Latest News From The Benefice
My name is Richard Crowley. Part of my ministry is to go out regularly and feed the homeless on the streets bringing the Gospel and engaging in meaningful conversation.
It would really bless me if anyone has the following to donate:
Sleeping bags
Tents
Blankets
Gloves
Comfortable Shoes and socks
New Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Second-hand smartphones
And funding for food if possible.
Please call me, if you can help on 07986 469467
Christian Aid Fundraising Walk - Saturday 24th May
We did it! Thank you to all those who supported the 'ChelWellSmasch Challenge' to collectively walk 70km in one day and raise money for Christian Aid. The 70km target was reached at about 12.45pm as the six country walkers had contributed a cracking 42km when they returned, so we raised it to 80km for the 80 years of Christian Aid. That was reached very shortly after as a very enthusiastic lad named Jacob did the 0.25km loop of the churchyard many times at speed! Sheila, Rev Susan and several others clocked up several km on loops too, and others made a lot of trips up the aisle, which added 30m each time. They were kept refreshed by Caroline, Mary and Jackie who also provided smashing cakes (essential for energy obviously!)
In the end the walkers covered 93.6km between them in solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce. At the time of writing we've raised nearly £650 which will help Christian Aid train farmers in Guatemala to combat the effects of extreme weather. They will be able buy climate-resilient seeds, to diversify their crop and increase their family's resilience against the effects of the climate crisis. There's still time to sponsor this event online here:
https:// fundraise.christianaid.org.uk/challenge-2025/chelwellsmasch-challenge
Philippa Rooke - Churchwarden, Chelsfield & Well Hill
Flowers speak louder than words. Flowers can speak louder than words and evoke emotions and memories. From earliest times, worshippers have brought wild or garden flowers to their place of worship as an offering. They have used branches of trees and flowers to decorate their churches when celebrating weddings, new births, anniversaries or to commemorate the passing of a loved one. Today, at St Mary’s, a small team of flower lovers place two arrangements in the church every week to enhance the Sunday worship. During the week, the church may be visited by people wanting to see the names of their loved one in the Book of Remembrance so there is always an arrangement beside it. At times of national celebration such as the Coronation of King Charles III or Remembrance Sunday, we try to echo the occasion with our arrangements. Only during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent are flowers not placed in church. Their absence enhances the sense of preparation and inward reflection of these seasons; their return at Christmas and Easter expresses the joy of the Festival. What about Harvest Festival? It may not be a major festival within the Church calendar but it is a time of thanksgiving for all the earth has given us, so flower arrangers make the most of the occasion and enjoy using fruits and vegetables as well as flowers to enhance the occasion. Flower arranging is fun! You could call it “disposable art” as, however fresh the flowers, they will eventually die - and then you can throw away your mistakes and start again with new ideas and fresh flowers! If you fancy trying your hand at flower arranging, call Jocelyn Wright on 07786 454811. No experience needed, but a pair of scissors and a willingness to have a go is all that’s needed. Jocelyn Wright
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