Sunday worship podcast link and other news: May 28: Pentecost

 

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  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong Next Sunday  10 am  Holy Communion  6.30pm Evensong This week:  Mon     No Talking Village today - Deniz' cafe is closed for the bank holiday Wed      No Children's or Adult Choir Fri        9.30 am Morning prayer in church             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall

Pentecost Kevin is preaching today, on the feast of Pentecost and the work of the Holy Spirit. He will be referring to a song, Enemy of Apathy, written by John Bell and Graham Maule, during his sermon which explores a variety of Biblical images of the Holy Spirit. I can't include a recording of the hymn, for copyright reasons, but the words are below. ENEMY OF APATHY She sits like a bird, brooding on the waters, Hovering on the chaos of the world’s first day; She sighs and she sings, mothering creation, Waiting to give birth to all the Word will say. She wings over earth, resting where she wishes, Lighting close at hand or soaring through the skies; She nests in the womb, welcoming each wonder, Nourishing potential hidden to our eyes. She dances in fire, startling her spectators, Waking tongues of ecstasy where dumbness reigned; She weans and inspires all whose hearts are open, Nor can she be captured, silenced or restrained. For she is the Spirit, one with God in essence, Gifted by the Saviour in eternal love; She is the key opening the scriptures, Enemy of apathy, and heavenly dove.   How many different images for the Holy Spirit can you find in the hymn? Which ones resonate most with you? How do you feel about the feminine pronoun the hymn uses for the Spirit?The Bible is clear that God is beyond gender, but the Hebrew word for the Spirit is "ruach" which is feminine)Who has been Good News to you. What does the Holy Spirit mean to you?

All Age Ideas Today we celebrate Pentecost, the day when Jesus' disciples experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in a new and special way to them. They were missing Jesus, their friend, who had ascended into heaven, but he had promised that God would still be close at hand to help and encourage them. As they prayed and waited, they had a strange experience, a new excitement and sense of confidence - like they had felt when Jesus was with them. They tried to describe it. It was like a strong wind, except the wind wasn't blowing, or a fire, but no one got burned. They rushed out into the streets to tell people about Jesus, and found that everyone could understand them, even though they spoke different languages. It was as if God was saying, "wherever you are, and wherever you come from, I am with you always and understand you completely".  Is the wind blowing today? What does the wind feel like and look like? You could make a simple kite - there's a good video here https://youtu.be/WiPpSI257tw What does it feel like to feel excited - could you draw or paint how it feels to you?  What makes you feel confident when you have to do something that is difficult?

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS Please pray for Robert Mitchell and Jessica Fox who were confirmed yesterday at Westerham Church.  Congratulations to all who were elected to serve on the PCC for the coming year, Rachel Wigley, Kathy Hughes, Georgina Taylor and Anne Sommer Our thanks go to Maggie Fox who stepped down from the PCC after many years (probably decades!) of service.  We also thanked Paul and Sally Thompson for their service as Churchwardens as they came to the end of their term (though they are remaining on the PCC). We weren't able to elect any new Churchwardens at the meeting, but hope to consider how to cover the churchwarden's roles in other ways for the time being.  HEARING GOD'S WORD - A 6 session course on Zoom from Monday June 12 at 8pm If you would like to dig deeper into the Bible and the way we read it, especially if you are involved, or would like to be involved, in some sort of ministry, like leading a Home Group, or Messy Church, or leading prayers or other worship in church, this Diocesan approved course might be for you. I will be leading it on Zoom, and there will be a strict limit of 12 places on it. I have also offered it to other churches in the Deanery, and have had some interest, so please contact me as soon as possible if you'd like to join the course. I don't want to find I am doing it just for those from elsewhere, when there might be people at Seal Church who would benefit!  Those who complete Hearing God's Word can then progress on to a second course called "Speaking God's Word", which focuses on communicating our faith. If you complete all sessions of both courses, I can, if appropriate, apply to the Bishop for permission for you to lead worship and speak in church on an occasional basis under my supervision - it would be good to equip people to help not only in church, but also to communicate their faith in other settings. Contact me for more details! HOSPICE IN THE WEALD CHARITY SCOOT Ana and Celie, who live in the village are going to scoot 5km to raise money for Hospice in the Weald. You can support them by donating here https://www.justgiving.com/page/anaceliescoot or by wearing green on 10th June.  This amazing idea is their own - 2 young ladies, aged just 10 and 9 years . Let's get behind them and inspire a new generation of 'givers'!  DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL FOODBANK? You may wish to use this link to see what foods are needed right now, and what there would appear to be a surplus of https://www.donation-genie.co.uk  This was featured in this bbc article https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65574441 CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS AGAIN! So, now we have seen what some of the village talent can achieve, by way of our magnificent pillar box topper, Chris Rampton is making a request - well in advance - for anybody to come forward to make as many poppies as they possibly can please. She says the more the merrier, as we will be needing an awful lot of this this November, so if you get started now, we will be in with a chance of receiving sufficient. I believe these will be used on the pillar box, and to decorate our church for Remembrance Sunday too. Chris says, you can use any pattern you can find - always good to have some diversity - but abundance is the keyword. Sounds like this will be another terrific show.  SEAL PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY OPEN EVENTS Wednesday June 7th and Wednesday June 14th NURSERY TOUR 1 9.30 am - 10am HEADTEACHER TALK 10-10.20am NURSERY TOUR 2 10.25-10.55 Seal Primary School Nursery is  school based nursery and is run by a qualified teacher, to give our children the best possible start in their school journey. Pupils experience learning through inspired play, Forest School and Farm Education. Come and join our open event to find out more. To book, please contact the school office on 01732 762388. DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL FOODBANK? You may wish to use this link to see what foods are needed right now, and what there would appear to be a surplus of. https://www.donation-genie.co.uk This was featured in this bbc article https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65574441 SEAL ECO CHURCH NEWS  St P&P’s, Seal, is the Community printer ink cartridge Recycling Post, with a larger box on its way, and a small one currently to be located inside the Church, to the left of the main church door, near the food donation chest and the font.  Old cartridges will be collected for recycling, which will also attract some funding for the church. PLEASE DO USE THIS RECYCLING SERVICE! SEAL PRIMARY SCHOOL'S PTFA SUMMER FETE- ALL YOU NEED FOR A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT! Sat June 17th from midday - 3pm. 12-1pm Fire and Rescue Visit 1.15-1.45 Student Performances Street Dance, Musical Theatre, Young Voices, School Choir, Sneak Preview of Year 6 Musical. 2-2.30 Free races and games 2.30 Tug of War 2.45 Grand draw of raffle BBQ, Bar, Refreshments, Games, Stall, Arts and Crafts. VISIT OUR FARM - BOOK TO VISIT via QR code on posters in the village, ART EXHIBITION MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND SEAL VILLAGE HALL U3A FREE ENTRY You may remember a very successful exhibition by U3A pre covid, so please come along and visit this new exhibition. SAT MAY 27th 2-4pm SUN MAY 28th 10am-4pm MON MAY 29th 10am-2pm There will be postcards and paintings for sale

Sunday Worship Podcast and other news : May 21

 

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  Holy Communion 11.15 am Annual Parochial Church Meeting 3-4.30pm Messy Church in the church hall 6.30pm Evensong Next Sunday  PENTECOST (WHITSUN) 10 am  Holy Communion  6.30pm Evensong This week:  Mon     2-3.30 Talking Village in Deniz' cafe Wed      No Children's Choir              7.15-8.15 Adult choir Fri        No morning prayer in church today.             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Sat        4pm Confirmation service at Westerham. Any of Seal's congregation who would like to come and support our two candidates, Robert and Jessica, will be very welcome.

Easter 7 This Sunday falls between Ascension Day and Pentecost, in the time when Jesus' disciples were waiting for the "power from on high" that Jesus promised would help them in the task he had called them to, to share his Gospel with the world. It is also the end of Christian Aid week, and the day of our Annual Parochial Church Meeting in church, both of which remind us of the calling we have to be Good News in our own time and place. There is always something we can do, however small, to help others know that they matter and are loved.  What do you think is the Good News Jesus came to bring? Who has been Good News to you? Where and how might God be calling you to be Good News to someone else?

This video tells Esther's story. There's a whole booklet of recipes to make with pigeon peas (other dried peas or beans could be substitued) here !

All Age Ideas This year's Christian Aid week focuses on the country of Malawi, and, in particular, on its staple crop - the thing a lot of people grow and eat - the pigeon pea. The video above tells you more about it.  Peas and beans are amazing plants. They can take nitrogen from the air, and fix it in the soil. Nitrogen is an essential plant food, so peas and beans make the soil richer all by themselves. They are also very good to eat and have proteins in them which we need, so they are very important.  I wonder what peas and beans you eat - frozen peas? baked beans? kidney beans in chili con carne? In our Messy Church session this afternoon (3-4.30pm in the church hall) there will be lots of pea and bean related crafts, so come along if you'd like to and join us! The film above tells the story of one grandma, called Esther, who supports her children and grandchildren by growing (and cooking!) pigeon peas. She is a very clever lady, and her pea flour bread looks delicious!  What do you think it might be like to be Esther, or one of her family? If Esther could talk to you, what do you think she would say? What would you like to say to her? You may not be eating something made of pigeon peas today, but whatever you are eating, think about who has grown it, packed it, transported it - where has it come from - and sold it. What might their lives be like, and what might make their lives easier?

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS CONFIRMATION Please pray for Robert Mitchell and Jessica Fox who are to be confirmed next Saturday at Westerham Church at 4pm. Anyone from Seal who would like to come and support them will be very welcome. Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place today at 11.15 am in church. We will be electing churchwardens and PCC, as well as members of the Deanery Synod. Everyone is welcome to come, but only those on the church Electoral Roll can vote. The reports for the meeting are here, and we hope to have some financial statements available at the meeting. HEARING GOD'S WORD - A 6 session course on Zoom from Monday June 12 at 8pm If you would like to dig deeper into the Bible and the way we read it, especially if you are involved, or would like to be involved, in some sort of ministry, like leading a Home Group, or Messy Church, or leading prayers or other worship in church, this Diocesan approved course might be for you. I will be leading it on Zoom, and there will be a strict limit of 12 places on it. I have also offered it to other churches in the Deanery, and have had some interest, so please contact me as soon as possible if you'd like to join the course. I don't want to find I am doing it just for those from elsewhere, when there might be people at Seal Church who would benefit!  Those who complete Hearing God's Word can then progress on to a second course called "Speaking God's Word", which focuses on communicating our faith. If you complete all sessions of both courses, I can, if appropriate, apply to the Bishop for permission for you to lead worship and speak in church on an occasional basis under my supervision - it would be good to equip people to help not only in church, but also to communicate their faith in other settings. Contact me for more details! HOSPICE IN THE WEALD CHARITY SCOOT Ana and Celie, who live in the village are going to scoot 5km to raise money for Hospice in the Weald. You can support them by donating here https://www.justgiving.com/page/anaceliescoot or by wearing green on 10th June.  This amazing idea is their own - 2 young ladies, aged just 10 and 9 years . Let's get behind them and inspire a new generation of 'givers'!  DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL FOODBANK? You may wish to use this link to see what foods are needed right now, and what there would appear to be a surplus of https://www.donation-genie.co.uk  This was featured in this bbc article https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65574441 DAVID WILLIAMS' TALK ON SEAL VILLAGE DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH 2ND David delivered a very interesting talk at Seal Library's Tea Set following the Platinum Jubilee last year. There was also, a fantastic display of photographs, depicting Seal village betweeen 1953 and 2022.  For those who didn't make it, you have a second bite at the cherry, as David is repeating this event on  FRIDAY MAY 26TH AT 7.30PM AT ST EDITH'S SMALL HALL FOR THE KEMSING HERITAGE CENTRE. Do go along and enjoy -  Just turn up - it'll be well worth a visit! CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS AGAIN! So, now we have seen what some of the village talent can achieve, by way of our magnificent pillar box topper, Chris Rampton is making a request - well in advance - for anybody to come forward to make as many poppies as they possibly can please. She says the more the merrier, as we will be needing an awful lot of this this November, so if you get started now, we will be in with a chance of receiving sufficient. I believe these will be used on the pillar box, and to decorate our church for Remembrance Sunday too. Chris says, you can use any pattern you can find - always good to have some diversity - but abundance is the keyword. Sounds like this will be another terrific show.

Sunday Worship podcast: May 14

 

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 Worship 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion Next Sunday   10 am  Holy Communion  11.15 am Annual Parochial Church Meeting 6.30pm Evensong This week:  Mon     2-3.30 Talking Village in Deniz' coffee shop Wed     10 am Zoom Church his week             4.30-5pm Children's Choir              7.15-8.15 Adult choir Fri        No morning prayer in church today.             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall              2.30pm Funeral Easter 6  In today's first reading, from Acts 17, Paul has arrived in Athens, and makes his way to the Areopagus. This hill was the location where the Athenian council had traditionally met, and it became a place where people gathered to debate. On his way through the city, Paul has seen all the shrines erected to the gods and goddesses venerated in Greece and beyond.  Normally you would expect someone brought up as an observant Jew to be horrified by all these pagan shrines, but Paul sees in them signs of a genuine hunger for God, and singles out one shrine, "to an unknown God" for particular mention.  Shrines typically represent something that is of great significance to the person who builds them. In some faiths it is common to have a household "shrine" where family worship is focused, and it can be very helpful to have a place in your home to pray, where you might put a picture or something else that helps you to focus on God. Many homes have other kinds of "shrines" - family photos or memorabilia, especially of people who may have died or gone away.  Do you have any "shrines" at home already, perhaps to someone you love? How might you create a focus for prayer in your home if you don't have one already? What would you put in it? All Age Ideas In today's first reading, St Paul is walking through the city of Athens, in Greece. He sees lots of statues of gods and goddesses, places where people pray to them. He sees one shrine - special place - dedicated to an "unknown God", so he tells them about the God who made everything and loves everything, who sent Jesus to show people his love. Shrines are really just special places to pray. Some people have shrines in their homes, decorated with things that mean a lot to them, to help them pray to God. You could make a special place to pray in your home.  Jesus says that God is always loving and that when we love others, people can see God at work. What have you done this week that is loving? What have other people done for you that shows God's love? CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place next Sunday at 11.15 am in church. We will be electing churchwardens and PCC, as well as members of the Deanery Synod. Everyone is welcome to come, but only those on the church Electoral Roll can vote. The reports for the meeting are here, and we hope to have some financial statements available on the day.  HEARING GOD'S WORD - A 6 session course on Zoom from Monday June 12 at 8pm If you would like to dig deeper into the Bible and the way we read it, especially if you are involved, or would like to be involved, in some sort of ministry, like leading a Home Group, or Messy Church, or leading prayers or other worship in church, this Diocesan approved course might be for you. I will be leading it on Zoom, and there will be a strict limit of 12 places on it. I have also offered it to other churches in the Deanery, and have had some interest, so please contact me as soon as possible if you'd like to join the course. I don't want to find I am doing it just for those from elsewhere, when there might be people at Seal Church who would benefit!  Those who complete Hearing God's Word can then progress on to a second course called "Speaking God's Word", which focuses on communicating our faith. If you complete all sessions of both courses, I can, if appropriate, apply to the Bishop for permission for you to lead worship and speak in church on an occasional basis under my supervision - it would be good to equip people to help not only in church, but also to communicate their faith in other settings. Contact me for more details! WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN OUR PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL? The PCC meets six times a year to discuss a wide range of matters to do with church activities, services, fabric and finance. Members must be prepared to have a DBS check, and do safeguarding training. They must not have been disqualified from being charity trustees. They need to be confirmed, and have been on the church electoral roll for at least six months. Elections will take place at our APCM on May 21, but if you would like to find out more in advance, please let me know. There is a copy of the Role Description on the noticeboard. We are also looking for people (on the PCC or not) to join our Fabric and Maintenance team, to help organise repairs and routine maintenance etc. If you could help, let me know! DAVID WILLIAMS' TALK ON SEAL VILLAGE DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH 2ND David delivered a very interesting talk at Seal Library's Tea Set following the Platinum Jubilee last year. There was also, a fantastic display of photographs, depicting Seal village betweeen 1953 and 2022.  For those who didn't make it, you have a second bite at the cherry, as David is repeating this event on  FRIDAY MAY 26TH AT 7.30PM AT ST EDITH'S SMALL HALL FOR THE KEMSING HERITAGE CENTRE. Do go along and enjoy -  Just turn up - it'll be well worth a visit! CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS AGAIN! So, now we have seen what some of the village talent can achieve, by way of our magnificent pillar box topper, Chris Rampton is making a request - well in advance - for anybody to come forward to make as many poppies as they possibly can please. She says the more the merrier, as we will be needing an awful lot of this this November, so if you get started now, we will be in with a chance of receiving sufficient. I believe these will be used on the pillar box, and to decorate our church for Remembrance Sunday too. Chris says, you can use any pattern you can find - always good to have some diversity - but abundance is the keyword. Sounds like this will be another terrific show.

Sunday worship podcast and other news from Seal Church: May 7

 

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  Holy Communion  3-6pm  Coronation Fun in the churchyard (in church if wet), beginning with a short service at 3pm 6.30pm Evensong Next Sunday   10 am  All Age Worship 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion This week:  Wed     No Zoom Church this week, but I will try to rearrange it for Wed  17th. Watch this space!             4.30-5pm Children's Choir              7.15-8.15 Adult choir Fri        No morning prayer in church today.             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Easter 5 and the Coronation I'm sure there can't be many who won't have seen at least a little of the Coronation service from Westminster Abbey yesterday. But what does it mean to crown our monarchs in a religious service? What message does that convey which a purely secular ceremony couldn't. Today's sermon explores that question, and what the coronation might have to say to each of us in our own calling and work.  Central to the service was the moment when the King was anointed with Oil of Chrism, a moment which was unseen to most, taking place behind a screen. Anointing is one of the most ancient ways of marking someone out for a particular role, and goes way back into the Old Testament, when the first kings of Israel were anointed. Saul and David were anointed by Samuel and, famously, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as king", words set to music by Handel which has accompanied this moment since the coronation of King George II in 1727.  The spoon onto which the oil is poured is the most ancient part of the coronation regalia, dating back to the second half of the 12th century and used in the anointing at least since the coronation of James I in 1603. It's pictured here along with the ampulla, in which the oil is kept. The oil of Chrism used for King Charles Coronation was specially made and blessed in the Holy Land, and, at the coronation, was given by the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem.   All Age Ideas Did you watch any of King Charles' Coronation service yesterday? I wonder what it felt like to be the King - do you think he might have been nervous? I know I would have been. In the service, he was anointed with oil, a sign that God would be with him to help him as he tries to do his job. Have you ever had to do something that felt really difficult or made you nervous? What helped you to do it? We don't just anoint people with this special oil when they are crowned as kings. We also use it when babies, or older people, are baptised, as a way of reminding them that they have a special job to do to - we may not know what it is yet, but all of us can do something to help others! What do you hope you will do and be in your life? What help do you think you might need to have to do it? The special oil, oil of Chrism, has a lovely smell, which might remind the King of God's presence. What smells are special to you? Could you find some things in your house which you like the smell of. CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS We could do with a few extra helpers to man the tea station this afternoon. If you can spare half an hour, please do come along and volunteer! There will also be activities for children, some music to enjoy and a chance to take your picture on our throne! Come and be a king or queen for a few minutes... This event is free - but please bring your own picnic! TALKING VILLAGE - There's no Talking Village session on Monday because the Bank Holiday  means that Deniz Cafe is closed.  HEARING GOD'S WORD - A 6 session course on Zoom from Monday June 12 at 8pm If you would like to dig deeper into the Bible and the way we read it, especially if you are involved, or would like to be involved, in some sort of ministry, like leading a Home Group, or Messy Church, or leading prayers or other worship in church, this Diocesan approved course might be for you. I will be leading it on Zoom, and there will be a strict limit of 12 places on it. I have also offered it to other churches in the Deanery, and have had some interest, so please contact me as soon as possible if you'd like to join the course. I don't want to find I am doing it just for those from elsewhere, when there might be people at Seal Church who would benefit!  Those who complete Hearing God's Word can then progress on to a second course called "Speaking God's Word", which focuses on communicating our faith. If you complete all sessions of both courses, I can, if appropriate, apply to the Bishop for permission for you to lead worship and speak in church on an occasional basis under my supervision - it would be good to equip people to help not only in church, but also to communicate their faith in other settings. Contact me for more details! WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN OUR PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL? The PCC meets six times a year to discuss a wide range of matters to do with church activities, services, fabric and finance. Members must be prepared to have a DBS check, and do safeguarding training. They must not have been disqualified from being charity trustees. They need to be confirmed, and have been on the church electoral roll for at least six months. Elections will take place at our APCM on May 21, but if you would like to find out more in advance, please let me know. There is a copy of the Role Description on the noticeboard. We are also looking for people (on the PCC or not) to join our Fabric and Maintenance team, to help organise repairs and routine maintenance etc. If you could help, let me know! DAVID WILLIAMS' TALK ON SEAL VILLAGE DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH 2ND David delivered a very interesting talk at Seal Library's Tea Set following the Platinum Jubilee last year. There was also, a fantastic display of photographs, depicting Seal village betweeen 1953 and 2022.  For those who didn't make it, you have a second bite at the cherry, as David is repeating this event on  FRIDAY MAY 26TH AT 7.30PM AT ST EDITH'S SMALL HALL FOR THE KEMSING HERITAGE CENTRE. Do go along and enjoy -  Just turn up - it'll be well worth a visit! CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS AGAIN! So, now we have seen what some of the village talent can achieve, by way of our magnificent pillar box topper, Chris Rampton is making a request - well in advance - for anybody to come forward to make as many poppies as they possibly can please. She says the more the merrier, as we will be needing an awful lot of this this November, so if you get started now, we will be in with a chance of receiving sufficient. I believe these will be used on the pillar box, and to decorate our church for Remembrance Sunday too. Chris says, you can use any pattern you can find - always good to have some diversity - but abundance is the keyword. Sounds like this will be another terrific show.