Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: March 19

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 10 am   All Age Communion for Mothering Sunday  3-4.30pm Messy Church in the Church Hall 6.30pm Evensong Next Sunday   10 am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong This week: Mon      2-3.30 Talking Village at Deniz Cafe in the High Street              8pm Zoom Lent Group - email for link Wed      10 am Zoom Church               12 noon Funeral: James Winstanley              4.30pm Children's Choir in the hall              7.15 Choir in the hall Thurs   10 am Lent Group in the hall              12.30 Funeral: Gladys Aldridge Fri         9.30 am Morning Prayer in church             10.30-12.30 Friday Group in church hall

Mothering Sunday Today's sermon explores the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Like so many families in Scripture, their lives were not straightforward, and their mothering fraught with pain and loss, but their stories remind us that Mothering Sunday is not just about biological families, but a celebration of love wherever we find it, and in whatever form it takes. There is another link between these two stories, however. Both Hannah and Mary sing for joy when they hear that they are to bear children who will be special, and Hannah's song is thought to be the model for Mary's "Magnificat" in the New Testament. Hannah's song begins "My heart exults in the Lord..." just like Mary's, and both women talk about God who, in Hannah's words "raises up the poor from the dust..." You can find it in 1 Samuel 2.1-10.

All Age Ideas Don't forget that it is Messy Church this afternoon, from 3-4.30pm, when we will be thinking about caring, and giving thanks for those who care for us.  Today's Bible stories tell of two mothers - Hannah, the mother of Samuel and Mary the mother of Jesus. They know that their children will have special jobs to do, and they are glad of it.  What do you hope to do in your life? When a child is baptised, we pray that they will "shine as a light in the world". You could decorate a candle  (Sharpies will work on candle wax) or make a special holder for a battery tea light, with pictures of some of the things you hope you'll do, or draw a candle on thin paper and make a window picture of it.  Looking for something to do during Lent? Muddy Church have some great ideas.  https://www.muddychurch.co.uk/lent-40-moments-and-40-bags  https://www.muddychurch.co.uk/lent-challenge-sheets

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS  EASTER LUNCH Lise & Andrew Michaelides are hosting Easter Sunday lunch at their home this year, 2 Copse Bank, Seal TN15 0DE at 1pm. Everyone very welcome indeed, vegetarian option available. If you would like to come get in touch with Lise on 07570 125125 CONFIRMATION SERVICE Saturday May 27th 4pm in Westerham. Would you like to be confirmed? Please let me know if you would like to be prepared to make this commitment. SEAL CHURCH CLOCK Are you missing the chiming of Seal Church clock? So are we! The mechanism, which is over 150 years old, is badly in need of repair. It will cost around £6000 to do the job, which will involve dismantling the clock, getting it down the tower stairs and taking it to the clock repairers workshop, then doing the whole operation in reverse when it is complete. If you can help with raising the money for this you can donate here https://givealittle.co/campaigns/08d6ce0f-43b4-4d7a-aee7-b94c269b0555, or by cheque payable to Friends of St Peter and St Paul Church" or in cash delivered to The Vicarage, Church Street, Seal, TN15 0AR We're hoping the repairs can be started as soon as possible!

ECO CHURCH WALK It may have been raining yesterday, but eight people, large and small, walked from the churchyard to Kemsing and back, listening to some poems, prayers and scriptures around sheep, lamb and shepherds,oak trees, brooks and water. They found signs of Spring, visited Fairy groves & Fairy cups ( in the oak & acorns), learned about wildlife including dormice, toads, newts, badgers and owls, and learnt to identify the call of Great tits. Appetites for an Italian light lunch/ snack we’re piqued & wellies were tested for waterproofing (some failing- Isla had wet toes, but braved this stoically).  Babs said she didn't know if our small but happy band were merely being very kind, but enthusiastic talked of returning on this walk in the Summer to note changes, & hopes to join the next Lent walk soon, were expressed. Watch this space! Here are some photos.