Monday, April 27, 2015

News from the Church of England

In Review new editions

InReview

May's edition of InReview, including announcements of money for cathedrals and church buildings, a picture feature of the #Washday15 campaign, and more, is available here.

InFocus

May's edition of InFocus, including the Archbishop of York commissioning a sports ambassador for the church, two new study guides ahead of the General Election, and more, is available here.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Singing Starters group this Sunday


Singing is fun. Singing is good for you. Singing helps your child grow and learn.
Everyone is welcome to our free session of singing for children and parents. Come along and join us this Sunday in the Lady Chapel after our 10 am service.



Sunday, April 12, 2015

Sermons from St Peter & St Paul, Seal, Kent: Easter 2: The Innkeeper’s gift – a Sicilian folk t...

A traditional folk tale from Sicily in place of a sermon today.

Sermons from St Peter & St Paul, Seal, Kent: Easter 2: The Innkeeper’s gift – a Sicilian folk t...: There was once an innkeeper in Galilee, and he was the meanest innkeeper you are ever likely to meet. There were no free little pots of...

Sunday, April 05, 2015

Our newest choristers

Congratulations to Henry and Tabitha, who were given their surplices today and became full members of the choir - seen here with their proud mum!

Many thanks to all the choir, and to Stephen and Philip, for all the music during Holy Week - it was splendid.

Choir practices start again on Wed April 23 after our Easter break, and we always welcome new singers, so get in touch if you'd like to join us, or just turn up on Wednesdays at 7.30pm.

Sermons from St Peter & St Paul, Seal, Kent: Easter Sunday: The Kingdom of God and the Promised...



Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia!



Sermons from St Peter & St Paul, Seal, Kent: Easter Sunday: The Kingdom of God and the Promised...: Acts 10.34-43, Mark 16. 1-8 This year Easter coincides with the Jewish feast of Passover.  It doesn’t always, which might seem stra...

Friday, April 03, 2015

A bumper Messy Church for Good Friday.

 I can never predict how many people will turn up for Messy Church on Good Friday, but this year's was the biggest ever, and everyone had fun. I never quite know what's going to happen either, and this year we had a lovely surprise in the shape of two tiny newly hatched chicks, brought by Babs Bartholomew. They didn't seem to mind being passed around a lot of children! No photos of the chicks, I'm afraid, but plenty of photos of the other things we did below.
We made "Holy Grails" to remind us of the cup of wine Jesus shared with his friends.

We were busy, busy, busy - loads of people came!


Resurrection butterflies reminded us that God can change us and bring new life.



Crosses made of milk bottle tops (and lots of glitter!)



Colourful paper flowers to decorate the church (and to take home).
Making the twig cross.
We tied purple ribbons to our twig cross to symbolise our prayers of sorrow or concern, and gold ribbons for our thanksgivings.





Worship




Spot the "Holy Grail" in the bottom right corner of this display. 

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Maundy Thursday Communion and Tenebrae

Tonight at 8pm our Maundy Thursday service of Holy Communion celebrates and ponders the Last Supper, with its themes of friendship and betrayal. 

At the end we move into the Lady Chapel for the brief service of Tenebrae (Shadows) which begins with 12 candles burning on the altar. After each of the 12 Tenebrae readings we blow out a candle until we are in darkness. It is a moving and atmospheric meditation on the gathering darkness around Jesus as he is arrested, and on the darkness that shadows so many human lives today. Come along and join us.