Sunday, March 17, 2024

Sunday Worship Podcast link and other news from Seal Church: March 17 2024

 

Dear Friends
Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above. 

Anne Le Bas


Worship Online
Worship podcast - Click on picture above
Order of service

You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today
10 am Holy Communion
NO MESSY CHURCH THIS AFTERNOON - NEXT MESSY CHURCH ON GOOD FRIDAY MORNING
6.30pm Evensong

This week: 
Wed     10.30am Lavender Fields Holy Communion
            4.30-5pm Children's Choir
            7.15 pm Adult choir practice
Fri        9 am Morning prayer in church
            10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall
Sat       7.00pm Quiz night - SORRY - SOLD OUT

Next Sunday
10 am   Holy Communion .
6.30pm Evensong

Lent 5

Today's Gospel reading tells of Jesus' reaction to some Greeks who come to Jesus wanting to talk to him. We don't know what they wanted to talk about, but Jesus' response shows that he is very aware that soon he will be killed. He had been the focus of increasing attention and controversy. Some hoped he would try to overthrow the Romans or the Jewish Temple authorities. Some were horrified at the thought, and looking for ways to get rid of him. Jesus's answer hints that "victory" might not look as people expect.
 
All Age Ideas
The cross is the most common Christian symbol. In some ways it is a sad image, because Jesus was killed by being nailed to a cross, but for Christians it is also a symbol of love and hope. It showed us God's love for us, and told us that nothing can destroy that love.
  • Christians have drawn, painted and carved crosses in many different ways. You could make your own, decorating it as you like. 
  • I wonder whether you will see any crosses around you today or in the week ahead? Perhaps you will see some in churches or at school...Keep your eyes open for them this week!
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SEAL
THE ARCHDEACON was hoping to preach in church at our 10 am service, but has unfortunately been taken ill, so I am afraid you are stuck with the same old vicar again... 

BARBARA ARNOLD'S MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place on Tuesday March 26th at 12.30 in Seal Church, following a private family cremation. After the service in church there will be a reception in the Restoration Pub, off Sevenoaks High Street (formerly the Blackboy). Everyone is welcome both to the service and the reception afterwards. 

COFFEE ROTA Clare Jenne would like to pass over the organisation of the coffee rota to someone else - the current rota runs until June. Would anyone be able to take this on? It also involves making sure that the stocks of coffee, tea, sugar and squash are adequate.

CONFIRMATION
I am planning to organise some confirmation preparation with a view to taking candidates to a Confirmation service at St Giles Farnborough on Sunday June 16 at 4pm. I would need to meet with candidates a number of times for some preparation – in a group if possible, but otherwise one to one. If you would like to be confirmed, please let me know as soon as possible. This will be the last opportunity to be prepared and presented for confirmation before I retire.

QUIZ NIGHT ON SATURDAY. Tickets are now sold out for this event, but if you wanted to come and were too late - look out for the next one later in the year.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.


SEAL VILLAGE HALL NEWS
You may remember that last year, we were searching for a team of volunteers, to help out with the running of Seal Village Hall. The Management Committee had reached a stage where the lack of support with the general running of the hall, was leading to its possible closure. The search led to a group being set up - Friends of Seal Village Hall - who committed to helping the management committee (which was grown and consolidated) with various specific projects as they arose.
Having spent much time discussing various projects, the Management Committee have decided to pursue 2 exciting projects to bring to the Village Hall this year. The first is something I know many of you have mentioned in the past - a pop-up community cinema. The second, is to look at a project which is provided by a group of actors, who bring a ready made production to community halls.
The Friends of Seal Village Hall are already considering how they might get involved in helping with these projects, but before they get too far with their planning, we would like to see how much interest there would be in either of these. Please could you take some time to consider whether you might support either of these projects if they were available to you, and respond via this email address.
We are pretty sure there is interest in the pop-up cinema, as it has been mentioned by many of you in recent feedback, but the committee would like to know there is sufficient support before committing too much in the way of funds, and, of course, effort. It is likely, therefore, that this will be the first of the projects to bring to our community.
Please let me know if you would be interested in coming along to such an event, or, even, to help with the organisation of it.
We all look forward to your responses.

SEAL PARISH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY THURSDAY MAY 15TH
Seal Pavilion at 7.30pm. All welcome.

GARDEN SAFARI REQUESTS
New gardens and raffle prizes + plants for the Seal Garden Safari
If you have a lovely garden in Seal, please contact me about opening it on Sunday 30th June at the next Garden safari. I would also like any spare raffle prizes and plants (house or garden) for the safari. In the next few weeks … this is the ideal time to divide your perennials. The money raised this year will be going to Cancer and Mind charities. In other years we have raised about £400 for the raffle and plants which is about half of the money!
Thanks to the people who have already said YES to me!
Many thanks in advance
Frances Fish 01732 760007 mob 07749240456

 
Copyright © 2024 St Peter and St Paul, Seal, All rights reserved.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Sunday Worship podcast and other news from Seal Church: March 10: Mothering Sunday

 

Dear Friends
Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above. 

Anne Le Bas


Worship Online
Worship podcast - Click on picture above
Order of service

You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today
10 am All Age Worship for Mothering Sunday
6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion

This week: 
Wed     10 am Zoom Church
            4.30-5pm Children's Choir
            7.15 pm Adult choir practice
Thurs   10-11.30am Lent Group in the church hall
             8pm PCC meeting in the church hall
Fri        9 am Morning prayer in church
            10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall
Sat       11 am  Meet and Greet with Know Your Neighbours 
                         inc. Seal Village Association AGM in the VILLAGE HALL

Next Sunday
10 am   Holy Communion - the Archdeacon of Tonbridge, Sharon Copestake, will be preaching.
6.30pm Evensong

Mothering Sunday Lent 4

Today we celebrate mothering in all its forms, not just biological mothers, but all who mother. The sermon explores the idea of mothering. 

Words for mother in many languagesThe word cloud on the right features some of the words for mother from around the world. It's striking that so many of them include the syllable "ma" or something similar, an ancient word which is also the root of the word "matter". 
  • Who mothered, or mothers, you?
  • What did you call your mother? 
  • Who matters to you, and who do you matter to?
All Age Ideas
Today is Mothering Sunday. It's often called Mother's Day, but the Church calls it Mothering Sunday because it isn't just about mothers. It's about anyone who cares for us. 

Who cares for you? Make a list that is as long as you like!
What do they do that makes you feel looked after?
I expect you have already given them something today to say thank you, but why not make a card for them telling them why they are special to you. 
Look at the picture above. It has lots of words for "mother" from around the world. What do you call your mother?
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SEAL

Mothering Sunday March 10 at 10 am. with flowers to give to those who mother you, and a cake sale.

BARBARA ARNOLD'S MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place on Tuesday March 26th at 12.30 in Seal Church, following a private family cremation. After the service in church there will be a reception in the Restoration Pub, off Sevenoaks High Street (formerly the Blackboy). Everyone is welcome both to the service and the reception afterwards. 

COFFEE ROTA Clare Jenne would like to pass over the organisation of the coffee rota to someone else - the current rota runs until June. Would anyone be able to take this on? It also involves making sure that the stocks of coffee, tea, sugar and squash are adequate.

CONFIRMATION
I am planning to organise some confirmation preparation with a view to taking candidates to a Confirmation service at St Giles Farnborough on Sunday June 16 at 4pm. I would need to meet with candidates a number of times for some preparation – in a group if possible, but otherwise one to one. If you would like to be confirmed, please let me know as soon as possible. This will be the last opportunity to be prepared and presented for confirmation before I retire.

FUN QUIZ NIGHT FOR ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH SEAL SATURDAY MARCH 23RD 6.45 for 7pm SUPPER AT SEAL CHURCH HALL.
Tickets are running out for this event - please book asap if you want to come!
Please join us for a fun evening of quizzing, eating and drinking, not to mention laughing! The tickets include a light supper of baked potatoes with various fillings ,salads followed by apple pie. We ask you to bring your own drinks and glasses, along with yourselves and - most importantly - your sense of fun! Why not get up a team of 6 people and enjoy a cheap evening out. If you don't come in a team, don't worry - you can easily join another group! The tickets are a bargain at just £ 10  per adult and £5 for children in full time education, and can be booked through Ann Frow 07939 431183    or by emailingl marionjgilchrist@gmail.com

SEAL KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS MEET AND GREET PLUS SEAL VILLAGE FUND AGM
On Saturday March 16th, there will be an opportunity,
to find out just what goes on in our village. We try to have an annual session, where new residents, or anybody who wishes to know more about village organisations, can come along, have a chat, coffee and cake, and meet those who run the local groups. We will be in the Village Hall between 11.30 and 1pm, along with information for you to glean. Do, please join us.

SVF AGM
Around 20 minutes of this session, is taken up with the Seal Village Fund AGM, where you can see our accounts, and where your money has been spent, and how this year's funds are being allocated. 
If you belong to a local, non profit making organisation, have a specific project for this year, and need a small grant towards this, please make your bids before March 1st. Please contact Becky Watson, the SVF Secretary, for more information. If you have received funding oin excess of £400 over the past 2 years, from this source, other organisations will be prioritised. 

REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES
TALKING VILLAGE
Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones!

Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10.15am-11.15am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

SEAL TIDDLERS
 In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. Term time only.

SEAL OVER 60S
As from March, the cost of the over 60s meetings will be increased to £5 per head. (It has to be said though, that this is still excellent value for a great tea, and often very interesting speakers or entertainment.)

 
Copyright © 2024 St Peter and St Paul, Seal, All rights reserved.


Sunday, March 03, 2024

Sunday Worship podcast and other news from Seal: March 3 2024

 

 

Dear Friends
Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above. 

Anne Le Bas


Worship Online
Worship podcast - Click on picture above
Order of service

You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today
10 am Holy Communion
6.30pm Evensong

This week: 
Wed     4.30-5pm Children's Choir
            7.15 pm Adult choir practice
Thurs   10-11.30am Lent Group in the church hall
Fri        9 am Morning prayer in church
            10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall

Next Sunday
10 am All Age Worship for Mothering Sunday
6.30pm Breathing Space Meditative Communion

Lent 3

Today's readings invite us to consider the values by which the communities we belong to live. Our "households" may be our families, friends, workplaces, church, nation or the world, but we all have to share space with others. 
In the Old Testament Reading, God gives the community he is forming - the household of Israel - ten commandments to live by, but they aren't just an arbitrary list. There is a pattern within them which hints at a fundamental commandment to let God be God.Christ, dressed in flowing robes, expels a mass of traders from the Temple.
In the Gospel, Jesus causes chaos in the Temple when he clears the traders from its courts, but he isn't just addressing a temporary local issue of shared space, he is, like Moses, calling his nation to consider who they are and what their values should be. The picture (right) by Cecco del Caravaggio, a follower of the painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, is full of the energy, and the upheaval of this confrontation. 

In the sermon I ask what your "household rules" are. What are the values which bind the "households" of which you are a part together? How have you come to those values?
All Age Ideas

In today's Old Testament story, God gives Moses ten commandments, rules to live by. 
Rules aren't meant to let some people boss other people around. They are meant to make life fair and to help us look after one another. 
  • What rules does your family or school have?
  • Do you think they are fair?
  • Do you think it is a good idea to have rules?
  • You could play "Simon says" - everyone has to do what you say, as long as they say "Simon says" first. 
  • How does it feel to give the orders, or to have to do what someone else says?
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SEAL
Next Sunday is MOTHERING SUNDAY. We will be celebrating all those who care for us at our 10 am All Age Worship, which will be followed by a cake sale - contributions of cakes will be very welcome!
Mothering Sunday March 10 at 10 am. with flowers to give to those who mother you, and a cake sale.

BARBARA ARNOLD'S MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place on Tuesday March 26th at 12.30 in Seal Church, following a private family cremation. After the service in church there will be a reception in the Restoration Pub, off Sevenoaks High Street (formerly the Blackboy). Everyone is welcome both to the service and the reception afterwards. 

COFFEE ROTA Clare Jenne would like to pass over the organisation of the coffee rota to someone else - the current rota runs until June. Would anyone be able to take this on? It also involves making sure that the stocks of coffee, tea, sugar and squash are adequate.

CONFIRMATION
I am planning to organise some confirmation preparation with a view to taking candidates to a Confirmation service at St Giles Farnborough on Sunday June 16 at 4pm. I would need to meet with candidates a number of times for some preparation – in a group if possible, but otherwise one to one. If you would like to be confirmed, please let me know as soon as possible. This will be the last opportunity to be prepared and presented for confirmation before I retire.

FUN QUIZ NIGHT FOR ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH SEAL SATURDAY MARCH 23RD 6.45 for 7pm SUPPER AT SEAL CHURCH HALL.
Please join us for a fun evening of quizzing, eating and drinking, not to mention laughing! The tickets include a light supper of baked potatoes with various fillings ,salads followed by apple pie. We ask you to bring your own drinks and glasses, along with yourselves and - most importantly - your sense of fun! Why not get up a team of 6 people and enjoy a cheap evening out. If you don't come in a team, don't worry - you can easily join another group! The tickets are a bargain at just £ 10  per adult and £5 for children in full time education, and can be booked through Ann Frow 07939 431183    or by emailingl marionjgilchrist@gmail.com

SEAL KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS MEET AND GREET PLUS SEAL VILLAGE FUND AGM
On Saturday March 16th, there will be an opportunity,
to find out just what goes on in our village. We try to have an annual session, where new residents, or anybody who wishes to know more about village organisations, can come along, have a chat, coffee and cake, and meet those who run the local groups. We will be in the Village Hall between 11.30 and 1pm, along with information for you to glean. Do, please join us.

SVF AGM
Around 20 minutes of this session, is taken up with the Seal Village Fund AGM, where you can see our accounts, and where your money has been spent, and how this year's funds are being allocated. 
If you belong to a local, non profit making organisation, have a specific project for this year, and need a small grant towards this, please make your bids before March 1st. Please contact Becky Watson, the SVF Secretary, for more information. If you have received funding oin excess of £400 over the past 2 years, from this source, other organisations will be prioritised. 

REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES
TALKING VILLAGE
Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones!

Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10.15am-11.15am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

SEAL TIDDLERS
 In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. Term time only.

SEAL OVER 60S
As from March, the cost of the over 60s meetings will be increased to £5 per head. (It has to be said though, that this is still excellent value for a great tea, and often very interesting speakers or entertainment.)

 

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Sunday worship podcast link and other news from Seal Church: Feb 25

 

 

Dear Friends
Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above. 

Anne Le Bas


Worship Online
Worship podcast - Click on picture above
Order of service

You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today
10 am Holy Communion
6.30pm Evensong

This week: 
Wed    No Zoom Church this week- sorry!
            4.30-5pm Children's Choir
            7.15 pm Adult choir practice
Thurs   10-11.30am Lent Group in the church hall
Fri        No morning prayer this week
            10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall

Next Sunday
10 am Holy Communion 
6.30pm Evensong

Lent 2
In today's Bible readings from Genesis 17 and Mark 8 the writers invite us to look back at situations where people had to face up to powerlessness and despair. Like much of the Bible, these passages were written with a specific audience in mind, people who were going through hard times. The old stories remind them that they aren't the first people who have struggled, and that the love of God which kept their ancestors going is still there for them. 
  • Do you have favourite books which you reread or recall, which help you in difficult times?
  • What is it about those stories which makes a difference to you?
  • Looking back at your life, how have you been aware of the presence and the love of God (through others? through the Bible? in nature?...) Do you intentionally seek out those things when life is difficult? 
All Age Ideas

In the Gospel reading today, Jesus tries to tell his friends that he will soon be arrested and killed. He has been saying and doing things that challenge the unjust Roman rulers of his land, so it should have been obvious that this would happen. His friends don't want to believe it, though. They think that being God's son means that nothing bad can happen to him, and Jesus knows that when they see him being crucified, that will make them doubt whether he really was who he said he was. It will only be after he has risen from the dead that they will start to understand. 
Sometimes when something sad or bad happens we can think that God doesn't love us, or that it is our fault, but that's not true. God always loves us and is with us, whether life is easy or hard. 
The stories in the Bible remind us of that. 
  • What is your favourite book? Why do you like it so much?
  • Are there books you read or videos you watch when you are feeling sad or upset to make you feel better? 
  • Think of the things that make you feel happy. Make a book and write or draw them in it so that you can read it when you are feeling sad.
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SEAL

BARBARA ARNOLD'S MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place on Tuesday March 26th at 12.30 in Seal Church, following a private family cremation. It is a little way off, but please put the date in your diary if you would like to come. Everyone is welcome.

CONFIRMATION
I am planning to organise some confirmation preparation with a view to taking candidates to a Confirmation service at St Giles Farnborough on Sunday June 16 at 4pm. I would need to meet with candidates a number of times for some preparation – in a group if possible, but otherwise one to one. If you would like to be confirmed, please let me know as soon as possible. This will be the last opportunity to be prepared and presented for confirmation before I retire.

FUN QUIZ NIGHT FOR ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH SEAL SATURDAY MARCH 23RD 6.45 for 7pm SUPPER AT SEAL CHURCH HALL.
Please join us for a fun evening of quizzing, eating and drinking, not to mention laughing! The tickets include a light supper of baked potatoes with various fillings ,salads followed by apple pie. We ask you to bring your own drinks and glasses, along with yourselves and - most importantly - your sense of fun! Why not get up a team of 6 people and enjoy a cheap evening out. If you don't come in a team, don't worry - you can easily join another group! The tickets are a bargain at just £ 10  per adult and £5 for children in full time education, and can be booked through Ann Frow 07939 431183    or by emailingl marionjgilchrist@gmail.com

SEAL KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS MEET AND GREET PLUS SEAL VILLAGE FUND AGM
On Saturday March 16th, there will be an opportunity,
to find out just what goes on in our village. We try to have an annual session, where new residents, or anybody who wishes to know more about village organisations, can come along, have a chat, coffee and cake, and meet those who run the local groups. We will be in the Village Hall between 11.30 and 1pm, along with information for you to glean. Do, please join us.

SVF AGM
Around 20 minutes of this session, is taken up with the Seal Village Fund AGM, where you can see our accounts, and where your money has been spent, and how this year's funds are being allocated. 
If you belong to a local, non profit making organisation, have a specific project for this year, and need a small grant towards this, please make your bids before March 1st. Please contact Becky Watson, the SVF Secretary, for more information. If you have received funding oin excess of £400 over the past 2 years, from this source, other organisations will be prioritised. 

REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES
TALKING VILLAGE
Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones!

Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10.15am-11.15am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

SEAL TIDDLERS
 In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. Term time only.

SEAL OVER 60S
As from March, the cost of the over 60s meetings will be increased to £5 per head. (It has to be said though, that this is still excellent value for a great tea, and often very interesting speakers or entertainment.)

 

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Sunday Worship podcast and other news from Seal Church: Feb 18

 

 

Dear Friends
Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above. 

Anne Le Bas


Worship Online
Worship podcast - Click on picture above
Order of service

You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today
10 am Holy Communion
3-4.30pm Messy Church
6.30pm Evensong

This week: 
Wed    10.30 am Lavender Fields Holy Communion
            4.30-5pm Children's Choir
            7.15 pm Adult choir practice
Thurs   10-11.30am Lent Group in the church hall
Fri        9 am Morning Prayer in Church
            10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall

Next Sunday
10 am Holy Communion 
6.30pm Evensong

Lent 1

Kevin is preaching today, on the first Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading, as always on this Sunday of the church's year, features the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, but each year the story is taken from a different one of the three Gospels which tell the story. This year it is the turn of the Gospel of Mark. Like much of Mark's Gospel the story is short and to the point. Mark's was the first of the Gospels to be written and it is thought that Luke and Matthew drew on it, and filled out some of Mark's stories with extra detail. While Mark tells us that Jesus went into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, he doesn't tell us of three specific temptations, as the other Gospels do. It is left up to our imaginations to think what questions might be in Jesus' mind as he contemplated the ministry that was about to begin. Mark does tell us, though, that "he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him". The wilderness was, as our English word suggests, a place where wildness reigned, a haunt of wild beasts, evil spirits, and wild people too - bandits and outcasts. Jesus didn't go there to have a bit of peace and quiet, he went to the frontline of the battle with evil, to a place where he knew life would be tough, just as he did all through his ministry. But Mark's little detail that "the angels waited on him" tells us something important. Even there "where the wild things were" to paraphrase the famous children's book (below) God was too. The messages of Satan, trying to pull Jesus off the course his Father called him to, were set in contrasts to the messages of God - 'angelos' is Greek for 'messenger'. 
  • Where and what are the "wild beasts" and "angels" in our lives, the voices that pull us down, or lift us up?
  • How can we make sure we are listening to right voices? 
All Age Ideas
MESSY CHURCH IS THIS AFTERNOON FROM 3-4.30pm in the church hall


Today we hear the story of Jesus spending 40 days and nights in the wilderness. The Bible tells us that the wilderness was a place where there were "wild beasts", dangerous creatures like lions and snakes. I wonder how it felt to be there on his own for such a long time?
The story comes just before Jesus starts on his work of telling people about God, healing and helping, challenging the people who ruled his land but  who weren't treating people fairly. He knew that would be a difficult and dangerous thing to do. In the wilderness, he was thinking and praying about how to do this work. He could try to be a military leader, or push people around, like other leaders in his world. He could try to dazzle people with tricks, or just give them whatever they wanted, to make himself popular. But he knew that wasn't what God wanted. He wanted him to show people how to love one another. . 

I think that the "wild beasts" weren't just the lions and snakes, but also his own fears about the future.
The story says, though, that there were angels in the desert too - God's messengers reminding him that God was with him - and that helped him to make the right decisions. 

Do you know the story by Maurice Sendak called "Where the Wild Things Are"? It is in the video below.
I often think of that story when I hear of Jesus' time in the wilderness, another place "where the wild things were". In the story, the "wild beasts" are really in Max's imagination. They stand for all the wild feelings he was having that night - his anger and feeling of being out of control. In the end, though, he realises that he needs and wants to be where people love him. Like the angels who come to Jesus, his mother has come to him, with his supper "and it was still hot!"
  • Do you ever feel tempted to do things that you know are wrong or might hurt someone else?
  • What helps you not to do those things, or to put them right if you have done them?
  • Who are the helpers in your life, the people like those angels who you know will always love and care for you?
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SEAL

BARBARA ARNOLD'S MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place on Tuesday March 26th at 12.30 in Seal Church, following a private family cremation. It is a little way off, but please put the date in your diary if you would like to come. Everyone is welcome.



Have you completed our  ECOCHURCH SURVEY yet?
We will be closing the survey at the end of the week, so please fill it in - there are just 10 questions, and it doesn't take long. It will be very helpful to us to know what people are already doing to "go green" at home, and what our priorities are. 

LENT COURSE
We had a good first session of our Lent Course this week, thinking about the question of how we tell, and hear, the Good News of God's love here at Seal Church - next week we go on to the next Mark of Mission, and ask where and how we teach and learn our faith here. If you aren't coming along to the sessions, you can download a copy of the course booklet here. You are also more than welcome to send me your reflections on how you would answer those questions about how we see the Five Marks of Mission at Seal Church, so that I can include them in the collection of responses coming from the Lent Group. 

REFLECTIVE LENT WALK Sat Feb 24 10.30amtext on poster as in message
"God of Silence" Lent Eco Walk, with readings and prayers at beginning and end  of a walk in silence. Finishing with refreshments at Kemsing Deli (not so silent!)  Meet at the Lychgate at 10.30am . Contact Babs Bartholomew for more information

SEAL KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS MEET AND GREET PLUS SEAL VILLAGE FUND AGM
On Saturday March 16th, there will be an opportunity,
to find out just what goes on in our village. We try to have an annual session, where new residents, or anybody who wishes to know more about village organisations, can come along, have a chat, coffee and cake, and meet those who run the local groups. We will be in the Village Hall between 11.30 and 1pm, along with information for you to glean. Do, please join us.

SVF AGM
Around 20 minutes of this session, is taken up with the Seal Village Fund AGM, where you can see our accounts, and where your money has been spent, and how this year's funds are being allocated. 
If you belong to a local, non profit making organisation, have a specific project for this year, and need a small grant towards this, please make your bids before March 1st. Please contact Becky Watson, the SVF Secretary, for more information. If you have received funding oin excess of £400 over the past 2 years, from this source, other organisations will be prioritised. 


COMING EVENTS
The Church Events Team have been busy planning events for the first part of 2024. 

HERE ARE THE PLANS SO FAR:-
ECO CHURCH EVENTS INCLUDING VEGANUARY LUNCH AND WALKS ON ALTERNATE SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT LENT(MORE DETAILS BELOW).
MOTHERING SUNDAY CAKE SALE
QUIZ NIGHT MARCH 23RD
ZAMBRA WAY GARDEN PARTY AND SALE JUNE 22ND
PATRONAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS JUlY 7th -PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE
TEA FOR 2 IN VILLAGE GARDEN BETWEEN AUG 5TH AND 12TH
RETURN OF THE GLORIOUS LITTLE GARDEN TEAS/LUNCHES
THANKSGIVING SUPPER IN OCTOBER
HARVEST ECO ACTIVITIES FOR HARVEST.

Please watch this space for more detailed information nearer the time.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Marion Gilchrist says "Thanks to those of you who have come forward to volunteer to organise the lights for Christmas 2024. WE WILL SOON HAVE A LITTLE GET TOGETHER TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESSES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. tHERE IS STILL ROOM FOR PEOPLE TO HELP OUT - PARTICULARLY IN AN ADMIN ROLE."

REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES
TALKING VILLAGE
Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones!

Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10.15am-11.15am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

SEAL TIDDLERS
 In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. Term time only.

SEAL OVER 60S
As from March, the cost of the over 60s meetings will be increased to £5 per head. (It has to be said though, that this is still excellent value for a great tea, and often very interesting speakers or entertainment.)

 

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news from Seal Church: Feb 11

 

 

Dear Friends
Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above. 

Anne Le Bas


Worship Online
Worship podcast - Click on picture above
Order of service

You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today
10 am All Age Worship 
6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion

This week: 
Wed    10 am Zoom Church
            No Children or Adult Choir this week (half term)
            8pm Ash Wednesday Communion
Thurs   10-11.30am Lent Group in the Church Hall
Fri        9 am Morning Prayer in Church
            10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall

Next Sunday
10 am Holy Communion
6.30pm Evensong
 

Sunday before Lent
2 Corinthians 4.3-6, Mark 9.2-9

The Gospel reading for the Sunday before Lent is always the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus, a story told in Matthew, Mark and Luke's Gospel. This year, we hear Mark's account.
Today's sermon explores this strange story, of an experience which can't be explained or even conveyed in all its fullness. "You had to be there", we often say of experiences we are trying to relate to others, and that is true of this experience. It is something which is "ineffable", beyond our human ability to understand or talk about. But maybe that's the point. God can't be explained or pinned down, but his love can be experienced, known and shown in our lives.
All Age Ideas
Today's Bible story tells of a time when Jesus closest friends saw him shining with light at the top of a mountain, with Elijah and Moses, who had lived long before, talking to him. They couldn't understand it or explain it, but they knew it was a sign that God loved Jesus and was working through him. 
  • You could play a game, describing something without saying what it is, and see how long the other person takes to guess it.

What do we find it impossible to explain?
In the video above, a man who was born blind, who has never seen colour, asks passers-by to explain it to him. They really struggle!
  • How would you explain what blue or red or green are to someone who had never seen them?
  • How would you tell someone what love is - that's something you can't see either
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SEAL

BARBARA ARNOLD RIP
I am sorry to have to pass on the news that Barbara Arnold, who was known and loved by so many of us in Seal Church and village, died on Friday morning at the grand age of 103. She was a very pecial lady who touched many lives. There will be a service at Seal to give thanks for her life, and I will let you know the date when I have it.

COMPLETE OUR ECOCHURCH SURVEY HERE! 

LENT COURSE - cancellation of Zoom course
Lent begins on Feb 14, Ash Wednesday, and our Lent course stars the following day, on Thursday 15th from 10- 11.30am in the church hall. I can fit a couple more people into the sessions, but it is nearly full. I had planned to offer the course on Zoom, but there has been very low take up for this, and I have also had to fit in some meetings in my role of Area Dean, so have sadly decided to cancel the Zoom session. Anyone who wants to follow the course themselves can download a copy of the course booklet here. 


GOLDEN WEDDING Hilary and Jim Curtis
After our 10 am service today, Hilary and Jim Curtis invite us all to share in some refreshments to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary as we gather for our normal post-service coffee. Congratulations to Hilary and Jim, and many thanks!


SEAL KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS MEET AND GREET PLUS SEAL VILLAGE FUND AGM
On Saturday March 16th, there will be an opportunity,
to find out just what goes on in our village. We try to have an annual session, where new residents, or anybody who wishes to know more about village organisations, can come along, have a chat, coffee and cake, and meet those who run the local groups. We will be in the Village Hall between 11.30 and 1pm, along with information for you to glean. Do, please join us.

SVF AGM
Around 20 minutes of this session, is taken up with the Seal Village Fund AGM, where you can see our accounts, and where your money has been spent, and how this year's funds are being allocated. 
If you belong to a local, non profit making organisation, have a specific project for this year, and need a small grant towards this, please make your bids before March 1st. Please contact Becky Watson, the SVF Secretary, for more information. If you have received funding oin excess of £400 over the past 2 years, from this source, other organisations will be prioritised. 


COMING EVENTS
The Church Events Team have been busy planning events for the first part of 2024. 

HERE ARE THE PLANS SO FAR:-
ECO CHURCH EVENTS INCLUDING VEGANUARY LUNCH AND WALKS ON ALTERNATE SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT LENT(MORE DETAILS BELOW).
MOTHERING SUNDAY CAKE SALE
QUIZ NIGHT MARCH 23RD
ZAMBRA WAY GARDEN PARTY AND SALE JUNE 22ND
PATRONAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS JUlY 7th -PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE
TEA FOR 2 IN VILLAGE GARDEN BETWEEN AUG 5TH AND 12TH
RETURN OF THE GLORIOUS LITTLE GARDEN TEAS/LUNCHES
THANKSGIVING SUPPER IN OCTOBER
HARVEST ECO ACTIVITIES FOR HARVEST.

Please watch this space for more detailed information nearer the time.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Marion Gilchrist says "Thanks to those of you who have come forward to volunteer to organise the lights for Christmas 2024. WE WILL SOON HAVE A LITTLE GET TOGETHER TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESSES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. tHERE IS STILL ROOM FOR PEOPLE TO HELP OUT - PARTICULARLY IN AN ADMIN ROLE."

REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES
TALKING VILLAGE
Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones!

Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10.15am-11.15am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

SEAL TIDDLERS
 In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. Term time only.

SEAL OVER 60S
As from March, the cost of the over 60s meetings will be increased to £5 per head. (It has to be said though, that this is still excellent value for a great tea, and often very interesting speakers or entertainment.)

 

Sunday, February 04, 2024

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: Feb 4

 

 

Dear Friends
Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above. 

Anne Le Bas


Worship Online
Worship podcast - Click on picture above
Order of service

You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today
10 am Holy Communion
6.30pm Evensong

This week: 
Wed    10 am Good Book Club
            4.30-5pm Children's Choir
            7.15 pm Adult choir practice
Fri        9 am Morning Prayer in Church
            10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall

Next Sunday
10 am All Age Worship
6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion

Second Sunday before Lent

Today in church some of our Eco Church team will be launching a survey to try to help us all think about what we are doing to help the environment - you can find out more and complete the survey here. This links with the theme of the readings today, in which we hear of God's delight in his creation, and his love for it, which was so great that he came in Jesus - the Word made Flesh - to share in the life of the world. Today's sermon explores this and asks us what we think about the material world, and our own material bodies as part of it.

The reading from the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 8. 22-31) paints a picture of Wisdom - the personification of God at work in the world, often identified with Jesus, or with the Holy Spirit - dancing at the making of the world, a wonderful image of joy at the variety of creation. Jan Brueghel's picture of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden captures some of that variety. Brueghel (whose "Adoration of the Kings" we looked at through  Lent, was taken under the patronage of Cardinal Borromeo, the Archbishop of Milan, who had a private zoo with many exotic animals in it (being an Archbishop is not what it once was...) Brueghel had obviously taken maximum opportunity to paint these animals, many of which came from the Americas, still fairly newly discovered by Europeans. Click on the picture to zoom in and see how many you can find. 
All Age Ideas
Today's readings from the Bible help us to think about the wonderful world we live in, and God's love for it.
The picture above is called Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but it's quite hard to spot Adam and Eve (they are in the background) because of all the animals and birds the painter, Jan Brueghel, has painted. 
Can you spot...?
Two guinea pigs
A porcupine
Some cats climbing a tree
A bird with red legs
Two camels 
  • Which are your favourite animals in the picture?
  • You could make a picture full of your favourite animals, like Brueghels. You could set it in a different landscape - the desert, the ocean, the North Pole...?
  • Spend some time outside today and see what you can find. Can you find something natural in every colour of the rainbow?
  • One of the ways we thank God for the world around us is to take care of our environment. What do you do in your family to care for the world?
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SEAL

COMPLETE OUR ECOCHURCH SURVEY HERE! 

LENT COURSE - cancellation of Zoom course
Lent begins on Feb 14, Ash Wednesday, and our Lent course stars the following day, on Thursday 15th from 10- 11.30am in the church hall. I can fit a couple more people into the sessions, but it is nearly full. I had planned to offer the course on Zoom, but there has been very low take up for this, and I have also had to fit in some meetings in my role of Area Dean, so have sadly decided to cancel the Zoom session. Anyone who wants to follow the course themselves can download a copy of the course booklet here. 

The Candlemas lunchThank you to all the team who organised our Candlemas Veganuary lunch last week. We had a delicious meal with lots of different contributions from those who came. The spread! Lots of different vegan dishes


GOLDEN WEDDING Hilary and Jim Curtis
After our 10 am service next week, Hilary and Jim Curtis invite us all to share in some refreshments to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary as we gather for our normal post-service coffee. Congratulations to Hilary and Jim in advance, and many thanks!


SEAL KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS MEET AND GREET PLUS SEAL VILLAGE FUND AGM
On Saturday March 16th, there will be an opportunity,
to find out just what goes on in our village. We try to have an annual session, where new residents, or anybody who wishes to know more about village organisations, can come along, have a chat, coffee and cake, and meet those who run the local groups. We will be in the Village Hall between 11.30 and 1pm, along with information for you to glean. Do, please join us.

SVF AGM
Around 20 minutes of this session, is taken up with the Seal Village Fund AGM, where you can see our accounts, and where your money has been spent, and how this year's funds are being allocated. 
If you belong to a local, non profit making organisation, have a specific project for this year, and need a small grant towards this, please make your bids before March 1st. Please contact Becky Watson, the SVF Secretary, for more information. If you have received funding oin excess of £400 over the past 2 years, from this source, other organisations will be prioritised. 


COMING EVENTS
The Church Events Team have been busy planning events for the first part of 2024. 

HERE ARE THE PLANS SO FAR:-
ECO CHURCH EVENTS INCLUDING VEGANUARY LUNCH AND WALKS ON ALTERNATE SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT LENT(MORE DETAILS BELOW).
MOTHERING SUNDAY CAKE SALE
QUIZ NIGHT MARCH 23RD
ZAMBRA WAY GARDEN PARTY AND SALE JUNE 22ND
PATRONAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS JUlY 7th -PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE
TEA FOR 2 IN VILLAGE GARDEN BETWEEN AUG 5TH AND 12TH
RETURN OF THE GLORIOUS LITTLE GARDEN TEAS/LUNCHES
THANKSGIVING SUPPER IN OCTOBER
HARVEST ECO ACTIVITIES FOR HARVEST.

Please watch this space for more detailed information nearer the time.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Marion Gilchrist says "Thanks to those of you who have come forward to volunteer to organise the lights for Christmas 2024. WE WILL SOON HAVE A LITTLE GET TOGETHER TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESSES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. tHERE IS STILL ROOM FOR PEOPLE TO HELP OUT - PARTICULARLY IN AN ADMIN ROLE."

REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES
TALKING VILLAGE
Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones!

Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10.15am-11.15am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

SEAL TIDDLERS
 In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing. Term time only.

SEAL OVER 60S
As from March, the cost of the over 60s meetings will be increased to £5 per head. (It has to be said though, that this is still excellent value for a great tea, and often very interesting speakers or entertainment.)