Animal Blessing Service Oct 2

 Do you have a furry, feathered or scaly friend who you'd like to celebrate and give thanks for? Seal Church is holding its first Animal Blessing service this Sunday (Oct 2) at 3pm in the churchyard. You can bring a photo if your pet won't be happy around other animals. The service shouldn't last more than about 20-30 minutes.

Sunday Worship Podcast link and other news: Sept 25

 

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 - Sept 25 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong During the week Monday             2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       10 am  Zoom Church (email for the link)                             4.30-5pm Children's Choir in the church hall                              7.15-8.15 pm Choir in the church                          Friday                9.30am Morning Prayer in Church                             10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Next Sunday  10 am   Holy Communion 3pm   Animal Blessing service in the churchyard. 6.30pm Evensong Trinity 15 1 Timothy 6.6-19, Luke 16.19-end Today's readings challenge us to think about our relationship with money. They contain hard-hitting reminders that "you can't take it with you". Jesus spoke often about money, and the way people used it. Inequality between rich and poor were as common and as damaging in New Testament times as they are today, and Jesus saw its effects on a daily basis. It was very easy then, as it is now, though for people to decide not to notice things which were inconvenient to them, as the rich man in his story does, walking past Lazarus repeatedly as he sits and begs at his gates. There's an interesting detail in this story - Lazarus, the poor man, is given a name and an identity, while the rich man is anonymous (he is sometimes known as Dives, but that is just the Latin word for "rich"). In the Bible, unlike in real life, it is the poor man who is seen, known and named, rather than the rich man. How do you feel about your money and possessions? Are you a hoarder or "easy come, easy go"? How do you think your attitudes to money were formed? How was money treated in your family of origin? Were there anxieties around it? How do you feel about this coming winter, and the cost of living crisis it will bring to so many? ALL AGE IDEAS in today's Gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable - a story to make us think - about a rich man who has everything he could possibly want and a poor man, who has to beg for food at the rich man's gate. After they die the poor man, Lazarus, is given everything he wants, but the rich man is left with nothing, miserable and suffering. The rich man realises he should have helped Lazarus, but now it is too late. Jesus tells the story to help people think about what they do with their money and possessions. It says in the Bible that everyone should be treated fairly, and that we should especially take care of those who are vulnerable or ill, or who don't have enough money or food, but sometimes it is hard to share. Think about the things you have - the toys, books and clothes. You could do some tidying up and sorting out of them. Are there some that are really special to you and others that you don't use at all.? Talk about what it might feel like to give away some of the things you have that you don't really need. Have you ever really needed or wanted something you couldn't have, because you couldn't afford it? How did that feel? When do you spend money? How do you decide what to buy with it? IT'S ALL HAPPENING AT SEAL CHURCH... ANIMAL BLESSING SERVICE SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd at 3pm IN SEAL CHURCHYARD. Please bring your furry, feathery, finned or scaly friends (if they will be happy among lots of people and other animals), Alternatively, you may wish to bring a photo. In this short, outdoor service, we will give thanks for all that animals bring to us, bless each animal, (or photo) and remember those no longer with us. SCARECROW FESTIVAL   This year there will be no charge to enter a scarecrow into the competition. Entries up by 24th September, but certainly by 29th, for entry to trail map. To have your scarecrow added to the trail map, please register with JILL MYERS 01732 762803 or 07977 099438 Trail maps will be available from 1st October by contacting Jill above or myself on 07909 905975 The scarecrows will be judged by 2 of our Over 60's members (Kemsing residents so unbiassed). The winners will be announced at Seal Church Harvest Lunch on Sunday October 9th (more details below). HARVEST LUNCH AT SEAL CHURCH Takes place on Sunday 9th October at 12.30 in Seal Church Hall. This follows the morning Harvest Festival Service, so gives time to follow the scarecrow trail after church. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND THE SERVICE TO JOIN US FOR LUNCH. The cost of the lunch will be £8 per adult, £4 per child, and £20 per family ticket (up to 2 adults and their children). Chilli con carne, (veggie/vegan option available), garlic bread and apple pie and cream will be served. The winner of the scarecrow festival will be announced at this event. This year, for catering purposes, tickets will need to be booked by Thursday October 6th please, or we will not be able to guarantee you a place at our groaning tables! Tickets to be booked with Jill on 07977 099438. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Can you help organising the putting up of the Christmas Lights in the village? I know Christmas is a long way off, but we really need some younger people to take on this task. It takes all of us to make a community, so if there's anything you can do to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.

Sunday worship podcast link and other news: Sept 18

 

Continue Dear friends Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today. In addition to the morning communion service, there will be a special commemorative service in preparation for the funeral of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, at 5.30pm. A podcast including some of the prayers and the sermon from this service will be available by Monday morning.   . 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 - Sept 18 10 am  Holy Communion 5.30pm Special Commemorative service for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth During the week Monday             2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       10.30 am Lavender Fields Holy Communion                             4.30-5pm Children's Choir in the church hall (note the new time)                             7.15-8.15 pm Choir in the church                          Friday                9.30am Morning Prayer in Church                             10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Saturday            11am Baptism                             4.30pm Concert in church, Next Sunday  10 am   Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong Trinity 14 Amos8.4-7, Luke 16.1-13 The prophet Amos challenged the injustice around him in his time, and Jesus often echoed his words. The parable he tells in today's Gospel story, often called the Unjust Steward, might seem to be praising injustice, but Jesus doesn't mean us to take this message from it. It is, instead, a challenge to us to consider what drives our behaviour, and who we serve and give our allegiance to. Kevin Bright explores the story in his sermon today, especially in the light of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. ALL AGE IDEAS Jesus tells his followers that they can't serve two masters. They have to choose who they will follow, who they will be influenced by.  Who do you take notice of and follow? Who do you look up to? Are there people in your class or friendship group who seem to be the ones others look to to make decisions and take a lead? Are they good people to follow or not? The prophet Amos said that people should treat others fairly, and not just try to make as much money as possible. Can you think of people today who aren't treated fairly? You could look for news stories about them or draw pictures of them. You could make a poster about something you feel should change in the world.  COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE FOR HM QUEEN ELIZABETH Sun Sept 18 at 5.30pm A simple service of readings, prayers and hymns, with a chance to light a candle. All are welcome at this service, in preparation for the funeral of HM the Queen.  There will be no 6.30 service tonight. BOOK OF CONDOLENCE There is a book of condolence and a prayer focus in church if you would like to come in to reflect and give thanks for HM Queen Elizabeth's long life and service as our sovereign. The book will be closed from Monday evening.  CONCERT SAT SEPT 24 from 4.30 - 5.30pm  There will be an informal concert of music for wind instruments next Saturday at 4.30pm - see the poster below for details. Everyone is welcome! CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Can you help organising the putting up of the Christmas Lights in the village? I know Christmas is a long way off, but we really need some younger people to take on this task. It takes all of us to make a community, so if there's anything you can do to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.

Sunday Worship Podcast link and other news: Sept 11

 

Continue Dear friends Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today, as we mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II  . 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 - Sept 11 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion During the week Monday             2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       NO Zoom Church this morning - Anne has to be elsewhere                             4.30-5pm Children's Choir in the church hall (note the new time)                             7.15-8.15 pm Choir in the church Thursday            8pm PCC meeting                           Friday                9 am Morning Prayer in Church (please note earlier start time this week)                             10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Saturday            Heritage Open Day tours of the church, led by the vicar, at 2.30 and 4pm. Email                             sealpandp@gmail.com or sign the list in church to book a place. Free. Next Sunday  10 am   Holy Communion 5.30pm      Commemorative service in preparation for the funeral of HM the Queen No 6.30 service Trinity 13 Isaiah 40.1, 6-10, Luke 15.1-10 As we mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth, we are aware of the powerful sense of loss which accompanies this bereavement, and any bereavement. Today's sermon explores Jesus' parables about a lost sheep and a lost coin. What might they have to say to us at this sad moment?  ALL AGE IDEAS People are sad when someone they love dies, and this week we have all mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth. Even though most of us never met her, she was important to us, and we will miss her. Jesus tells some stories in today's Gospel reading about a shepherd who loses one of his sheep, and a woman who loses a precious silver coin. They search everywhere for them, because they are so important, and in Jesus' story they are very happy when they find them. The story reminds us that God loves us so much that he will never lose us. We are safe in his hands, and so are people who have died, like the Queen.  Have you ever lost something that you really liked? What did you do to look for it? You could draw some sheep, cut them out and hide them around the house for other people to find.  Hearing about the Queen dying might make you feel sad or worried.  That's really normal. You can talk to the people who look after you about those feelings. They might feel sad too, and will understand. You could also tell God how you are feeling.  PARENTS There are useful hints about talking to children about death and dying on the Winston's Wish website here - https://www.winstonswish.org/talk-to-children-about-death-of-queen/ Here are some colouring sheets which might help you to think about sadness and worry as you colour them. https://d3hgrlq6yacptf.cloudfront.net/6154babbee922/content/pages/documents/whenyoufeelanxious-colouring.pdf COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE FOR HM QUEEN ELIZABETH Sun Sept 18 at 5.30pm A simple service of readings, prayers and hymns, with a chance to light a candle. All are welcome at this service, in preparation for the funeral of HM the Queen.  There will be no 6.30 service next Sunday.  CHURCH OPEN EACH DAY The church will be open from at least 9.30-5.30 each day this week, as normal. There is a book of condolence and a prayer focus in church if you would like to come in to reflect and give thanks for HM Queen Elizabeth's long life and service as our sovereign.  Sat 17 - Guided tours of the church, led by the vicar - 2.30 and 4pm, each lasting about 45 minutes, uncovering some of the history of the building and the people who have worshipped here. To mark Heritage Open Days. Free. Booking needed - email sealpandp@gmail.com - as there will be a limit on numbers. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Can you help organising the putting up of the Christmas Lights in the village? I know Christmas is a long way off, but we really need some younger people to take on this task. It takes all of us to make a community, so if there's anything you can do to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.   Save the date!  A forthcoming musical treat at Seal Church. Free, with a retiring collection and refreshments.

The Death of Her Majesty, the Queen

 

 

Along with the whole nation, Seal Church mourns the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, whose life has been a blessing and an example of service to so many across the UK and the world.

 

CHURCH OPEN The church will be open until 8.30 tonight (Friday), and then from 9.30 – 5.30 in the days that follow. You are welcome to come into the church for private prayer and reflection, and to sign the BOOK OF CONDOLENCE.

 

THE 10 AM AND 6.30PM SERVICES ON SUNDAY SEPT 11 will both be services of Holy Communion and will include prayers for the Queen and the Royal Family.

 

There will be a MEMORIAL SERVICE held in Seal Church later this week, when there will be a chance for you to light candles in thanksgiving for her life. The date and time of this service will be announced when the date of the Queen’s funeral is known. It will be announced on the church noticeboards, as well as in our email newsletter and on our social media feeds.

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: Sept 4

 

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 - Sept 4 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong During the week Monday             2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       10 am Good Book Club in the church hall                             4.30-5pm Children's Choir in the church hall (note the new time)                             7.15-8.15 pm Choir in the church                           Friday                9.30am Morning Prayer in Church                            10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Saturday            Ride and Stride walk - see below Next Sunday  10 am   All Age Worship 6.30pm Breathing Space Communion Trinity 12 Deuteronomy 30.15-end, , Luke 14.25-33 Today's readings call us to think about what it means to be truly alive. Life isn't just physical existence; it is far more than that. But how do we "choose life", as Moses said in the first reading, and what did Jesus mean when he told his followers they might need to "hate life itself" if they were to follow him? ALL AGE IDEAS The Bible tells the story of the time when the people of Israel were slaves in Egypt, and how God sent Moses to lead them to freedom in Israel. Eventually they escaped from Egypt, but then they spent 40 years wandering around in the desert, before they were ready to go to their new home. Just before they crossed over the river Jordan into Israel, Moses spoke to them and told them to "choose life" when they got there, to make decisions about how they lived that would be good for them and those that came after them.  Can you feel your own pulse, or someone else's ? It's a sign that your heart is beating and that you are alive and well. There's a video here telling you more about how to do that, and how your heart works. https://youtu.be/tF9-jLZNM1 Even if our hearts are beating, though, we don't always feel very alive! What do you do when you feel down in the dumps, bored or sad?  What good things can you do to help yourself have a healthy body, a healthy mind and a healthy spirit ? You could draw a picture of yourself when you are feeling full of life. Music at Seal Church Seal Church Children's choir starts its new term on Wednesday September 7th at the new, slightly earlier, time of 4.30pm. It's just half an hour of singing fun, which is a wonderful way for children to build confidence, and learn some musical basics as they go along. It's for any primary age children, and its completely free !  Save the date!  A forthcoming musical treat at Seal Church. Free, with a retiring collection and refreshments. Some other dates for Sept Ride & Stride Saturday 10th September The church will be open as usual from 10am to 6pm. We hope to have a selection of cakes, sandwiches and drinks available for walkers and cyclists visiting us during the day. In addition a small group are planning to walk from Seal church to Borough Green, stopping at Seal St Lawrence, Ightham, having lunch and then returning by bus. If you can donate refreshments or would like to join the walk, get in touch with Lise Michaelides on 07570 125115 or liseshay1@gmail.com Sat 17 - Guided tours of the church, led by the vicar - 2.30 and 4pm, each lasting about 45 minutes, uncovering some of the history of the building and the people who have worshipped here. To mark Heritage Open Days. Free. Booking needed - email sealpandp@gmail.com - as there will be a limit on numbers. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Can you help organising the putting up of the Christmas Lights in the village? I know Christmas is a long way off, but we really need some younger people to take on this task. It takes all of us to make a community, so if there's anything you can do to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. SEAL LIBRARY  Storytime begins again on Friday Sept 2 from 10.30-11am, for pre-school children with an adult hosted by our own Jenni Pascoe. Sessions are free and you don't need to book.  The Library is looking for volunteer/s to help with the Home Library Service specifically with visits to Lavender House. If anyone is interested again, please either pop into the library, email the librarian, Jillian, at seallibrary@kent.gov.uk or give her a call 03000 413131   Kemsing walking group invites anyone to join them. They meet the last Thursday of the month at 10.30am , for a 4 mile walk then have a pub lunch. If you are interested contact francesfish1@gmail.com or phone 01732 760007 / text on 07749240456.  AND - FOR THOSE THAT WOULD PREFER A LITTLE LESS EXERCISE Another Kemsing group, EVERY STEP COUNTS, run by Martin and Yvonne Watt, takes place on Friday mornings from 10.30 each week (rain or shine)!. The group meets in the Kemsing village car park, and walk the common field, which takes about half an hour. They then take coffee in The Bell, where Yvonne passes around a jug for voluntary contributions. If this sounds more like your level, just turn up in Kemsing Village car park for 10.30am any Friday morning and you will be added to the group. All welcome, including dogs!