Sunday Worship link and other news from Seal Church

 

Dear friends Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast     Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

In the church building today - Feb 27 10 am   Holy Communion: Preacher, Anne Le Bas 6.30pm Evensong During the week Monday              2-3.30pm Talking Village Wednesday        No Good Book Club this month                            5 pm  Children's Choir                            7.15pm Adult Choir                                8pm ASH WEDNESDAY COMMUNION SERVICE                                          with the imposition of ashes.        Friday                 10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Sunday March 6 10 am   Holy Communion 6.30pm  Evensong Sunday before Lent Exodus 34.29-end, Luke 9.28-43a It used to be said that stained glass windows were "the poor man's Bible", illustrating the stories for people who were unable to read for themselves. One of our stained glass windows at Seal Church happens to depict today's Gospel story. It is at the back of the church, and shows the Transfiguration of Jesus (see right). Jesus is in the centre of the picture, flanked by Moses, carrying the tablets of stone with the ten commandments written on them, and Elijah. Moses and Elijah were Old Testament figures traditionally associated with the Messiah. Some people at the time of Jesus believed that they would appear when the Messiah came.  Beneath them, three of Jesus closest disciples, John, ( left), Peter (centre) and James (right) fall to the ground, stunned by what they are seeing.  Around Jesus and the prophets, if we look closely we can see dozens of angel faces, peering out of the red stained glass, as if heaven has opened and they are looking through at us.  It is a radiant vision, but what does it mean, and what does it have to say to us? Today's sermon explores it further, and sets it in the context of the story in the second half of the reading, of the healing of a sick child.   ALL AGE IDEAS What is the most spectacular thing you've ever seen? Draw a picture of it, or make a shiny collage with anything sparkly and bright you can find around the house. If you can, climb a hill, and look out at the view. Why do you think people like climbing hill.  You may have seen stories of fighting between Russia and Ukraine on the news. It must be frightening to be caught up in the middle of that. Russia and Ukraine are a long way from us, but there are other things closer to home we might find hard or frightening. What helps you when you are scared? What reminds you that you are loved and protected? Say a prayer for the people caught up in the fighting, that they will know they are loved too.  You can find a colouring sheet and prayer for the people caught up in the fighting in Ukraine here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u8AR68YI1p-ogBWxpBqi3pysKKs7wumL/vie You can find a jigsaw version of our Transfiguration window below. Why not have a go!

88Transfiguration window Seal cropped ~2

STORY OF THE WEEK     1 Samuel 31 - 2 Samuel 2.7   Although David had been driven out by Saul, and was attacked by him, he did not try to depose or kill him, because Saul was still the anointed king of Israel, chosen by God. Eventually though, Saul was killed in battle with the Philistines, along with Jonathan, his son, who was greatly loved by David. This story ends the first book of Samuel. The second book of Samuel tells of David's reaction. His lament on their deaths is one of the most moving pieces of poetry in the Bible. Though we can understand his sorrow at Jonathan's death, we might expect that he would rejoice at  the death of Saul, who has persecuted him. But it isn't so. He grieves for them both.  What do you feel about this story?

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS REFRESHMENTS - We have decided not to reinstate serving tea and coffee after services for the time being, as the Covid case rates are still so high locally.   MASKS Although it is no longer compulsory to wear face coverings in church, we continue to encourage people to do so, in order to protect themselves and others.  LENT AT SEAL This Lent at Seal, I will be leading the Pastoral Principles Course, produced by the Church of England, as part of the Living in Love and Faith initiative, is designed to help people live and learn together in the face of difference and diversity.  Over five sessions, we will look at six “pervading evils” which can get in the way as we try to listen to one another and learn from each other.  prejudice, silence, ignorance, fear, hypocrisy, power   Each session will include Bible Study and prayer, and other activities which help us to listen to others, to ourselves and to God.     ONLINE by Zoom  on Monday evenings from 7.30-9.00 March 7,14,21,28, Apr 4  IN THE CHURCH HALL on Thursday mornings from 10 -12  (starting with coffee & chat) Feb 24, March 10,17,24,31  email sealpandp@gmail to reserve a place, or sign the list at the back of church.  THERE WILL BE AN AGM FOR SEAL VILLAGE FUND  This meeting will take place via Zoom on Thursday 17th March at 8pm (please note - this has been put back a little, to give everybody the opportunity to make arrangements to join in). This meeting will include a report of Know Your Neighbours funding throughout the past year. Those who 'Live, Work or Play in Seal', are encouraged to join the meeting to hear how monies raised by our village are being utilised in our community. To register your interest in receiving a Zoom meeting invitation, for March 18th, please send your email address to Becky Watson (Seal Village Fund Secretary) beckywatsonuk@byinternet.com TALKING VILLAGE Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones! Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10am-11am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books. At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better. SEAL TIDDLERS   In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. BISCUIT DECORATING WORKSHOP IN AID OF SEAL ST LAWRENCE SCHOOL CHECK OUT THE KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS WEBSITE for details of what is planned for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend in June (among other things), and how to get involved. https://knowyourneighbours.blogspot.com/2022/02/kyn-update-feb-6.html Plans so far include an event on the allotments, history walks, Garden Safari and Big Lunch on the Rec. as well as an invitation to decorate your homes and gardens with "Royal" window scenes, "Royal" scarecrows. red, white and blue planting etc.  SEAL LIBRARY NEWS   Clare will be in the library on Friday the 25th (no sessions on 11th and 18th) for Baby Rhyme time at 10:15am -10:45am followed each week by Storytime at 10:45-11:15 am.  All pre-school children are welcome with an accompanying adult/s.  SEAL PARISH COUNCIL WILDFLOWER PROJECT - REMEMBER TO SIGN UP FOR NEXT WEEK'S SESSION! Following on from our wildflower talk from the Kent Wildlife Trust's WILD ABOUT GARDENS team, are running a series of zoom sessions this winter on WILDLIFE FRIENDLY GARDEN, This is a great way of encouraging wildflowers and pollinators to your garden, This, is combination with our wildflower verges project, will also help create joined up 'pathways' for bees, butterflies and other key pollinators in our parish. Details of the events can be seen on the Parish Council website, but the zoom sessions cost £5 a session, and are as follows:- Monday March 7th 7.30-9pm - Wilder Lawns Sat March 26th 11-12.30 - Using weeds and wildflowers in a garden to attract bees, butterflies and moths. SEAL HISTORY GUIDE BOOKS Deniz's coffee shop still has some copies of our Seal Historical Guided Walk books for just £5 a copy. All proceeds go to the Seal Village Fund. A perfect time to walk around our beautiful village and see it through new eyes! SEAL VILLAGE ALLOTMENT DIARY FOR Mar - June 2022 Mar 12th - Spring working party Mar 19th - Q and A workshop 10.30-12 April 23rd Q and A workshop 10.30-12 May 15th Spring Plant Sale and Open Day 12-3pm June 3rd - Jubilee Picnic 12.30-4.30. Oct 15th Autumn Plant Sale and Open Day 12-5pm Oct 29th Autumn Working Party 9.30-12.00 OTHER COMMUNITY NEWS - For more community news from Marion Gilchrist, check out the Know Your Neighbours blog. https://knowyourneighbours.blogspot.com/ or email marionjgilchrist@gmail.com to ask to be put on her mailing list.

Sunday worship podcast link and other news: Feb 20

 

Dear friends Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast     Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061 In the church building today - Feb 20 10 am   Holy Communion: Preacher, Kevin Bright 6.30pm Evensong During the week Monday              2-3.30pm Talking Village Wednesday       10 am Zoom Church (email for the link - all welcome)                            5pm  Children's Choir                            7.15pm Adult Choir                  Friday                 10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Sunday Feb 27 10 am   Holy Communion 6.30pm  Evensong The Second Sunday before Lent Genesis 2.4b-9, 15 -end, Revelation 4, Luke 8.22-25 Kevin Bright is preaching today, on the Gospel story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and I think I can safely predict that Storm Eunice will get a mention, though I haven't heard the sermon yet.  As they say, "It's an ill wind that blows no one any good", and at least Eunice will help us to bring our imaginations to bear on this story today!  Rembrandt's wonderful painting "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" captures the sheer savagery and danger of storms. "How can it be possible to survive this?" we wonder as we look at it, just like the disciples who were in the middle of it.  Click on the picture for more details and a larger version.    ALL AGE IDEA Talk about Storm Eunice and look at some of the many photos in the news showing its effects. Pray for those who have been affected by it, and those who are clearing up after it, especially those in the emergency services and those who maintain our power, water and transport systems.  Make some paper boats and float them in the sink or bath and imagine what it was like to be in the boat with Jesus during the storm. Or you could make a "boat" out of a large cardboard box and sail away in it...Where will you go? I love the poem by Edward Lear called The Jumblies who "went to sea in a sieve". Everyone thought they would drown, but instead they had lots of adventures. You can read it here - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/54364/the-jumblies The Gospel story isn't just about the weather. There are times when we feel we are in the middle of a storm in other ways, when we are frightened, feeling we will be overwhelmed. What helps you when that happens? Pray for those who are feeling overwhelmed at the moment.  The Children's Chapel in church has a theme of water at the moment. Why not drop in and have a look - there are colouring sheets you can take away, and toys, games and books (please don't take these away, of course!) STORY OF THE WEEK     1 Samuel 25   After David had escaped from the court of King Saul, who was trying to kill him because he was jealous of his popularity, David became, in effect, a guerilla leader, with a band of soldiers. He didn't fight against Saul directly, and there were several times when he could have killed Saul but didn't, because Saul was still the anointed king of Israel. There are many tales told of this time, but one I love is the story of David and Abigail. Abigail was married to a man called Nabal, who refused to offer David hospitality, which was a sacred obligation at the time. Horrified by this, his wife, Abigail went to David to bring him food and drink secretly, aware that her husband woud not approve. David was evidently impressed by her courage, and when Nabal later died, David married Abigail (one of his many wives!). The Bible contains quite a number of stories of brave and resourceful women who go against the accepted norms of their society, and they are praised for this.  CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS REFRESHMENTS - We have decided not to reinstate serving tea and coffee after services for the time being, as the Covid case rates are still so high locally.   MESSY CHURCH I had also hoped to restart Messy Church this month , but it seems wise to leave it until March 20 to do so, as Covid is rife in our local schools.  MASKS Although it is no longer compulsory to wear face coverings in church, we continue to encourage people to do so, in order to protect themselves and others.  LENT AT SEAL This Lent at Seal, I will be leading the Pastoral Principles Course, produced by the Church of England, as part of the Living in Love and Faith initiative, is designed to help people live and learn together in the face of difference and diversity.  Over five sessions, we will look at six “pervading evils” which can get in the way as we try to listen to one another and learn from each other.  prejudice, silence, ignorance, fear, hypocrisy, power   Each session will include Bible Study and prayer, and other activities which help us to listen to others, to ourselves and to God.     ONLINE by Zoom  on Monday evenings from 7.30-9.00 March 7,14,21,28, Apr 4  IN THE CHURCH HALL on Thursday mornings from 10 -12  (starting with coffee & chat) Feb 24, March 10,17,24,31  email sealpandp@gmail to reserve a place, or sign the list at the back of church.  THERE WILL BE AN AGM FOR SEAL VILLAGE FUND  This meeting will take place via Zoom on Thursday 17th March at 8pm (please note - this has been put back a little, to give everybody the opportunity to make arrangements to join in). This meeting will include a report of Know Your Neighbours funding throughout the past year. Those who 'Live, Work or Play in Seal', are encouraged to join the meeting to hear how monies raised by our village are being utilised in our community. To register your interest in receiving a Zoom meeting invitation, for March 18th, please send your email address to Becky Watson (Seal Village Fund Secretary) beckywatsonuk@byinternet.com TALKING VILLAGE Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones! Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10am-11am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books. At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better. SEAL TIDDLERS   In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. CHECK OUT THE KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS WEBSITE for details of what is planned for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend in June (among other things), and how to get involved. https://knowyourneighbours.blogspot.com/2022/02/kyn-update-feb-6.html Plans so far include an event on the allotments, history walks, Garden Safari and Big Lunch on the Rec. as well as an invitation to decorate your homes and gardens with "Royal" window scenes, "Royal" scarecrows. red, white and blue planting etc.  SEAL LIBRARY NEWS   Clare will be in the library on Friday the 25th (no sessions on 11th and 18th) for Baby Rhyme time at 10:15am -10:45am followed each week by Storytime at 10:45-11:15 am.  All pre-school children are welcome with an accompanying adult/s.  SEAL PARISH COUNCIL WILDFLOWER PROJECT - REMEMBER TO SIGN UP FOR NEXT WEEK'S SESSION! Following on from our wildflower talk from the Kent Wildlife Trust's WILD ABOUT GARDENS team, are running a series of zoom sessions this winter on WILDLIFE FRIENDLY GARDEN, This is a great way of encouraging wildflowers and pollinators to your garden, This, is combination with our wildflower verges project, will also help create joined up 'pathways' for bees, butterflies and other key pollinators in our parish. Details of the events can be seen on the Parish Council website, but the zoom sessions cost £5 a session, and are as follows:- Monday March 7th 7.30-9pm - Wilder Lawns Sat March 26th 11-12.30 - Using weeds and wildflowers in a garden to attract bees, butterflies and moths. SEAL HISTORY GUIDE BOOKS Deniz's coffee shop still has some copies of our Seal Historical Guided Walk books for just £5 a copy. All proceeds go to the Seal Village Fund. A perfect time to walk around our beautiful village and see it through new eyes! SEAL VILLAGE ALLOTMENT DIARY FOR Mar - June 2022 Mar 12th - Spring working party Mar 19th - Q and A workshop 10.30-12 April 23rd Q and A workshop 10.30-12 May 15th Spring Plant Sale and Open Day 12-3pm June 3rd - Jubilee Picnic 12.30-4.30. Oct 15th Autumn Plant Sale and Open Day 12-5pm Oct 29th Autumn Working Party 9.30-12.00 OTHER COMMUNITY NEWS - For more community news from Marion Gilchrist, check out the Know Your Neighbours blog. https://knowyourneighbours.blogspot.com/ or email marionjgilchrist@gmail.com to ask to be put on her mailing list.

February news from Rochester Diocese

 

Monday 14 February, 2022

Welcome to your weekly Digest

Upcoming dates Events and Webinars

Together magazine - next edition now available

The latest edition of the diocesan magazine, Together, is now available online. Find out about the sporty church initiative in Chatham engaging with those who might not usually associate with the Church. We explore how people are taking part in the Living in Love and Faith conversation, and we discover the beautiful tapestry, which after twenty-years of dedication, has been restored to Rochester Cathedral. Plus we have our usual great mix of news and personal faith stories. Read, download, or share a link in your church mailings

Livestream of Archdeacon Paul's retirement service   Join us for a live-stream of a special service to mark Archdeacon Paul's retirement this Sunday, 20 February. Taking place within Evensong at Rochester Cathedral, the service will begin at 15.15 and will be streamed onto the Diocese of Rochester Facebook page. Visit the Rochester Diocese Facebook page

Thy Kingdom Come - online launch   Plans are underway for the 7th annual Thy Kingdom Come – the global ecumenical prayer event, initiated by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York – taking place from Ascension to Pentecost (26 May to 5 June). This year, the campaign will host an online launch event on 28 February at midday - unveiling resources and plans for this year’s campaign.  Register to join the webinar

Mothering Sunday   Mothering Sunday can be a day of many mixed emotions and experiences, which can make it difficult for churches to navigate. Christian fostering and adoption charity, Home for Good, want to equip churches to be welcoming and sensitive places for all individuals and families.  Download their free PDF for ideas, videos and a new congregational prayer that you can use in full or adapt to your setting on Sunday 27 March 2022.

National Day of Reflection In 2021, churches across the country marked the anniversary of the beginning of the first lockdown, joining their communities in a minute to reflect and a moment to connect. This year, Marie Curie are asking partner organisations including the Church of England to connect with the bereaved and to be beacons of hope. Taking place on 23 March, churches can get involved to support people locally in very simple ways. See a selection of ideas to choose from and a wealth of free resources to help you.

Upcoming dates at a glance

24 February - Security-minded communications training 28 February - Thy Kingdom Come - online launch 2 March - Ash Wednesday 5 March - It's your calling day, St Andrew's Paddock Wood 23 March - National Day of Reflection 24 April to 22 May - “The Leaves of the Trees” a reflective memorial at Rochester Cathedral 24 May to 12 June - Gaia at Rochester Cathedral 26 May to 5 June - Thy Kingdom Come 2 to 5 June - Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend ** Diocesan Fixed dates - calendar of diocesan meetings and key events. ** National Church Social media calendar - organise your social media with the national church's digital content calendar

Events and Webinars In-person and online sessions from the Diocese, the National Church and other organisations

Visit our Events and Training page to see a full listing of all forthcoming Diocesan event

Children, Young People and Families Network Zoom, Thursday 24 February, 7pm to 9pm If you would welcome support, guidance and advice with your ministry and outreach to children, young people and families, then the Children and Young People's Mission and Ministry Team would be delighted to see you at their next Network Zoom. It is open to anyone connected to Children or Young People's ministry.  This is an opportunity to network, glean some fresh ideas, be supported in your ministry, and to look ahead to Lent and Easter.  Click to book Churchwarden: leading worship, various dates February/March Did you know that as a Churchwarden, if the incumbent/Priest in Charge is unavailable -  and there are no other clergy or licensed lay ministers/Readers available – you would have authority to lead the service? In this dedicated training for churchwardens, you will gain an overview of how a service of worship is planned: what is essential,  what is optional, and some resources that can be easily used at short notice. Click for dates and venues

Security-minded communications, 24 February Churches regularly publish detailed information about their venues and events which, whilst useful for their congregation and community, can also be useful for another audience - those wishing to undertake a hostile act against their venue, event, or people. Learn about the small, simple changes they can employ to help protect colleagues, parishioners, and visitors. The training will be led by Alan Burns, Counter-Terrorism Security Advisor for North Kent, Swale & Medway, to discover Click for more details and to book Ministry of Administration, 6 April, 10am to 3pm Parish Administrators are often on the front line of parish ministry responding to all kinds of enquiries, from baptisms through to building repairs. The work of an administrator is skilled and requires great sensitivity. It can often be a lonely role, everyone expects an answer from you but you may have no one to turn to for advice.  This day aims to give them the space to engage with God and to affirm them in their ministry.   Led by Archdeacon Andy Wooding Jones. Cost £20. Please bring your own lunch. For more details and to book please email: bookings@stbenedictscentre.org

Don't miss out on online training   Many of the national teams are producing fantastic webinars and resources to help church leaders and laity reflect on a number of important issues. From the environment and generous giving, to evangelism, life events and digital. It can be overwhelming, but don't miss out. Sign up to regular mailings from each team as well as see all their forthcoming webinars on the links below: Evangelism and Discipleship Building a Generous Church  Environment Digital