Lent 2 News

A very warm welcome to any new readers, and to visitors and newcomers to St Michael's. A special welcome to Fr Paul, our celebrant this morning, who will also kindly be celebrating Mass for us on Thursday at 10.30 am. If you are new to St Michael's, do join us for tea or coffee in the Vestry Hall after the service, so that we can welcome you properly.

Thank you to everyone who gardened, cleaned, cooked, organised, and led the music last Sunday. Of our delicious after-Mass lunch, Bishop Norman remarked, “This is better than a lot of Confirmation lunches I've been to!” - and he was warm in his commendation of our choral music. He, too, has been thanked for his encouragement to St Michael's at this challenging time.

Our Parish Quiet Day, which Fr Derek is kindly accompanying, takes place at The Friars on March 25th , 9.30 am – 3.30 pm. A precious Lenten opportunity to spend time with our Lord, and to seek the prayers and inspiration of our blessed Lady on the Feast of the Annunciation - remembering with thanksgiving her response to the angel's message: “Be it unto me according to thy word.” Likely cost, about £12 per person. Eleanor is at present finalising the list – please check that you are on it! And could you give anyone a lift?

Furniture? Mick, who has recently joined our congregation, specialises in mending and making furniture. Through a woodwork club, he will shortly have the use of power tools that will enable him to tackle more ambitious projects than previously. He also recycles pallets into colourful garden furniture and would be glad to hear from possible customers.

The Mothers' Union Spring/Easter catalogue can be found in the children's corner, together with some order forms – or order through Daphne (01622 686463). Do have a look - MU cards, particularly, are good value, and there are some attractive Coronation and commemorative items. Proceeds from sales go to the work of the MU, “stopping violence, stopping poverty, stopping injustice” in so many places in the world where families face appalling challenges.

Diocesan Synod meets in Canterbury on March 11th. The morning session is open to anyone interested, and will focus on the church's mission to children and young people. Details from Eleanor, who can offer a lift to anyone who would like to go.

Contact with local schools is always a privilege and a pleasure. We have had a most appreciative message from West Borough School, whose postponed concert we hosted in January, and we look forward to welcoming Jubilee School and the St Michael's Schools, who hold their pre-Easter services later this month. Oakwood Park Grammar School hopes to send us a team of volunteer gardeners in May.

From Our Tower:

Kent County Association: Maidstone, Kent, St Michael and All Angels

Sunday, 12 February 2023 in 39m (6–1–24 in C)

1260 Plain Bob Minor

1Mark Elvers

2Charlotte Elvers

3Kath White

4Terry Barnard

5Cathy Cheeseman

6Neil Jones (C)

1st of minor inside: 2.

Remembering Mike Thresh (11/2/2015), R.I.P..

PCC, March 15^th:^ Please speak to a member if you would like something included in the Agenda.

Readers' list for March (Thank you, readers, for your valued contribution to our worship – if unable to read on the day listed, please try to arrange a swap with another reader)

12th March OT and Psalm Catherine Garland, NT Katja Svarts

19th March OT and Psalm Alison Heywood, NT Ralph Baldock

26th March OT and Psalm Eta/Zangi, NT Margaret Gatehouse

Mothering Sunday (March 19th) – extra posy-makers needed! Jessica is very kindly making some posies, but as she no longer has a garden, extras will be most welcome. Are there 3 or 4 people who could each produce 6? Nothing expensive or elaborate – just what you can put together from your garden and bring to church on the day? Also, might you (in early April) have greenery or garden flowers that would be helpful for our Easter decorating?