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