity to tell people what the home of Rosemary MU is about. I attended and McArragher and the photo complimented the Revd Lesley shows those present. Valiant for the poster she prepared Margaret Bradford which promoted the wider activities of MU. The event had been widely St Nicholas Church, circulated and included a Fair Trade stall and a breakfast. A good number of people came and it was considered a worthwhile event and finished with Allington midday prayers act of worship. Our Wave of Prayer service was Marianna Poliszczuk led by Mary Gentry and the Bredgar, Bicknor, Frinsted, Milstead and readers were from left to right in the photograph:- Mary Wormshill 5 parishes Church Gentry, (Branch Leader) Beryl Banners were displayed at the coffee Fletcher, Marianna Poliszczuk morning at Frinsted Village Hall along with a (Diocesan President), Jackie display of past and present work of our MU. The Boyle, Jessica Good, Hilary King, Revd Donald Bish (retired) and Roger Branch was formed in 1927 with the parishes of Gentry (organist). Frinsted and Wormshill and then amalgamated Fiona Foreman The Shelter Box Scheme began 13 with the 5 churches Bicknor, Bredgar, Frinsted, years ago as a small Cornish Milstead and Wormshill. Freshly brewed coffee was served along with cakes charity striving to help families displaying the 140th Anniversary Year toppings. devastated by disaster. The charity Pat Hobday now reaches thousands of families MU Knitting -for Special Care Baby Units in every corner of the world. The As the babies' 'knock off' their bonnets we are box contains enough survival being asked by Pembury to attach ribbons for equipment to support 10 people the newborns' hats (see picture). Last quarter and includes a tent, cooking and our knitters forwarded to the Pembury Hospital other tools, solar lighting, Special Care Baby Unit, 4 newborn hats; 45 baby hats groundsheets and survival blankets. (assorted sizes); 16 premature size matinee sets and, to When empty, the box can be used the William Harvey hospital 17 first size and 20 second size, as a washing/baby bath or a cradle. 'vent' premature special care bonnets, which do have ribbons. This work Members in the photograph from left to right: Beryl Fletcher, Hilary continues throughout the year therefore your gifts of wool are gratefully King, Mary Gentry (branch leader) and Jackie Boyle. received. Anyone wishing to knit for SCNI or twiddle muffs for Alzheimer Fiona Foreman sufferers can contact our Administrator, Susan Bradley. Marianna Poliszczuk September Together in Prayer Psalm 74, verses 15 – 17 July - August - September 2016 Margaret Bradford - Pastoral Advisor “It was you who opened springs and streams; you dried-up the ever flowing rivers. The day is yours, and Maidstone Archdeaconry also the night;

You established the sun and the moon.” For long days and warm evenings, for sun, and for afternoons

We are all like springs and streams of water. Like the very veins in our in the garden, body that keep us going, keep us alive. We stretch out like the streams we thank you, Lord bringing and sharing our faith with others. With freshness of the clean for cool drinks and summer salads, for relaxation and summer waters. games, we thank you, Lord We have the day and the night. We have order. for summer holidays and summer outings, for opportunities to A time to sleep and a time to wake. A time to be busy and a time to see new places, and to renew acquaintance with familiar ones, rest and pray. we thank you, Lord We can give thanks that we are not in areas of drought or famine. for time to reflect, to renew energies, to plan ahead, In great risk of fire and devastating storms. We can get help, we have we thank you, Lord. one of the greatest gifts given to mankind. We can communicate. For summer’s work as well as summer leisure, for summer “Where streams of living water flows storms as well as summer stillness, my ransomed soul he leadeth, we thank you, Lord. and where the verdant pastures grow with food celestial feedeth” Lord of the year, and Lord of years, all times are in your hand; The King of Love my Shepherd is seasons of growth, seasons of refreshments, seasons of waiting Words by - Henry Williams Baker and seasons of fruition, are all from you. Lord, you have given us time. Move us to use it that we may Lord help us with all our gifts to use them wisely. love and please you daily. Amen To share them with others. May our streams never run dry and cup be ever overflowing . Amen Anon

Please remember in your prayers: Thursday 22nd 140th Celebration Service and to Friday 23rd September General Meeting Thursday 29th September Cathedral Prayer Time, 12 noon, St Gabriel’s Chapel Thursday 29th September Finance & Diocesan Services Meeting

Together in Prayer Together in Prayer July August Ecclesiastes 3, verse 1 Psalm 24, verses 1 - 2

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who heaven.” live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the

waters.” As the days grow longer with early sunrise and the evenings into late sunshine, let us take time to think about the summer produce we are “The world and all who live in it” using. Where does it come from, who produced it, could we take more time to think about the origins of what we are consuming. “ No man is a stranger only someone who we have not yet met”

Mothers’ Union across the world have a few food projects. One such Recently whilst giving a sermon in my local church I looked out on project is the loan of chickens to them. They are able to sell the eggs the congregation to find so many people I did not yet know. which enables them to raise enough money for educating their New houses on new developments in the village. Families full of hope children. in their new surroundings.

As I drive my car I pass so many such new developments all over our Another story is of the loan of goats. Being able to care for them and diocese. Perhaps I also pass many people who do not speak my sell the milk, again to help with family needs. language, have no permanent home, a job, security and a sense of

belonging. “Summer and winter, and spring-time and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above “When I needed a neighbour were you there, Join with all nature in manifold witness were you there. To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love” When I needed a neighbour were you there.

And the creed and the colour Great is thy faithfulness - words by Thomas O Chisholm and the name won’t matter

were you there”. Let us give thanks for the abundance of fresh groceries available to us all seasons of the year. We pray for those who rise early and stay late When I needed a neighbour - words by Sydney Bertram Carter to bring us such rewards. Those who tend the fields, those working in factories and those who make deliveries. Lord may we never pass by on the other side. Amen Give us the tools to help where we can.

To pray as we should. Please remember in your prayers: To be aware. Amen Thursday 28th July Cathedral Prayer Time, 12 noon, St Gabriel’s Chapel Please remember in your prayers: Friday 29th July Copy deadline for Newsletter Tuesday 9th August Mary Sumner Founders Day,140th Saturday 30th July Saying Goodbye Service for bereaved Anniversary parents in Cathedral at 12.30 pm Thursday 25th August Cathedral Prayer Time, 12 noon, St Gabriel’s Chapel

Together in Prayer Together in Prayer