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A Letter from the Rector
Dear All
Leading up to Advent we are focussing, through a short sermon series, the subject of communication with God. Understanding these teachings can deepen our faith and enrich our spiritual lives helping us to discern God’s purpose for our individual lives.
It is critical, if we are to be effective disciples of Jesus to understand how we can incorporate prayer into our daily routine to enhance our connection with God. To know in what ways we can create space to listen for God’s guidance. And the big challenge is, are there areas in our lives where we need to be more honest in our conversations with God?
We see evidence of the various ways in which God can choose to communicate with us, such as we see in Elijah’s encounter with God in 1 Kings 19. Here we see how beautifully the Bible illustrates the concept of listening in communication. After fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah experiences God’s presence not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This moment emphasises that God’s voice often comes in subtle, quiet ways rather than through dramatic signs. It teaches us the importance of being still and attentive, creating space to hear God’s guidance in our lives. This encounter encourages believers to seek moments of quiet reflection, where they can truly listen and discern God’s will, highlighting that effective communication with God involves more listening than speaking. This story underscores that true communication with God involves honesty, attentiveness, and openness to receiving God’s messages in unexpected ways.
Here are some other Bible verses that you may wish to reflect on:
- Philippians 4:6-7 – Encourages us to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving, emphasising the peace that follows.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Calls us to pray continually, highlighting prayer as a constant line of communication.
- Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse invites us to listen and find peace in God’s presence.
- 1 Kings 19:11-13 – Elijah’s encounter with God illustrates the importance of listening for God’s subtle voice.
- Psalm 62:8 – Encourages us to pour out our hearts to God, trusting Him as our refuge.
- Jeremiah 29:12-13 – Promises that when we seek God with all our heart, He will listen.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Describes Scripture as God-breathed and useful for teaching, providing guidance in our communication with God.
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Scripture that illuminates our way to God.
Happy reading,
Rev Barry
Diary: St Peter & St Paul, Saltwood
Our regular pattern of worship includes a service every Sunday at 10am. Usually this is Holy Communion (to which all are welcome, whether or not you choose to receive communion) with a Family Service on the fourth Sunday of each month. Other services of Holy Communion, including ‘Book of Common Prayer’ services at Saltwood and Pedlinge, are shown on the website calendar, along with all services and events for the month.
Bubble Church, for families with Toddlers, is held in the Lads’ Club at 10am on the first Sunday of the month; Sunday Club, for children aged 3 – 10 is held at 10am in the Lads’ Club, on the third Sundays in term time.
Some extra dates to note for your diaries:
Wednesday 1st – !0 – 11.30 am – Toddler Group in the Lads’ Club(and each following Wednesday except the 22nd))
Wednesday 1st – 2pm – Afternoon Prayer Groups at 34 Harpswood Lane
Thursday 2nd – 6pm – Bell Ringing practice (and each following Thursday)
Thursday 2nd – 7pm – Choir practice (and each following Thursday)
Friday 3rd – N.B. – Carol Eastell’s day off
Friday 3rd – 9am – Prayer Group in the Church – and each following Friday
Sunday 5th – 10am – harvest Festival with Service of Holy Communion
Sunday 5th – 12noon – harvest Bring and Share lunch in the Lads’ Club
Monday 6th – 2pm – Monday Chats in the Lads’ Club (and each following Monday)
Tuesday 7th – Our Rector’s day off – and each following Tuesday
Saturday 18th – 10.30 – Coffee Morning at Lympne
Saturday 18th – 15.45 – Messy Church in the Lads’ Club
Wednesday 22nd – NB – No Toddler Group this week (Half Term)
Wednesday 22nd – 2pm – Cinema Club in the Lads’ Club
Saturday 25th – N.B. – Clocks go back one hour tonight!
Sunday 26th – 4pm – Songs of Praise at Lympne church
A Date for November:
The All Saints Service of Commemoration for the Departed will be on Sunday 2nd November at 3pm.
Harvest Festival
The Rainbow Centre Food Services are celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year and are looking to break the donation weight in 2024 of 5329kg. The Shepway Foodbank’s & Pantries have seen an unprecedent increase of individuals and families accessing their food services this Summer. which means lots of their shelves are empty and really need your support in filling them back up.
Below is a shopping list, which comprises of urgently needed out of stock items and items we are running low on. Please ensure that items are not out of date as these have to be thrown away.
We will celebrate Harvest this year on Sunday 5th October at Saltwood, All donations of food from both Saltwood and Lympne will go to the Rainbow Centre’s various outlets for those in need of a helping hand.
Useful Contacts
Rector – Rev Barry Knott: Telephone: 01303 883243 email: rev.barry@icloud.com
Church website: www.saltwoodchurch.org
Community Support Hub: 01303 269602
Parish Pastoral Support: 0300 030 1330
Children & Families Ministry (including weddings and baptisms) – Christine Clover:
Telephone: 0300 030 1662 email: christineclover@lympneandsaltwoodchurches.uk
Lads’ Club Bookings: Jan Heard 01303 266945 email: jan.entendu@gmail com
Parish Magazine: Beth Lewsey 01303 264577 email: parishmagazine@saltwoodchurch.org
Items for the November Magazine
If you have any items for the November edition of the magazine, please forward to Beth Lewsey, by the 24th October
by email if possible, to: parishmagazine@saltwoodchurch.org
or deliver to 20 Castle Avenue. (Tel 01303 264577).
Saltwood Church Pastoral Group
Caring for One Another
‘And let us look out for one another to provoke love and good works’ (Hebrews 10:24)
Our Pastoral Group meet monthly to seek ways of offering support to those who are going through difficult or challenging times. If you know someone you are concerned about, or if you have concerns yourself, please contact us. You will always find a friendly voice and a listening ear at the end of the line. Caring for others is at the heart of Christian life and you can help us by being our eyes and ears, letting us know of anyone who is in need.
Contacts: 01303 266454 01303 883243
From the Parish Records
Congratulations to:
Susan Burke and Terence Piper, who were married on 4th September
Natalie Richards and Henry Large, who were married on 13th September
Our love and sympathy go to the family and friends of:
Lucy Richardson, whose funeral ws on 3rd September
Andrew Duthie, whose burial was on 15th September
Patricia Ellis, whose funeral was on 16th September
PRAYER MINISTRY on Sundays at Saltwood
Every Sunday, at the end of the morning service at Saltwood, there is an opportunity for anyone to receive prayer, with two members of our Prayer Ministry Team. If you are concerned for someone in your family, a friend or a worrying situation, we would be honoured to pray with you. You will not be asked any invasive questions, and your request is always treated in complete confidence. We trust you will find these prayers bring you the Lord’s blessings – as many people have already experienced. We look forward to welcoming you in prayer.
A Prayer for the month of October
Lord, give us opportunities.
To ripen your fruit in our lives,
To grow in Your Spirit,
Know Your warmth
And Your light,
Allow the segments of
Self-control, gentleness,
Faithfulness, goodness,
Kindness, patience, peace and joy
To be lubricated and sweetened
By love,
Showing the world
Your nature transforming
Our natures,
In the fruit bowl of our lives
In Jesus.
Lord, give opportunities
For the hungry to taste
Your ripening fruit in us,
See that You are good
And come to you.
By Daphne Kitching
(Based on Gal 5:22,23, Ps 34:8)
Intercessions for October
Today we pray especially for:-
1 Those who live in Bartholomew Close and Lea Close
2 Those who protect us – the emergency services
3 All who worship at St Peter & St Paul and at Pedlinge
4 Those who need to make use of local food banks
5 The lonely, thinking particularly of those known to you
6 Those who live in Bartholomew Lane and St John’s Road
7 Those who visit our church and those who make use of it
8 Holy Trinity Folkestone, St George Folkestone, and St. Paul Sandgate
9 Our organists and choir
10 Canterbury Cathedral, Diocesan House and their staffs
11 Those who live in Hillcrest Road and Quarry Lane
12 Those who care for the church and churchyard and make them beautiful
13 The national role of the Church of England
14 St John the Baptist Folkestone
15 Our neighbours
16 Those who live in Holly Close and Mulberry Court
17 Those unsure of their future, thinking particularly of those known to you
18 St Augustine’s Primary School – staff and pupils
19 The Pilgrims Hospice
20 Families going through difficult times, thinking particularly of those known to you
21 Those who live in North Road West, North Road and Barrack Hill
22 Those parts of the world where there is war or political strife and those who suffer as a result
23 Our own benefice with St Stephen Lympne
24 His Majesty’s Government and Members of Parliament
25 Compassion UK
26 Those who live in Pedlinge and Sandling
27 The terminally ill and their families, thinking particularly of those known to you
28 Our study groups
29 Other, non-Anglican, churches in the local area
30 Folkestone Rainbow Centre
31 Those who live in Sandling Road and Highfield Close
Quote:
Your Rock is Christ, and it is not the Rock which ebbs and flows, but your sea.
– Samuel Rutherford
Monday Chats
The Lads’ Club in Rectory Lane is open on Monday afternoons between 2 and 4pm, offering the opportunity to chat to others over a cup of tea and some homemade cake. You’ll be made very welcome!
Wild West Supper & Quiz Night
Please note that unfortunately, due to logistical reasons, it has been necessary to postpone the quiz – so please don’t turn up to the Lads’ Club on 1st November! However it is very much hoped the Quiz will now be held during January, so PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OPEN for further information.
Saltwood Cinema Club
will be showing
THE PENGUIN LESSONS
On Wednesday 22nd October
at 2pm in the Lads’ Club
A disillusioned Englishman who goes to work in a school in a divided Argentina in 1976 finds his life transformed when he rescues an orphaned penguin from the beach. The teacher and his students at an exclusive boys school are enlightened by their unusual guest. Starring Steve Cogan as the teacher and Jonathan Pryce as the headmaster.
Cost £5 per person to include tea and cake
All proceeds to the Lads’ Club Funds
—-
URGENT REQUEST!
The small, but dedicated team of voluntary cleaners for our lovely church is shrinking. We urgently need more people to swell the numbers. Just an hour or so, maybe 3 times a year. Could YOU help? Perhaps you are not a ‘church-goer’, but would still like to do your bit to keep the village church looking beautiful?
If you are willing to join us then please contact Mary Hunter. 01303 268423
Moving Saltwood School Forward
The governing body of Saltwood School are always looking ahead, and they have now published their long term plan to bring about changes that are needed to allow the school to adapt to an increasingly challenging educational landscape.
Demographic changes in our district mean falling pupil numbers and reduced funding for most of our local schools. At the same time, the Local Authority is increasingly unable to provide the level of school support that has been the case in the past. With this in mind, the governing body have spent many months investigating offers from Multi Academy Trusts, who would be keen to invite our Federation into their group.
This September, the governing board voted unanimously to begin the process of removing Saltwood and Bodsham from Local Authority control and converting to academy status by joining OCMAT (Our Community Multi Academy Trust)
OCMAT is a Kent based trust of 10 primary schools, (including neighbouring Dymchurch Primary School) that shares Saltwood’s values and ethos. Governors chose this trust because many of its members are small church schools and its leaders clearly value the model of education such settings can provide.
The conversation process can take up to a year and a full consultation with parents opens on our website on 29th September. All local stakeholders are invited to comment or leave a question.
More information can be found in a letter from our Chair of Governors, Liz Chapman on the school website www.saltwood.kent.sch.uk/news
Notes from the Choir
Well, here we are again, summer holidays over, now a distant memory and children glad to be back at school. Seems like yesterday, yet here we are almost at half-term!
It was good to get back to choir too, to singing our wonderful hymns and anthems, and exciting to try out new ones or those lying dormant just waiting to be woken up again and their notes given their wings to soar. One of these beauties was Bruckner’s ‘Locus Iste’, which we sang at St Eanswyth’s patronal choral evensong on 14th September. Hopefully we’ll be singing it at Saltwood before long. We had been invited to support their choir for the occasion. It was a wonderful service at which we also sang Stanford’s Magnificat. As you can see from the photo, we also got to dress up! It was just fabulous, well as the saying goes: ‘when in Rome…’. Evensongs are beautiful services, there are always good hymns, psalms and anthems, and are never overwhelmed by never-ending sermons, so if you see any advertised go along and enjoy a wonderfully peaceful and contemplative hour of spiritual joy. In fact we have our Advent Evensong coming up in Saltwood on 30th November, and before then on 2nd November we shall be singing for the All Saints service of Remembrance for those bereaved, again in Saltwood this will be held in the afternoon.
So, lots going on, our choir practices on Thursday evenings will be busy and intense as the Advent season approaches with relentless speed! If you feel you would like to share our excitement in these practices, please do come along and join in, even if you just want to stay up to, and including, the Christmas carol service, you’ll be more than welcome.
Finally, a huge thank you to Barry, Tim, Berkeley, and Roger. As a choir, we are going through some challenging weeks and throughout all they have pulled out all the stops to make our services second to none and our practices possible. Thanks also to our wonderful congregation, you are all so supportive of us and your feedback at coffee time is invaluable. Thank you so much. Fran Dyer
WARDENS’ CORNER
From John Campbell: –
Preparing for Christmas
As we step into October, Christmas will soon be upon us. Over the Christmas period, we host a number of extra services, and these fall outside our normal rotas. To make sure everything runs smoothly, I’ll be placing a sheet at the back of church for volunteers to sign up. We’ll need help with welcoming, teas and coffees, and with readers too. It makes all the difference to have a list of people we can call on, so thank you in advance for your willingness to help.
Lay Meeting – 30th October
On Wednesday 24th July, lay representatives from across the deanery gathered to seek the Lord together and to ask why the deanery exists and what purpose it should serve in the life of our churches. It was not simply a business meeting but a time of prayer, listening, and conversation. Out of that meeting came some profound insights. We sensed that the Lord is calling us to see the deanery not merely as an administrative structure but as a spiritual family — a fellowship of churches who are meant to stand together, encourage one another, and share resources for the sake of the Gospel.
The follow-up meeting will be on Wednesday 30th October at the Lads’ Club, and this will be a vital moment for us to continue discerning what the Lord is saying. It is an opportunity for everyone to be involved in shaping the future of our deanery and learning how we might work together differently, in obedience to the Spirit’s leading. I warmly encourage you to come, to listen, and to take part.
Deanery Synod – 13th November
Then on Wednesday 13th November the Deanery Synod will meet at Lyminge Parish Church. At this meeting, Alan French and I, as your co-lay chairs, will present some first thoughts on the way forward for our deanery, as we believe the Lord is showing us. Please do put the date in your diaries and come along if you can.
One Family in Christ
It is easy to think only in terms of our own parishes here in Saltwood and Lympne, where there is always plenty to do. Yet we are also part of something larger. We have brothers and sisters in nearby churches — in Hythe, Folkestone, Elham, and the surrounding villages — and we want to stand together as one family, supporting one another, sharing burdens, and most of all, celebrating our Lord together.
The deanery may once have felt like little more than an organisational structure, but the Lord is showing us that it can be so much more: a living body of churches, united in Him, and walking in His leading.
From Rachel Cornish and Chris Laker (Wardens at Lympne):
A musical update. We read in the Psalms of the many varieties of musical instruments used in worship – and at Lympne we are increasing the variety of types of music we use in worship.
At our morning services we’ve been improving the hymn singing by having Hymn Singing practises on occasional weekday evenings. These have been really enjoyable – improving how we sing well known hymns, trying out new tunes for favourite songs, and learning new hymns and songs. The next one is on Tuesday 7th October at 7pm.
On Sunday 26th October at 4pm we have a “Songs of Praise” style service – where we will be singing a selection of favourite hymns chosen by members of the congregation. Do come along and take part.
We’ve had Taizé style services accompanied by piano and cello, instruments that perfectly suit the meditative style of Taizé music.
Lympne church have also formed a worship band of keyboards and drums, and we will be playing at some of the Family services. If anyone plays an instrument or sings and would like to take part, please contact Rachel or Chris – we are able to accommodate both beginner and junior musicians.
Churchyard update. We are still learning about managing a churchyard in an eco-friendly way. We’ve learned that brambles are best kept under control and over recent weeks a few people have worked hard clearing very overgrown areas where brambles were encroaching over gravestones.
We’ve been putting in place some of the ideas from our visit to Langdon Ecogarden, using ‘dead hedges’ to provide boundaries.
Ride & Stride 25: The day started with heavy rain, then thunder and lightening – so fewer walkers and riders out than usual. Rachel set off later than planned – but managed to visit 16 churches; Stanford, Lympne, Sellinge, Brabourne Lees, Smeeth, Mersham, Sevington, St Mary Willesborough. Christ Church and Baptist Church, Willesborough, Hinxham, Brook, Brabourne. Stowting, Monks Horton and Postling. And sheltered from a shower in the fascinating rural museum at Brook.
From the Parish Magazine – October 2005
Twenty years ago the magazine reminded readers of the roots of ‘Hallowe’en’: Long ago the Celts celebrated the Festival of Samhain, or Summer’s End. Samhain signalled the onset of winter, when it was feared that ghosts, nature-spirits and witches roamed. Druid priests lit bonfires and performed magic rites to appease these spirits. When Christianity arrived, replacing Roman and Druid religions, 1st November was dedicated to all Christian Martyrs and Saints, and was called All Hallows. The evening before was therefore All Hallows Eve, shortened to Hallowe’en. For many centuries, however, fear of the supernatural remained, and at Hallowe’en animal costumes and frightening masks were used to ward of evil spirits. Today Christians have learned to turn to prayer instead of charms to overcome the powers of darkness. But we should not forget the true meaning of All Hallows, drawing closer to Christ when we remember and give thanks for loved ones and for 0thers, who have gone before us through the gates of death to the glory of heaven. (Original article précised by the editor)
St. Stephen’s Church, Lympne
Services and Events in October
Sunday 5th Sep 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 12th Sep 11am Family Harvest Service
Sunday 19th Sep 11am Morning Worship
Sunday 26th Sep 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 26th Sep 4pm Songs of Praise
Looking Ahead:
Thursday 2nd October 7pm Hope meeting at the County Members
Tuesday 7th October 7pm Lympne Church – Hymn Singing Practise
Sunday 26th October 4pm Lympne Church – Songs of Praise
Saturday 15th November Christmas Creative Arts Day
Regular Events:
Mondays 12:-30-1pm (every other week) – Prayer Meeting
Mondays 5pm (every other week) – Home Group – Speak to Valerie or Rachel
Mondays 19:30-21:30 – Bell ringing Practice (each week)
Friday mornings (every other week) – Home Group – Speak to Monica or Peter
Saturday mornings 10:30 – 12:30 Eco group working churchyard (when dry)
Lympne Fellowship
Our AGM was held in September, a month earlier than usual. All business matters were concluded efficiently and promptly, with Jill Page being re-elected as Chair. This allowed plenty of time for members to chat and enjoy tea – and delicious cake, supplied by the committee.
Lympne Fellowship normally meets at 1.15pm in the Harry Margary Hall on the 2nd Thursday of the month, with a programme of interesting and informative talks and activities.
For further information about our group, please contact Jill Page on 07846 819693.
ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, LYMPNE – Coffee Morning
SATURDAY 18th October
10.30 am – 12.30pm
Join us for coffee, cake & savoury bakes
Take a break from those preparations/walk
(Well-behaved dogs welcome)
Catch up with old friends and new
Proceeds to maintenance of the church plus a donation to this month’s nominated charity
Another Quote:
The fruit of the Spirit is not push, drive, climb, grasp or trample…. Life is more than a climb to the top of the heap.
– Richard J Foster
Saltwood Village Society
THURSDAY 2ND OCTOBER
7.15 for 7.30PM
THE LADS’ CLUB, RECTORY LANE
A talk exploring the history of balloons, airships and aircraft in the county, including information on Kentish airfields past and present
BY
GUY BARTLETT
VILLAGE NEWS/RAFFLE. FREE TEA/COFFEE
MEMBERS £3, NON-MEMBERS £8. ALL WELCOME
FREE PARKING AT THE CHURCH
Castle Green WI
President Christine Farquhar welcomed 34 members and 1 guest to the meeting.
Evelyn was thanked for the flowers which later in the morning were raffled.
The record of the July meeting was approved and signed. Christine asked for volunteers to run craft tables at the November meeting and happily during coffee time several came forward to offer their services – so we will have a busy and fun time at the November meeting!
Christine also talked to us about the East Kent charity the Rising Sun which helps people (mainly women and children) who have suffered domestic abuse. She gave us some startling and upsetting statistics and suggested that we as a WI might like to support this charity over the next year.
Various flyers for events were pointed out and laid out on the President’s table for members to read. An appeal was made for more members to join the present committee.
Our Treasurer Wendy gave us the monthly bank balance and presented the half yearly budget review which was duly proposed and seconded.
We heard from all our subgroups and were told that we will be having a Soup lunch directly after the October meeting. Also that our Christmas lunch this year will be at Sotirios on Wednesday 26 November and we were reminded to book and pay our deposits by the 10 October meeting.
Next our hostesses, Judith Parsons, Valerie Thomas and Jo Scott served us coffee or tea along with the delicious homemade cakes they had made.
The Raffle was drawn and then we settled down to listen to a very interesting illustrated talk about the Life and Designs of Clarice Cliff given by Clare Boggia.
We learnt that Clarice was a lady ahead of her times who had produced many hundreds of designs over a relatively short working life. Clare had also brought along examples of Clarice’s work for us all to see and handle – thankfully nothing was dropped! Jackie Vickerman gave the vote of thanks.
Next meeting Friday 10 October – Everyday IT Use with Richard Andrews followed by Soup Lunch.
Julie Andrews
Finishing with a Smile …
…While visiting a cathedral recently, I couldn’t hear the service over the chatter of the two people sitting in front of me. Finally, I tapped one of them on the shoulder. “Excuse me,” I said, “I can’t hear.”
The reply was swift and indignant. “I should hope not! This is a private conversation.”
