Latest News From The Benefice
Benefice Messy Church on Sunday 23rd March at 10am at St Mary’s
It was wonderful to have over 80 people happily chatting, having refreshments and enjoying the crafts, along with children playing with toys, reading or colouring in the Quiet corner.
The session began, in our usual pattern of Messy Church, with drinks and lovely homemade cakes freely available. The theme of this month was about God’s love for all of us and encouraging us to share God’s love with the World. Around the room were 8 different activities suitable for all ages. These included icing heart shaped biscuits, carving soap into a heart shape or cross, making angels, a wall art project plus writing on ‘disappearing’ paper things we regret or are sorry about. These paper messages were then used in the communion service that followed and placed in water to disappear. This was an example of how God forgives and forgets what we are sorry about doing or saying. After the service everyone returned to the hall for bacon or sausage in a roll. Plus a celebration birthday cake for Rev. Susan’s birthday, which was shared with everyone.
It was a very happy morning and lovely to have representatives from all our 4 churches in the Benefice along with families who have come to enjoy our monthly Saturday afternoon Messy Church. I think most would agree that it would be lovely to have Benefice Messy Church as an annual event.
For easy reference here is also a summary of what the Appeal is all about:
Since 1977 Rochester Diocese has, through this annual appeal, helped meet the most basic needs that all of God’s children deserve: a safe place to live; food to eat; and a way to something better for their children. We can only make a small contribution in response to a huge worldwide challenge, but we do what we can, working through long-term trusted partners.
Over £20,000 was raised in the 2023 Appeal and we are most grateful to every church and individual who contributed. Every penny of this is going to our seven beneficiaries: four international Christian Charities and three Companion Dioceses in Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Over the last five decades Poverty and Hope has focused on five core themes:
Agriculture, Education, Healthcare, Women’s Empowerment and Community Advocacy. This year we are adding another one: Peace. War and violence has devastated millions of lives in recent years and we can’t just watch helplessly.
The two leading projects over the next twelve months are:
The continuing efforts through Amos Trust to work for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Palestine, highlighted by the Wi’am Conflict Resolution Centre, working in the shadow of the separation wall in Bethlehem.
A big new initiative involving Christian Aid, the EU and US Aid, to help people turn away from violence towards peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The immediate focus is on the ‘Communities Living Peacefully’ project working at the northern border of Haiti and Dominican Republic.
We are God’s hands and feet (and money) on earth, so please donate generously!
Jam jars will be available for those who like the discipline of putting away a small amount each day during Lent, but nowadays many people prefer to contribute online. Simply search online for Poverty and Hope 2024-2025 Diocese of Rochester and click on the ‘Donate Online’ link.
Peter Kettle, LLM, Poverty and Hope Appeal Coordinator.
St Martin’s Spire AppealSt Martin’s Church was built in the 12th Century. The tower and spire were added around 100 years later so the spire, in particular, has been a feature of our village for around 800 years and remains a landmark that can be seen for miles.The construction of the spire is such that there is an internal wooden framework that supports wooden planks which, in turn, carry the wooden shingles that we see from the outside. In normal circumstances the wooden shingles have a limited lifespan of, perhaps, 50 years. Unfortunately the current shingles have had their lives shortened by the local parakeets, which have made a number of holes in the shingles. You’ll see from the picture in the banner below that there are quite a number of holes, and that is just looking from one side. Those holes mean that the roof is no longer watertight and remedial action is essential to protect the structural integrity of the spire.We are hoping to undertake the work in 2024. More details along with some photographs can be found on the St Martin’s website at stmartinchelsfied.org.uk/spire
