Lent 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 Matthias, 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.

Do remember our Lenten Frugal Lunch next Sunday, 25th February!

And the Quiet Afternoon on March 2^nd\ .\ ^from 12 noon to 4 pm. A chance to visit historic Capel Church and spend some time with God, and enjoy medieval wall paintings, landscape and perhaps a walk, at the kind invitation of the parish of St Peter and St Paul, Yalding. It will help if you give your name to Eleanor, as Fr Kish is preparing some handouts; please speak to Eleanor also if you need a lift.

Prayers, please, for Fr John as he prepares to join us as our new Parish Priest, and for our parish, as we prepare to move onward under his leadership. All members and friends of St Michael's are invited to share in the joy of Fr John's Licensing Service on 21st March at 7 pm, and the refreshments afterwards. Offers of help with these will be gratefully received by Alison P and Sue.

Help for Ukraine: Simon at 27, Maryland Drive, Barming, ME16 9EN is once more collecting much-needed medical and veterinary supplies (even if partly used) and animal foodstuffs for Ukraine. Walking aids, wheelchairs, clean old towels and duvet covers, and single quilts (not with feathers) are also very welcome.

From our Tower:

Kent County Association, Maidstone, Kent

St Michael and All Angels

Friday, 9 February 2024 in 39m (6–1–24 in C)

1296 Mersey Surprise Minor

  1. Mark Elvers
  2. Jacqueline Barlow
  3. Janice Byrne
  4. Stephen Coaker
  5. Neil Jones (C)
  6. Pam Thomas

A Birthday compliment to Father Paul Matthias.

Sunday, 11 February 2024 in 39m (6–1–24 in C)

1280 Double Norwich Court Bob Major

  1. Janice Byrne
  2. Philip Jarvis
  3. Jacqueline Barlow
  4. Mark Elvers
  5. Mike Birkbeck
  6. Stephen Coaker
  7. Pam Thomas
  8. Neil Jones (C)

Remembering Mike Thresh, 12/2/15, R. I. P..

Rung within the Octave of the Feast of St Agatha.

Canterbury Cathedral Passes? Many people will remember that until recently, members of any church in the diocese could obtain a free pass that enabled them to visit the Cathedral free of charge. Since the system changed in 2023, the old passes are no longer valid. Church members (on a parish electoral roll or equivalent) and people in some other categories can now apply online (https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/the-cathedral-pass/)for a pass which lasts for 5 years and costs £6. (There is of course still no entry fee if you are attending a service at the Cathedral, or if you are a Friend of the Cathedral). In view of the fees the Cathedral now charges for ordinary visitors, which will certainly increase, the new Cathedral Pass still represents good value.

Among the Sick, we pray for: Paul, Margaret, Ellie, Pauline, Rue, Fr Leon, Antony, Fran, Ellie, Tom, Joseph, Peter, Joan, Margaret, Lindsay, Glynis, Ethan, Sarah, Yvonne, Jean, Niraj and HM The King.

Among the Departed: Mike Thresh, Lilian Gilbert, William Norman Bryson, Vera Clements.

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