Sunday Worship podcast link and other news from Seal Church: March 27

 

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 - March 27: Mothering Sunday 10 am  Holy Communion for Mothering Sunday: Preacher: Anne Le             (with posies for children to give to their carers) 6.30pm Evensong (said) During the week Monday              9.30- 11.30 Seal Tiddlers in the church hall                             2-3.30pm Talking Village in Deniz cafe (Seal High Street)                             8- 9.30pm  Online Lent Course  Wednesday       10.30 am Zoom Church                            5 pm  Children's Choir                            7.15pm Adult Choir    Thursday           9 am Seal School Easter Service in church                            10 am Lent Group in church hall (session starts at 10.30)                             1.30 (time tbc) Seal School Easter Service in church                        Friday                9am Seal School Easter Service in church                                   (yes, we are doing this three times - there are a lot of children to fit in!)                              10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Saturday             10-11 Talking Village in the library Sunday April 3: Lent 5 10 am   Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong Lent 4 Exodus 2.1-10, Luke 18.15-17 Today is Mothering Sunday, a day full of complex emotions. For some it is a day of simple thanks for their mothers, but for others there may be far more complex emotions swirling around - grief for a lost mother or child, anger, resentment or guilt about a relationship which has gone wrong, or sadness that people haven't been able to have a child. Families come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes; mothering and "childing" aren't simple. That's why it is so good that, for the Church at least, this is "Mothering Sunday" and not "Mother's Day". While we bring our diverse experience - whether good and problematic -  of earthly mothers to God in prayer today, we also recognise that mothering comes in many forms, and includes the mothering of God, and of the church and community, for us.  Today's sermon explores a little of what that might mean. The picture on the right is one of my favourite stopping points in the National Gallery in London. It is by Nicolaes Maes, (1634 - 1693) a Dutch artist who painted many scenes of everyday life, or, like this one, Biblical scenes which were set in his everyday world. The children in this picture are realistically depicted, wriggling, distracted, not knowing why they have been brought to this man. The parents too are recognisable, The mother of the child Jesus is blessing seems to be saying, "Turn around! This is an important thing that's happening!" Jesus' attention is calmly focussed on the little girl though. He is giving her his full attention, even if she isn't giving him hers, cherishing her just as she is. Maes and his wife Adriana Brouwers, the widow of a preacher, had three children of their own, one of whom died in childhood, and it looks, from his work, as if he was a hands-on, loving parent, from the way he paints children as real individuals.  ALL AGE IDEAS  Who cares for you? Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes! Make something for those who are special in your life to say thank you.  Have a look at the picture above. What do you think the children in the picture might be feeling and thinking? If you could meet Jesus, what would you want to ask him or say to him? What do you think he might say to you? Jesus says that if we want to find God at work in the world, we need to be like little children. What do you think he means? What is it like to be a little child? What do you want to remember about being a child when you grow up?

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS MOTHERING SUNDAY  We will be celebrating Mothering Sunday today, and there will be bunches of flowers for any children present to give to their carers (mothers, fathers or others). Come along and join us. This is a chance to pray not only for mothers, but for any who care for us. We know it isn't an easy Sunday for everyone, which is why we also pray for and remember parents we have lost, parents who have lost children, those who would like to be parents but aren't, and families where there are problems. WHAT CAN WE DO TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN REFUGEES? Many people want to respond to the war in Ukraine, and the desperate situation of refugees from this and other places of conflict. Aid agencies are clear that cash donations are the best way of giving. People often feel the urge to donate physical items - blankets, clothes etc. - but this can cause many more problems than it solves at the destination, and can make the job of helping people more difficult. You can donate through the Disasters Emergency Committee.  Many people are also wondering what we might be able to do to support refugees who come to our area. Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees has been organising local support for refugees from Syria and Afghanistan for some years now, and is exploring what they might be able to do for Ukraine.  The Sanctuary Foundation is a national organisation also seeking to help individuals and organisations help with providing housing and other support.  This is a fast-developing situation, and it is not clear  yet how refugees might be housed in this country, but our local MP Laura Trott is in contact with local clergy and others, so I hope I may have more news in coming weeks about what we can do.  CHILD AID The Bishop of Tonbridge has commended the work of Child Aid, a national charity which is based in Bromley, which has worked in Eastern Europe for many years with vulnerable children and families, and is now heavily involved in caring for families escaping from Ukraine, both in Ukraine and the countries that surround it. There will be a plate at the back of church today for cash donations for them, but you can also support their work by donating online if you would like to.  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 - This coming Saturday, and every 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. Last session of the term this Monday. KYN get together There will be a Know Your Neighbours Get Together in the Village Hall on Saturday April 23, from 11-12noon, when we hope many local organisations will be present to show off what they do.  If you represent any local group or special interest, contact marionjgilchrist@gmail.com to arrange to come along.  As part of this we are organising a seed and plant swap, so hang onto your extra seeds and plants to share.  JUBILEE LUNCH AND PARTY ON THE REC – SUNDAY JUNE 5. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO HELP WITH THIS, RUNNING ACTIVITIES, GAMES ETC - NOW IS THE MOMENT TO VOLUNTEER! .   Kerry’s Pets Meadow Challenge Kerry has hidden some things in her window scene. Can you find them? Quiz sheets are available from Kerry and Deniz next door for 50p cash. All entries will be put into a prize draw for a £10 Kerry’s Pets Voucher. Proceeds to Folly Wildlife Trust.  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 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:- 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! 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 links and other news: March 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 - March 20 10 am  Holy Communion: Preacher: Kevin Bright 3-4.30pm Messy Church in the church hall 6.30pm Evensong (said) During the week Monday              9.30- 11.30 Seal Tiddlers in the church hall                             2-3.30pm Talking Village in Deniz cafe (Seal High Street)                             7.30 - 9pm  Online Lent Course - please email for the link if you haven't done so already.Those on the list should have already received a link. Wednesday       10.30 am Zoom Church                            5 pm  Children's Choir                            7.15pm Adult Choir    Thursday           10 am Lent Group in church hall (session starts at 10.30)                        Friday                 10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Sunday March 27: Mothering Sunday 10 am   Holy Communion for Mothering Sunday (with posies for children to give to their carers) 6.30pm Evensong Lent 3 1 Corinthians 10.1-13, Luke 13.1-9 Kevin Bright is preaching today, on two readings which are quite tricky! They touch on age-old questions about why bad things happen to good people, questions which we still ponder today. Instead of trying to explain, though, Jesus tells a little parable about a fig tree, which might or might not bear fruit, but whose owner is told not to be too hasty to write off. ALL AGE IDEAS  Can you see any blossom on trees around you. Do you know what the fruit or berries they might grow?  Jesus tells us that God wants us to bear fruit in today's Gospel. That doesn't mean he wants apples and oranges to grow out of us, but that good things should come from our lives. Share a piece of fruit with your family and talk about the good things you hope people will find in you. We'll be very glad to see you at our Messy Church in the church hall this afternoon at 3pm  if you can make it!

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS MESSY CHURCH Today! Sunday March 20. 3-4.30pm in the church hall Our first Messy Church since the pandemic started! Come and join us to explore the story of the Prodigal Son. Story, singing, craft and tea. All welcome, but no unaccompanied children, please! We will begin with singing and story, so it will help if you can be with us reasonably promptly. Messy Church is for all ages – you don’t have to be a child or have a child to come along! MOTHERING SUNDAY  We will be celebrating Mothering Sunday next Sunday, and there will be bunches of flowers for any children present to give to their carers (mothers, fathers or others). Come along and join us. This is a chance to pray not only for mothers, but for any who care for us. We know it isn't an easy Sunday for everyone, which is why we also pray for and remember parents we have lost, parents who have lost children, those who would like to be parents but aren't, and families where there are problems. WHAT CAN WE DO TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN REFUGEES? Many people want to respond to the war in Ukraine, and the desperate situation of refugees from this and other places of conflict. Aid agencies are clear that cash donations are the best way of giving. People often feel the urge to donate physical items - blankets, clothes etc. - but this can cause many more problems than it solves at the destination, and can make the job of helping people more difficult. You can donate through the Disasters Emergency Committee.  Many people are also wondering what we might be able to do to support refugees who come to our area. Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees has been organising local support for refugees from Syria and Afghanistan for some years now, and is exploring what they might be able to do for Ukraine.  The Sanctuary Foundation is a national organisation also seeking to help individuals and organisations help with providing housing and other support.  This is a fast-developing situation, and it is not clear  yet how refugees might be housed in this country, but our local MP Laura Trott is in contact with local clergy and others, so I hope I may have more news in coming weeks about what we can do.  SEAL SCHOOL FARM is looking for people with experience in spinning and weaving, (or any wool related crafts), as their sheep are about to be shorn. Contact the school if you can help. 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. KYN get together There will be a Know Your Neighbours Get Together in the Village Hall on Saturday April 23, from 11-12noon, when we hope many local organisations will be present to show off what they do.  If you represent any local group or special interest, contact marionjgilchrist@gmail.com to arrange to come along.  As part of this we are organising a seed and plant swap, so hang onto your extra seeds and plants to share.  .   Kerry’s Pets Meadow Challenge Kerry has hidden some things in her window scene. Can you find them? Quiz sheets are available from Kerry and Deniz next door for 50p cash. All entries will be put into a prize draw for a £10 Kerry’s Pets Voucher. Proceeds to Folly Wildlife Trust.  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.  JUBILEE LUNCH AND PARTY ON THE REC – SUNDAY JUNE 5. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO HELP WITH THIS, RUNNING ACTIVITIES, GAMES ETC - NOW IS THE MOMENT TO VOLUNTEER!   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:- 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! 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 link and other news from Seal Church: March 13

 

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 - March 13 10 am  All Age Worship (no communion): Preacher, Anne Le Bas 6.30pm Breathing Space. Contemplative Holy Communion service. During the week Monday              9.30- 11.30 Seal Tiddlers in the church hall                             2-3.30pm Talking Village                             7.30 - 9pm  Online Lent Course - please email for the link if you haven't done so                                                       already. Those on the list should have already received a link. Wednesday       10.30 am Lavender Fields Holy Communion (sorry - residents only at the moment)                             5 pm  Children's Choir                            7.15pm Adult Choir    Thursday           10 am Lent Group in church hall (session starts at 10.30)                              8pm  Seal Village Association AGM by Zoom                                  Friday                 10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Sunday March 20 10 am   Holy Communion 3- 4.30pm Messy Church in the church hall 6.30pm Evensong Lent 2 Genesis 15.1-12,17-18, Luke 13.31-end The people of Israel look back to Abraham as the father of their nation. But for most of his life it looked unlikely that he would have any descendants at all. He and his wife, Sarah, had been unable to have children. God's promise to him that he would make of him a "great nation" drew him across the desert, leaving his settled and prosperous life, to settle in the land of Canaan, which God had told him would be a new home for him and his descendants. Years passed, however, and still no child had appeared - how could there be a "great nation", if he had no children? Who would remember him? The story invites us to think about what the "stars" are in our sky - not necessarily physical children, which not everyone wants or is able to have - but all the things we do which shape the future, the legacy we leave, the things which make a difference to others.  Abraham had no idea of how God would resolve the situation he was in - the story tells of the "deep and terrifying darkness" that descended on him - but he learned to trust that God was at work, even if he didn't know how.    ALL AGE IDEAS Go outside after dark, and look up into the night sky (if it isn't too cloudy!) and see how many stars you can see. (It probably won't be as many as Abraham saw, because light pollution means many fainter stars aren't visible) Can you recognise any of the constellations, the groups of stars? What does it make you feel like to look up into a starry sky? Draw some stars and write on them the things you hope people will remember you for. Check out Muddy Church's Lent activities - https://www.muddychurch.co.uk/lent-40-moments-and-40-bags -  with suggestions to make Lent special. Pray for the people of Ukraine . Here is a lovely sunflower colouring prayer sheet to help you.

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.  MESSY CHURCH Sunday March 20. 3-4.30pm in the church hall Our first Messy Church since the pandemic started! Come and join us to explore the story of the Prodigal Son. Story, singing, craft and tea. All welcome, but no unaccompanied children, please! We will begin with singing and story, so it will help if you can be with us reasonably promptly. Messy Church is for all ages – you don’t have to be a child or have a child to come along! WHAT CAN WE DO TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN REFUGEES? Many people want to respond to the war in Ukraine, and the desperate situation of refugees from this and other places of conflict. Aid agencies are clear that cash donations are the best way of giving. People often feel the urge to donate physical items - blankets, clothes etc. - but this can cause many more problems than it solves at the destination, and can make the job of helping people more difficult. You can donate through the Disasters Emergency Committee.  Many people are also wondering what we might be able to do to support refugees who come to our area. Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees has been organising local support for refugees from Syria and Afghanistan for some years now, and is exploring what they might be able to do for Ukraine.  The Sanctuary Foundation is a national organisation also seeking to help individuals and organisations help with providing housing and other support.  This is a fast-developing situation, and it is not clear  yet how refugees might be housed in this country, but our local MP Laura Trott is in contact with local clergy and others, so I hope I may have more news in coming weeks about what we can do.  LENT AT SEAL The Thursday morning Lent group is full , but there is still room for people to join the online course on Monday evenings (starts at 8pm - note the time change). The Pastoral Principles Course, produced by the Church of England, is part of the Living in Love and Faith initiative, and is designed to help people live and learn together in the face of difference and diversity.  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 8 - 9.30pm (note time change!) March 7,14,21,28, Apr 4  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@btinternet.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 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 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: March 6

 

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 - March 6 10 am   Holy Communion: Preacher, Anne Le Bas 6.30pm Evensong During the week Monday              2-3.30pm Talking Village                             7.30 - 9pm  Online Lent Course - please email for the link if you haven't done so                                                       already. Those on the list should have already received a link. Wednesday       10 am Zoom Church                            5 pm  Children's Choir                            7.15pm Adult Choir                                      Friday                 10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Sunday March 12 10 am   All Age Worship 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion Lent 1 Deuteronomy 26. 1-11, Luke 4. 1-13 Today is the first Sunday in Lent, when traditionally we hear the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. The Judean desert is an inhospitable and bleak place, believed to be frequented by demons, as well as the all too real threats of wild animals and bandits. Jesus is not retreating from conflict for a bit of peace, but going into battle with the forces of evil and terror. The encounter he has with himself, and with Satan, prepare him for what he will face in his ministry and as he dies on the cross. Today's sermon explores what it might mean for us.    ALL AGE IDEAS Make a "desert" scene. You could use sandpaper or rocks and sand from your garden. Make a model of Jesus, or use a Lego figure to represent him. What would you miss most if you were in the desert like Jesus?  Check out Muddy Church's Lent activities - https://www.muddychurch.co.uk/lent-40-moments-and-40-bags -  with suggestions to make Lent special. 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 The Thursday morning Lent group is full , but there is still room for people to join the online course on Monday evenings, which starts this Monday at 7.30pm. The Pastoral Principles Course, produced by the Church of England, is part of the Living in Love and Faith initiative, and 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  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@btinternet.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 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.

Would you like us to pray for you? Email your prayer requests to: sealchurchprayer@gmail.com Your email will be read by Anne Le Bas and Kevin Bright, the Vicar and Reader of Seal Church who will hold you in their prayers. Please tell us if you would like us to contact you.