Trinity 1 News
A very warm welcome to any new readers, and to visitors and newcomers to St Michael's. A special welcome and thanks to Fr Paul, our celebrant this morning, who will also kindly be saying Mass for us on Thursday at 10.30 am. If you are new to St Michael's, do join us in the Vestry Hall after the service, so that we can welcome you properly.
The quire of Canterbury Cathedral was the majestic setting for Bishop Norman's Richborough Family Mass on 10th June. The Bishop's sermon touched on how ordinary, yet how special, shared meals and the accompanying shared stories are – witness the fact that our Lord's earthly ministry began with the wedding party at Cana and closed with the Last Supper. Nor are we mortals the only ones who remember: “You,” he said, “each one of you, are indelibly etched upon the memory of God.” After a sun-drenched picnic lunch in the cloister, we gathered in the Chapter House to hear the Bishop “opening up” Philippians Chapter 2. This was poignant - “because you and I will never be all together, in this place, in this way, again” - but the overwhelming sensation was one of shared joy, expressed in the appreciative applause and cheering with which our shared Bible reflection concluded.
For people who had to miss that occasion: Bishop Norman will be at Folkestone for the Blessing of the Fisheries on June 25th (assemble at St Peter's Church at 2.45 for procession to The Stade) and members of Resolution parishes, including our own, will be warmly welcomed to take part in this inspiring and enjoyable ceremony.
Thank you to Katja, who courageously volunteered to deal with mould on the walls of the lavatories in the church Halls and carried out the work last Sunday before the Wendy House returned from half-term. Thanks also to Paul for supplying a very effective product to do the job.
From Our Tower: Kent County Association, Maidstone, Kent: St Michael and All Angels
Sunday, 4 June 2023 in 41m (6–1–24 in C)
1260 Stedman Triples
- Stephen Coaker
- Philip Jarvis
- Jacqueline Barlow
- Emma Jarvis
- Mike Birkbeck
- Pam Thomas
- Neil Jones (C)
- Mark Elvers
Rung on the Saint's Day of Petroc, Abbot of Padstow, 6th century.
Our Strawberry Fair is taking shape! Sara has to be at work today, but will be delighted to receive offers of cake and scone making for the teas. Please telephone 07837 919761 or speak to Sara in person next Sunday. Tombola prizes can be left in the box at the back of the church – what could you find (at home? in a charity shop? somewhere else?) that would look good on a tombola – For children? For adults? It doesn't have to be strawberry-related, but if it is, all the better!
A chance to be a pilgrim! This has crept up on us (apologies) and the closing date is NOW! The Resolution parishes in this diocese are mounting a joint pilgrimage to Walsingham from 14th August (pm) to 18th August (am), to be led by Fr Peter Harnden of Harbledown. As you can see, that week will include the Feast of the Assumption – a wonderful time to thank God for the part played by Blessed Mary in the story of our salvation, to seek her intercession – and to relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings of the shrine, and the rural and coastal scenery of that part of Norfolk. If you need a spiritual shot in the arm, this could be for you. The cost (full board) should be about £250, and a deposit of £30 is due immediately. Please speak to Eleanor after Mass or phone her (01622 679551). She is going, and may be able to help with a lift.
We are all thinking of Ukraine at present: The splendid people at 27 Maryland Drive, Barming, are unable to take further bulky items, but there is a bin outside their house for medical and hygienic supplies (even recently out-of-date), veterinary medicines and personal care items for transport to Ukraine.
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