Holy Communion in memory and thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The benefice of the West Sevenoaks Team Ministry, in recognition of the life of service in support of Her Majesty the Queen and towards the nation and commonwealth given by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is holding a service of Holy Communion in memory and with thanksgiving.

The service is to be held at St Mary Kippington on Friday the 16th of April at 7pm.

Please note, this is a ticketed service.

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Ticket Booking for Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday & Easter Services

Following the PCC’s recent decision to recommence the 10.30 Sunday services and in order to manage numbers safely, the following services are to be ticketed events. There is no charge for the tickets, but there is a maximum number of 6 per booking. Ticket sales will start at 9am on 25th February and close a couple of days before each service. Please ensure you read the Church’s Covid-19 safety guidelines before attending a service.

March 14th: Mothering Sunday Family Communion 10:30am
A service for all ages giving God thanks for mothers an all those who show to us mothering qualities. Special gift for all women to be presented during the service.

Booking closed

March 28th: Palm Sunday Family Communion 10:30am
A service celebrating Jesus' entry that begins Holy Week. Palm crosses distributed.

Booking closed

April 2nd: Good Friday Family Service 10:30am
Remembering Jesus's death on the Cross. A special service for families.

Booking closed

April 2nd: Good Friday 2pm
An hour's service of word and music reflecting on the Cross. For adults.

Booking closed

April 4th: Easter Sunday Family Communion 10:30am
A service for all ages celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Easter Egg Hunt outside at the end of the service for children.

Booking closed

Annual Parochial Church Meeting - 13th September 2020

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 here from the website or found at the back of church.

Frugal Lunch - Sun 15 March CANCELLED

Join us for the annual Christian Aid Frugal Lunch on Sunday 15th March 2020, 12.30pm in St. Mary’s Parish Centre.

We are pleased to welcome back David Muir, Kent Regional Coordinator for Christian Aid to be our speaker.

The country of focus this year is Kenya. We will explore the challenges faced by communities affected by climate change and some of the work happening to transform lives in Kitui and Makueni counties. The theme is “Every. Last. Drop.”

Come along and enjoy a basic lunch with new and old friends. There is no charge but we ask you to give as a donation the amount of money you would normally spend on Sunday lunch.

Three Parish Prayers

We are resuming our weekly half-hours of prayer on a Tuesday evening. This will be shared, as listed, between the three parishes of Kippington, Riverhead and St Luke’s, as we pray for the West Sevenoaks Team Ministry, for one another and for the appointment of clergy. We will be meeting at 7.15pm as follows:

Tuesday 11th February is at St. Luke’s
Tuesday 18th February is at St. Mary’s, Kippington
Tuesday 25th February is at St. Mary’s, Riverhead