Advent Sunday 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 Matthias, our celebrant this morning, who will also kindly be saying Mass for us on Thursday at 10.30 am as well as Wednesday (see below). Everyone is warmly invited to coffee in the Vestry Hall after Mass. If new to St Michael's, do join us so that we can welcome you properly!
Thank you to Sara and to all the energetic helpers who united to achieve a successful Fair on Saturday. The wintry weather was not on our side, and neither was the number of other local fairs – but those who attended spent generously and thoroughly enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the delicious refreshments organised by Sue. Catherine's craft-and-gift stall looked particularly beautiful this time, and there will be an opportunity to make some late purchases from it after Mass. Fishing for Christmas baubles was a new attraction this year, joining sweets-in-a jar, guessing the weight of the Christmas cake, and guessing the name of the dog (this last a venture by Norman and Jackie).The tombolas appeared alarmingly well-stocked beforehand, and Mike, Mary, Alison and her husband Paul were delighted to see them diminishing steadily as the afternoon went on. The two Margarets – one selling bric-a brac and the other cakes and bread – were welcoming and effective saleswomen. The hard work of Sara and everyone else – including those who turned out beforehand to set up) is warmly appreciated by all who were there.
We are delighted and thankful to see Fr Paul back with us after his surgery and assure him of our continued prayers as he convalesces.
News of Paul: It is hoped that Paul will be able to leave King's College Hospital next week and will be placed under the care of the Royal Marsden. Please continue to pray for him.
Margaret Broadbent's funeral takes place at Vinters Park Crematorium on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10.15 am. Members of St Michael's are particularly welcome, even if they did not know her very well. Her dedicated work for our church in past years deserves recognition.
Interview Day is this Wednesday, 6th December. Thank you to members of our team who are rallying round to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Please, everyone, do all you can to welcome visitors to St Michael's that day, and continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for the candidate and for all concerned in the appointment process. The day will begin with Mass in the Ascension Chapel at 10.40, and anyone who is available is most welcome to join the candidate and the panel in worship.
Congratulations to Zangi, who attended a trial recently and will now be playing rugby for the county. Wonderful news, Zangi!
Are you a PT van driver, or do you know one? Make a Difference Maidstone are looking for a driver, 2 or 3 days a week, remuneration to be discussed. This could be a rewarding opportunity to work for a very worthwhile local Christian charity. If interested, please telephone Rob Foley on 01622 687414.
From Our Tower: Kent County Association Maidstone, Kent : St Michael and All Angels
Monday, 20 November 2023 in 42m (6–1–24 in C)
1280 Yorkshire Surprise Major
- Isabel Hitchings
- Kath White
- Jacqueline Barlow
- Janice Byrne
- Richard Young
- Mark Elvers
- Mike Birkbeck
- Reg Hitchings (C)
Remembering David O’Sullivan 22/11/19 R.I.P.
Rung on the Saint's Day of Saint Edmund, King and Martyr (d. 869)
We need more Catholic voices on our Deanery and Diocesan Synods. There will be elections before very long. Could God be calling you to stand for election? At last week's Deanery Synod we were reminded of the significance of COP 28 and were urgently invited to adopt environmentally friendly changes that could make a difference in our individual lives and the life of our church. Please think and pray about this.
Could you pass this sheet on to someone else who might like to see it?