Midweek Bulletin
MID-WEEK BULLETIN – Wednesday 17th May 2023
‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.’ (Psalm 19:1)
DIARY
Christian Aid Week - until this Saturday.
The Donations bucket will be at back of Church again on Sunday.
Saturday 20th May
2.00pm: Wedding (Ed WALKER & Kate BULFORD) (no choir)
Sunday 21st May (The Sunday after Ascension Day)
9.45am: Zoom
11.00am: Matins
6.30pm: Evensong
Monday 22nd May
7.00pm: Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Church
Saturday 27th May
1.30pm: Wedding (Will SNOWDEN & Sarah TEASDALE) (own choir)
Sunday 28th May (Pentecost/Whit Sunday)
9.45am: Half Hour Service
11.00am: Holy Communion (BCP)
Wednesday 31st May
10.00-12.30pm: Bring and Buy Coffee Morning in aid of Withyham Church at Smugglers, Hoadley’s Lane, TN6 1TH (Jill Pardey’s home).
Sunday 4th June (Trinity Sunday)
11.00am: Holy Communion (Rev. Adrian Leak).
(No Zoom or Evensong)
The Kings Hall, Withyham
Next Village Lunch: Tomorrow 12.15 for 12.30pm
Blackham Market, Village Hall – Saturday 3rd June: 10.00am-12noon.
For your PRAYERS
The Persecuted Church: Christians in IRAQ – Iraqi Christians experience ongoing harassment and persecution. Last year dozens were physically abused, abducted or driven away, with homes and businesses confiscated.
Those in particular need of our prayers: Maria BELL, Valerie COGAN & Sheila JONES.
The Bereaved: The family and friends of those known to us.
James
Notices
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, BLACKHAM
We are pleased to announce that All Saints Church, Blackham is now open at weekends between Easter and Harvest, and for services.
Since the pandemic, the Church has been closed when not in use. We look forward to welcoming you back.
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CHURCH DIARY - May
A Rogation Sunday Service will be held on Sunday 14th May at 11.00am, starting in Church and then moving outside, weather permitting; dogs welcome.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Monday 22nd May at 7.00pm in Withyham Church.
This is the annual opportunity both to reflect on the past year and to look ahead, as well as ask any questions. We shall approve the accounts and hold elections. The meeting shouldn’t last more than an hour, fortified by a glass of wine.
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PARISH REGISTERS
BAPTISMS
On 23rd April the christening took place at St. Michael & All Angels Church, Withyham of George Arthur Junior ASHDOWN, daughter of Harriet and Keith Junior.
On 30th April the christening took place at St. Michael & All Angels Church, Withyham of Margot Isabella Fleur PIKE, daughter of Amy and Alex.
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CHURCHWARDEN'S NOTES
The church looked marvellous at Easter decorated with lilies. Thanks to the flower ladies who worked hard on Saturday morning and all those who gave lily money in memory of loved ones. The names of the donors and those being remembered were put up in the porch. This enabled us to buy the lilies, which have become quite expensive. Thanks to Kath Stillwell who drove to our suppliers at Ashford to collect the lilies a week in advance so we could get them into flower. The Easter Communion service was well attended and fortunately it was a lovely day. There were 35 people at the Passover Meal held in the Kings’ Hall. There was a mixture of readings and singing following the Passover, but with a Christian slant. The meal was delicious, thanks to all the ladies who made a variety of Passover food. The churchyard clear up went well with sundry bushes, which obscured the church, being removed and now the churchyard looks lovely with all the spring flowers, so once again thanks to the volunteers.
Please note the Bring and Buy Coffee Morning in aid of St. Michael and All Angels, Withyham is on Wednesday 31st May
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TREE PLANTING AT BLACKHAM CHURCH
On 30 th April, a pair of trees were planted each side of the Lych Gate to commemorate the Coronation. They are ‘Crataegus Persimilis Prunifolia’, better known as Broad-leaved Cockspur Thorn or Plumleaf Hawthorn. The RHS describe them as ‘rounded small trees with stout thorns and dense, glossy dark foliage that turns orange, yellow and red in autumn’. Our thanks to Sue Schooling for obtaining the trees, to John Patching for the initial planting and to Giles Haig who completed the exercise. Incidentally, the pair of horse chestnuts in the Churchyard were planted in May 1937 to mark the Coronation of George VI.
JMC