Easter services, MHA, Fiddle & Faff, News from the churches...
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Easter Services around the Circuit... .
PALM SUNDAY 13th APRIL
Sittingbourne – Music and Readings for Holy Week, 6.00pm
MAUNDY THURSDAY 17th APRIL
Gillingham – Rev Will Grady, Communion, 7.30pm
Sittingbourne – Rev Gary Watt, Communion & Meal 6.30pm
GOOD FRIDAY 18th APRIL
Hartlip – Rev Will Grady at 6.30pm
Hextable – Rev Velma Campbell at 10.30am
Tonbridge Rd – Rev Clifford Newman at 9.00am
EASTER SUNDAY 20th APRIL
Hartlip – Rev Will Grady & Brian Davies a Communion at 9.30am
Hextable – Rev Velma Campbell, Communion at 8.30am
Sittingbourne – Rev Dr Garry Watt, Communion 10.30am
Gillingham – Rev Will Grady, Holy Communion at 8.30am
Methodist Homes (MHA) would like to invite you to "Surprised by Age?" - a morning gathering to
explore how ageing, spirituality and faith are at the heart of the Church's mission, based around MHA's
own story. Wednesday 26th March 2014, 9.30am – 1.00pm at Epsom Methodist Church,
Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ. Includes lunch
This morning is aimed at providing church members, clergy, pastoral leaders and informal carers with
both inspiration and ideas that will help the Church to continue recognising and addressing the needs of
older people in the future. The event is free and will be led by Revd Dr Keith Albans, MHA's Director –
Chaplaincy & Spirituality. Two breakout sessions will explore a variety of relevant topics, including
Dementia, Spirituality and Later Life, Dying and Death and Serving Older People in the Community.
We do hope you will be able to join us in exploring later life in all its fullness.
For more information go to http://www.mha.org.uk/Methodisthomessunday.aspx.
To book your free place email rachel.walker@mha.org.uk before 20th March.
"They shall bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing." Psalm 92: 12-15
NEWS FROM THE CIRCUIT
After what seems a very long time, being understaffed in the Dartford and Gravesend section of our Circuit, we have some really good news, with two ministerial appointments.
In December Deacon Jane Paine and her husband Alan came to visit us from Denby Dale near Huddersfield., where she is serving at present. Jane will be working alongside Rev. Velma Campbell, in Spital St and the Brent on mission and outreach projects.
In January we had a visit from Rev. Noreen Daley-Lee, her husband Lafton and two year-old son Emmanuel. Noreen hails from the Caribbean and is at present studying for her masters in Biblical studies at Kings College London. She will serve the Churches of Gravesend, Dene Holm and Swanscombe. Lafton is also a Local Preacher.
We thank God for blessing us greatly with these appointments, and pray that these Churches will be able to grow – spiritually, and as vibrant Christian communities, as a result of this new look team!
FIDDLE & FAFF
Lis Bayford and Christine Adams of "Fiddle and Faff" invite you to come and join them for a ...
Lots of songs and rounds and simple part-singing.
All songs taught by ear. All adults welcome of any age.
No experience needed.
Saturday 29th March at Norton Village Hall (near Faversham) ME13 0SW.
2pm to 5.30pm followed by a bring a share tea and a short informal concert at 7pm.
Cost £8.00 per singer. Booking essential. Contact music@cantina.co.uk.
NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES
Gravesend
We have all been delighted with the news that in September, Rev. Noreen Daley-Lee and her family will be coming to us. It has been a long time since we have had a Minister to lead us.
Our Junior Church as now been re-launched under the name 'Explorer'. Many activities including games, singing songs, making crafts, watching DVD's whilst learning about Jesus and Christian values.
We welcomed seven students from Capernwray recently for the weekend, they will be returning on 28th February for a week, joining in all our activities, plus visits to local schools.
On 1st March we are having an afternoon of games and pancakes, all are welcome, it is free, with donations for pancakes eaten.
Then on 15th March a Family Quiz evening with a ploughman's platter, why not send a team from your church, details contact: Robert Hardy.
There will be a Family Quiz Night on Saturday 15th March at 6.30pm. Teams of six at £5 per head to include a Ploughman's Platter. For further details contact Robert Hardy
Hextable
We have an evening of fun and laughter on Saturday 29th March at 7.30pm when the Christian comedian Paul Karensa is performing. Tickets are £7. For more details contact Alan Rainer
To book tickets call Frances Blackburn
Larkfield
Using our full name, Larkfield and East Malling Methodist Church is in its 50th year. In April we celebrate the coming together of the people from the old Tin Tabernacle in Larkfield and the little Methodist Chapel with dry rot in East Malling, only a handful of people, but with such amazing vision and drive, that they are still an inspiration to us today. So we try to keep the flame of their love for Christ alive, and we would like you to come to share with us in a Circuit Service to celebrate our 50 years, on Sunday 6th April at 4pm. Rev. Dr Gary Watt will be our preacher, and we hope you will join us afterwards
for a cup of tea and cake.
You will have to be very forgiving though, as we will probably be inviting you to a building site! The work on our new Welcome Area will be beginning, hopefully mid-February, but won't be complete until about Easter. Maybe it is appropriate that we are still building!
Swanscombe
Our Carol Service in December was well attended. Our "Fun & Fellowship" afternoon was a success as usual and everyone had a good time. I think the "lions" will stay with everyone for a long time. At the faith tea I think we were feeding the 5000!
Ola's assessed service at Swanscombe was a great success and we wish her all the best in her future ministry.
The work on our parapet is starting HURRAH!
Every little helps!
If you shop online you could be making a contribution to Circuit Funds without it costing you a penny. All you have to do is go to http://www.givingabit.com/ and nominate the Circuit as your preferred charity.
Just go to the website and follow the steps set out. Even though you may think that what you buy online will only raise a few pence, if enough of us do it this could bring real benefits. The Circuit's charity number is 1134870.
Gillingham
As we said farewell to 2013, we were able to reflect on a very busy Christmas period, which started with a day of prayer, and looking forward to 2014. It was a privilege to welcome many visitors, (not forgetting our regulars of course) to many different activities and services and to share in one way or another the true meaning of Christmas.
As we started 2014 we looked forward to welcoming a few of the fellowship from Reigate Methodist, for a music day on the last Saturday in January and then to join with us in service the following day. It was great to share experiences of different worship ideas and styles with Christian brothers and sisters. As Gillingham's worship group has been on its journey , one which, several years ago, included a few of the group joining with another churches worship group, something that we have learnt is the importance of setting aside time when we can not just play and grow together but to relax together. It is often in those periods of relaxation that some of the most profound conversations are had!
The 2nd March, the first Sunday of the next quarter, has been set aside as a day of prayer, it's not just for Gillingham but for any in the circuit who would like to join us. Come along for as little or as long as you are able. Currently the programme is being worked up and will be shared as soon as possible.
On the 23rd March we look forward to welcoming Rev Martin Turner, the superintendent minister at Westminster Central Hall, (WCH), and then on the 6th April the Rev Tony Miles, the deputy superintendent at WCH, a presenter on Premier Christian Radio as well as an author!
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through
all generations.-- Psalm 100 v 1-5.
Sittingbourne
We start the New Year looking at a very busy time ahead. We have started our third discipleship course, which is completely different to both 'Life on the Frontline' and the Bible Societies 'Lyfe' courses which we did last year. This course entitled 'Signs', is produced by the talented American filmmaker, author, storyteller, activist, and innovator Erwin Raphael McManus. He sees imagination as one of humanity's
greatest resources, he looks at Creation, the Holy Spirit and our Life Choices in a compelling way. Each film opens up endless discussion opportunities and is so different to anything we have experienced before.
We continue with occasional Saturday morning prayer breakfasts and regular weekly coffee mornings which have grown beyond our expectations. This is our real mission field and a natural frontline for the church, giving opportunities for building relationships, offering a listening ear and the enjoyment of consuming good coffee and freshly baked scones. Our weekly outreach continues with our work with the 3H group helping people with emotional issues and those who have, or are dealing with
bereavement or loneliness and of course our lunch club which serves up to 50 folk some from the church and others outside with particular needs.
We have been encouraging a new group hiring our premises formed by local music teacher Derek Boyne and his colleague Miles Attwell following the removal of funding to Kent Music School. Both have worked hard to pick up the pieces from this bombshell and formed a local music group called Encore. The groups inaugural concert was staged at the church on 7th February with over 70 musicians performing, ranging from a junior string band, to a guitar group and a wind band, with ages ranging from 7 to 70 years. A full house of around 160 people, plus the band packed the church for a 2 hour magical
concert performed by some outstanding musicians and supported by singers from Opus 32. Derek is no stranger to the church as Opus 32 has rehearsed and performed on our premises for many years.
Our fundraising programme continues now for general church funds as our building development programme is now almost complete, we have a number of innovative events planned for this year.
As we fast approach Lent we start another themed preaching series leading us up to Palm Sunday and into Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday we will share a meal together and celebrate Communion and establish a prayer labyrinth in the church. We will share with other churches in the town on Good Friday with a March of Witness through the town followed by a joint service at the Baptist Church. Concluding with Easter Sunday morning Communion – when we all shout – Alleluia He is risen, He is risen indeed!
