Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: Oct 22

 

Dear Friends As usual, the link to our podcast is above - click on the picture to access it. with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

In the church building today Oct 22 10 am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong Next Sunday Oct 29 10 am Holy Communion 6.30pm All Souls' Service This week:  Wed    10 am Zoom Church             No children's or adult choir this week (half-term)  Fri        9 am Morning Prayer in Church             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall

Trinity 20 Kevin Bright is preaching today, on a challenging set of readings which explore the relationship between the private and public realms, between the spiritual and the political. We can't exist in a spiritual bubble, but how do we live as members of our society, in the time and place we happen to find ourselves? The coin on the right is a denarius featuring the head of Tiberius, the Roman emperor at the time Jesus was crucified. This is the coin Jesus asks for as he speaks in the Temple. The fact that it bears an image caused problems for devout Jews, as Jewish laws forbade the making of any image of a living being.

All Age Ideas In today's Gospel story Jesus is asked about whether people should pay taxes to the Romans. Taxes are money we pay towards things we all need and share. Today they pay for schools and hospitals and roads and support for people who need extra help.  In Jesus' time, some of the tax money would have paid for the Roman Army which was occupying the land. People were being made to pay for the soldiers who were oppressing them and ordering them around. Many people weren't happy about doing this. What would Jesus say about it? If he says they shouldn't pay, he will get into trouble with the Romans. If he says they should pay, some of his own people will say he is a traitor to his own country, and they will be angry with him. Jesus recognises that it is a trick question, so he answers it with a trick answer. He says that people should give the Roman emperor what belongs to him, but they should give to God the things that are God's. It is a clever answer, because everything belongs to God in the end.  Sometimes when we are part of a group or a community - like a family or a school - we don't agree with or like everything that group does. Your family might disagree about what to have for dinner, or where to go on holiday, for example. People might want different things, and have to compromise.  How can you make your voice heard and let people know what you want and what you think? Do you sometimes feel as if some members of your family or school or friendship group get to boss others around unfairly? What can you do about it? Have a look at some coins and bank notes. What and who is on them? Why do you think it was decided to put them there?(There are some new coins coming out now with King Charles' head on them, but there aren't many around yet - keep an eye out for them!)  You could make some rubbings of the coins. Put a coin on a flat surface - it can help to use a bit of blu tak to hold it still. Put a piece of paper (thin paper is best) over the coin. Rub over it with a crayon and watch the picture appear.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS SEAL SCARECROW TRAIL This year the trail will be from The 21st of October running for a week over the half term with  an online voting system for the competition! Trail maps will be available from Deniz's for £2.   SEAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL FARM POISONOUS PUMPKIN TRAIL This is the farm's first half term event. All proceeds go towards feed and bedding for the animals, so that they can be part of a bespoke farm education for the whole federation, as well as visiting schools, clubs and communities. If you've not visited for a while, you will see changes as the farm has grown quite a lot! There are several slots to choose from, so please visit www.sealcommunityschoolfarm.co.uk or book direct here. The Inspire Federation. CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING  Friday December 1st in Seal Church Hall £30 per head There will be 2 sessions - 3pm and 7.30pm , providing all you need to make a beautiful Christmas wreath, a glass of wine and mince pie.Please bring your own secateurs! To book, please contact Chris on 07759 808814 or 01732 763585. SEAL OVER 60's SOUTHERN STRUMMERS UKULELE GROUP SAT NOV 11th 2.30 SEAL VILLAGE HALL Following last year's resounding success, the Southern Strummers Ukulele Group are returning to Seal Over 60's and all are welcome to come along. The cost is £6 to non-members and includes the usual Over 60's delicious afternoon tea.  To book, please call Chris on 07759 808814.   SEAL VILLAGE HALL FREE SOCIAL INFORMATION SESSION SAT 11th NOVEMBER 5pm-7pm  Come and join the Village Hall Trustees and volunteers, for a free glass of wine, or a soft drink, and nibbles, and find out what is going on in your Village Hall. All are welcome. SEAL TIDDLERS FUND RAISING PAMPER EVENING Pamper evening Thursday 23rd November Seal church hall 7.30 to 9.30pm  £5 a ticket with a glass of prosecco or orange in aid of funds for Seal Tiddlers.  Tickets and bookable appointments from Frances Fish 07749 240456 Hair, nail and make-up demonstrations Appointments for nails and hair/hand massage Lots of stalls to start your Christmas shopping! SEAL LIBRARY The December Tea Set will take place on December 19th rather than 12th, to avoid clashing with another event. SEAL VILLAGE ALLOTMENTS Seal Village Allotments are now renewing rentals for the 2024 season, and have some plots available. If you would like to join us and grow your own produce, then please contact: sealvillageallotments@gmail.com VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS We have had an amazing offer from a new resident to Seal, Marcus, who is willing to take on the lead role for the Christmas lights this year, taking over from Marion Gilchrist. We are very grateful for this offer, and would welcome at least a few people to put their names forward now, to help Marcus with this task. As usual, they will probably go up on the last weekend of November or first weekend in December. If you can register your interest now, by contacting marionjgilchrist@gmail.com, she will give Marcus your names, and maybe have a little get together before that time.

Sunday Worship Podcast and other news from Seal Church: Oct 15

 

Dear Friends As usual, the link to our podcast is above - click on the picture to access it. with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

In the church building today 10 am Holy Communion 3 pm Messy Church 6.30pm Evensong Next Sunday  10 am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong This week:  Wed     4.30pm Children's Choir              7.15 pm  Adult Choir practice Fri        9 am Morning Prayer in Church             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall

Trinity 19 Today's readings are challenging ones. The prophet Isaiah appears to rejoice at the thought of his enemies' cities lying in ruins, and in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells a story about a king whose invitations to the wedding banquet of his son are spurned, with catastrophic results.  It would be comforting to think that such violence was a relic of a bygone age, but our television screens have been full this week of images of destruction and vengeance, and the truth is that we are all capable of wishing harm on others who we feel have hurt or mistreated us.  In the end, Isaiah manages to lift his eyes to God and see that only a future in which all are blessed is worth having, but, like the man at the end of Jesus' parable, we may have to "get changed", not into new clothes, but a new heart and mind, in order to bring that about.

All Age Ideas We'll be exploring Luke's version of the story of the big party to which people were invited, but didn't come in today's Messy Church. Come along and join us at 3 pm. Think about parties you have had or been to. What would it be like if people didn't come? How would you feel? How does it feel if you get left out of something good that is happening? Jesus told the story because he knew that sometimes people get left out. It's not just about going to parties, but about all the rest of life too. They may not have friends, or food, or a safe, warm place to live. That's not fair. But we can all do something to help, making sure we have our eyes, and our hearts, open to those around us. Jesus's story reminds us that God welcomes everyone.  The story is in the video below, or you can read it in Luke chapter 14

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS

SCARECROWS! This year the trail will be from The 21st of October running for a week over the half term with the an online voting system for the competition! To inspire we have a suggested theme of ‘Hallowe’en’ but not compulsory and we want as many as possible! Why not document your scarecrow making with the hashtag #Sealscarecrowtrail. Trail maps will be available from Deniz's for £2.  Submission deadline for Competition Monday 16th to amyjeanmoore@yahoo.co.uk Please email Amy with a photograph of your scarecrow in time for your entry to be added to the trail sheet. We are really grateful to Amy for coming forward to organise this event, which has become so popular with, not only villagers, but people who pass through and love the quirky characters that pop up during this time each year. Know Your Neighbours and Seal Village Fund will be supporting this project by donating 2 prizes for the 1st and 2nd entry with most votes. The 1st prize will be a £50 Deniz's voucher and 2nd prize, a £25 Deniz's voucher. SEAL C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL LOW BANG FIREWORKS FRIDAY OCTOBER 20th Gates open at 5pm and the 1st rocket will be fired at 7.30pm. There will be a bar and refreshments, face painting, a glow stall and more fun and games! Advance tickets available from Seal Supermarket and Seal School PTA - Family (2adults and 2 children), £22Adults, Adult £7 and children £5 - Tickets on the gate - £10, children £5 under 4s free. Entrance via Zambra Way only. ALL SOULS SERVICE There will be a quiet service of hymns, readings and reflection on Sunday 29th Oct at 6.30pm to remember those we love who have died. If you would like us to name someone in the prayers please add them in CAPITAL LETTERS to the list on the clipboard at the back of church or email them to me . The church will be open from 5.45 pm if anyone would like to light a candle and spend time in quiet reflection before the service.

Sunday Worship podcast link: Oct 8 Harvest

Dear Friends As usual, the link to our podcast is above - click on the picture to access it. with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

In the church building today 10 am All Age Worship for Harvest 12 noon Harvest Bring and Share lunch 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion Next Sunday  10 am Holy Communion 3 pm Messy Church 6.30pm Evensong This week:  Wed     10am Zoom Church              4.30pm Children's Choir              7.15 pm  Adult Choir practice Thurs   2.15 pm Seal School Harvest service Fri        9 am  Seal School Harvest service (no Morning Prayer)             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall               2.15pm Seal School Harvest service

Harvest   Today's sermon explores Psalm 8 and the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16). Both readings touch on power and how we use it, which is a key factor in the way we share the Earth's resources. In Psalm 8, the Psalmist ponders the sovereignty of God, seen in the vastness of the universe, but is also aware that he has power too, over the things God has made.  In the Gospel reading, the balance of power in the story seems to be completely tipped in favour of the rich man, who is completely oblivious to Lazarus at his gate. After their deaths, though, it becomes clear that his sense of power was an illusion. God sees and honours Lazarus (who is named, while the rich man is not).  What power do you have, and how do you use it?

All Age Ideas Today's readings help us think about the power we have. We can all make the world a better place, or a worse place for others. Helping others - people, animals, plants, the world we live in - starts by noticing them.  If you could have a super-power, what would it be? You could draw a picture of yourself as a superhero, or dress up as that person. I can't give you a super-power, but God has given you lots of power. Every time you choose to do something kind (or not) you are showing that power! What can you notice and thank God for today? You could make a "blessing" jar, and write all the things you are thankful for on slips of paper and put them in the jar.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS

HARVEST FESTIVAL AT SEAL We'll be celebrating the  harvest at Seal today in our 10 am All Age service. As usual, there will be a cash collection - or you can give online -  for Rochester Diocese "Poverty and Hope" appeal, which helps a number of charities, including supporting minority communities in Bangladesh, engaging with subcultures on the fringe in Brazilian slums, helping to provide education in Myanmar, providing irrigation and solar energy in Tanzania, and working with the Amos Trust in Palestine/Israel, which promotes creative arts activities as a safe space for local children and young people. You can read more about all these projects here - https://www.rochester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/ourfaithinaction/poverty-and-hope-appeal/ HARVEST LUNCH OCT 8th There will be a Harvest bring and share lunch after our Harvest Festival service on Oct 8th, starting at around 12 noon . We had originally planned to make this a totally vegetarian lunch, but its fine if you want to "bring and share" something with meat in it. Please make sure you include an ingredients list, so that people know what is in it! If you would like to come along, or make something to share, please sign the list at the back of church or email sealpandp@gmail.com.    SCARECROWS! This year the trail will be from The 21st of October running for a week over the half term with the an online voting system for the competition! To inspire we have a suggested theme of ‘Hallowe’en’ but not compulsory and we want as many as possible! Why not document your scarecrow making with the hashtag #Sealscarecrowtrail. Trail maps will be available from Deniz's for £2.  Submission deadline for Competition Monday 16th to amyjeanmoore@yahoo.co.uk Please email Amy with a photograph of your scarecrow in time for your entry to be added to the trail sheet. We are really grateful to Amy for coming forward to organise this event, which has become so popular with, not only villagers, but people who pass through and love the quirky characters that pop up during this time each year. Know Your Neighbours and Seal Village Fund will be supporting this project by donating 2 prizes for the 1st and 2nd entry with most votes. The 1st prize will be a £50 Deniz's voucher and 2nd prize, a £25 Deniz's voucher. SEAL C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL LOW BANG FIREWORKS FRIDAY OCTOBER 20th Gates open at 5pm and the 1st rocket will be fired at 7.30pm. There will be a bar and refreshments, face painting, a glow stall and more fun and games! Advance tickets available from Seal Supermarket and Seal School PTA - Family (2adults and 2 children), £22Adults, Adult £7 and children £5 - Tickets on the gate - £10, children £5 under 4s free. Entrance via Zambra Way only. SEAL TIDDLERS Pamper evening Thursday 23rd November Seal church hall 7.30 to 9.30pm £5 a ticket with a glass of prosecco or orange and a goody bag in aid of funds for Seal Tiddlers. More details to follow

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news from Seal Church: Oct 1 2023

 

Dear Friends As usual, the link to our podcast is above - click on the picture to access it. with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above 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 Harvest All Age Worship 12 noon Harvest Bring and Share lunch 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion This week:  Wed     10am Good Book Club (1 Kings 21)              4.30pm Children's Choir              7.15 pm  Adult Choir practice Fri        9 am    Morning Prayer in Church             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall               11am   Hymn singing service at Lavender Fields

Trinity 17   Today's Gospel reading is a complicated one, but at its heart is the issue of who Jesus is. The Temple authorities have been alarmed by his entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and his act of driving the traders out of the Temple, not just because these actions have caused uproar, but also because they know they are echoes of Hebrew prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus is making the claim to be God's chosen one through his actions, but they need him to say it in words, so they can persuade the Romans to condemn him.  He turns their tactic back on them though, and they reveal what they are really motivated by - their desire to maintain their position and power.  What would you say if someone asked you who you were? How many different ways can we identify ourselves - how many "labels" do we have for ourselves? Which ones are most important to you? Who do you think Jesus is?

All Age Ideas In today's Gospel reading Jesus tells a story about a father with two sons. He asks each of them to help do some work in his vineyard. The first one says he won't help, but then does. The second one says he will help, but then doesn't. Jesus asks which one is doing what his father wants best. What do you think? What does it feel like if someone says they will do something but then they don't do it? Jesus' parable tells us that we should look at what people do, not what they say, to decide whether we can trust them. Draw a tree and add drawings of fruit to it as you think of the good things you, or others, have done this week.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS CONGRATULATIONS TO JESS HEEB whose ordination as a Deacon took place in Rochester Cathedral yesterday. Please hold her and Jonathan in your prayers as she begins her ministry at Snodland Church. It was good to be part of her journey towards ordination here at Seal. You can watch a video of the ordination on the Diocese's Youtube channel here.  The first photo below is mine, the other two are from the Diocese of Rochester.

HARVEST FESTIVAL AT SEAL - Oct 8 We'll be celebrating the  harvest at Seal next Sunday in our 10 am All Age service - yes, we will be singing "We plough the fields and scatter"! - so come along and join us to give thanks for "all good gifts around us."  As usual, there will be a cash collection that day for Rochester Diocese "Poverty and Hope" appeal, which helps a number of charities, including supporting minority communities in Bangladesh, engaging with subcultures on the fringe in Brazilian slums, helping to provide education in Myanmar, providing irrigation and solar energy in Tanzania, and working with the Amos Trust in Palestine/Israel, which promotes creative arts activities as a safe space for local children and young people. You can read more about all these projects here - https://www.rochester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/ourfaithinaction/poverty-and-hope-appeal/ HARVEST LUNCH OCT 8th There will be a Harvest bring and share lunch after our Harvest Festival service on Oct 8th, starting at around 12 noon . We had originally planned to make this a totally vegetarian lunch, but its fine if you want to "bring and share" something with meat in it. Please make sure you include an ingredients list, so that people know what is in it! If you would like to come along, or make something to share, please sign the list at the back of church or email sealpandp@gmail.com.    SCARECROWS WILL BE BACK The Church has not planned a Scarecrow Festival this year, but a lady in the village called Amy has kindly come forward to organise one . This is so very much appreciated, as so many would have missed the annual display of weird and wonderful characters popping up through the village. Please get behind this wonderful, fun project, and have your scarecrows ready to display, either outside your home, or other appropriate areas, by October 20th. Watch this space for further information!