Readings for this Sunday
Romans 12:1-8
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7 ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
Matthew 16.13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Collect for this Sunday
O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity; mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Dear friends, the APCM for St Mary’s Kippington will be taking place on Sunday the 13th of September, following a shortened act of worship from 10:30am. I hope that, while we observe all appropriate social restrictions, people will be able to come and commend to God the life of the church and all those who have given of themselves in service to our fellowship.
It is with sadness that after a challenging and difficult interregnum, Sally and Sue have decided that they will not be standing again as churchwardens at this year’s APCM. I know that the congregation will want to express their thanks for all that they have done for the life of the church during their time in office, as I and Karen have personally as well for their kindness and help given to us during the brief time we have been with you.
The reality of the situation therefore is that I am seeking new churchwardens in what amounts to a noticeably short period of time – a request to people who don’t know me yet and I them!
A churchwarden is de facto appointed for one year only – as that appointment is always ratified at the next year’s APCM. Due to the Covid19 situation no church’s APCM’s could take place in April and all were delayed. However, in 2021 APCM’s will once again return to their traditional month and so churchwardens would only need to be prepared to stand for seven months.
I am therefore seeking colleagues, senior lay representatives of the church, who will support both me, this church and its family, and the new wider team during this period.
Colleagues who will guide and inform me, being new, on the life of the church and its parish.
Colleagues who will work with the Parochial Church Council to foster the management, maintenance and mission of the church. Seeking to maintain order and promoting peace and unity. Paying special attention to the specific needs of children, young people and vulnerable adults; ensuring that the parish has proper procedures for safeguarding, complaints and grievances; and working with the Archdeacon and Bishop in all things to do with parish and diocese.
I am mindful that the ask is a ‘big’ one from me and so would see it as important to spend time with anyone who wished to discuss the positions.
Please also note that we have three vacancies for PCC arising from one resignation and two where people’s terms of office have been completed.
Finally, there are Deanery Synod elections, with two places to be elected from this church.
The APCM papers and nomination forms can be either downloaded from our web site or found at the back of church.
Sevenoaks Deanery Prayer for Sunday 23rd of August
We are praying today for the fellowship of St George, Weald and for their Incumbent, Mandy Carr.
Thursday 10am Holy Communion
This service will be resuming on Thursday 27th August. With apology, but Rev Mark had a meeting arranged for him for the 3rd of September. There will not be a service on that date, but then onwards from the 10th September.
Ride and Stride
We are pleased to note that the annual ‘Ride and Stride’ bike ride in aid of ‘Friends of Kent Churches’ will be taking place on Saturday 12th September from 10am to 6pm. Despite restrictions, the event will be taking place this year as in the present climate churches are more in need of funds that ever before. We are pleased and grateful that Martin and Carolyn are riding again on behalf of the fellowship and 50% of what they raise comes back to church. Sponsorship forms are at the back of church, as well as a stewarding form as we would like to keep our church open and manned just so to welcome people and sign their forms for cyclists who come. Thank you for your help.
Green light given to choirs to sing in church – but still no congregational singing
On the 17th August choirs are allowed to sing once more in church. This is excellent news of course. However, it cannot be an automatic return as practicalities need to be looked at. Mark and Len will be meeting to look into this return and then liaising with the PCC. We hope though that the choir returning to worship will take place very soon.
Services next Sunday – 30th August (Twelfth after Trinity)
8am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
10:30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
Bible readings used: Romans 12: 9 – end & Matthew 16: 21 – end
Collections at services
Dear friends, as a reminder that, for the foreseeable future, there will be a retiring collection as we can no longer pass the collection plate around. Thank you.
Visiting emphasis
From the 10th August, Mark has been and is visiting all those with roles across the three churches, as Team Rector, until the 4th September. The week of the 7th September he is then visiting all those who have been (and are) on the sick list, or who have been particularly vulnerable. General visiting begins from the 14th September to, firstly, members of this church’s fellowship.
If you need to contact Mark please email mark.bridgen@btinternet.com, or telephone 07375 299944 or 01732 452112.
If you have any concerns/worries/ideas/suggestions or know of anyone who is struggling, sick, bereaved or interested about the faith – please do speak to Mark.