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.

Family Service - 6th September 2020

Given the success of our last family service, weather-permitting, we intend to hold the 10.30am family service on Sunday 6th September outside again. Please note the following guidance:

  • You will need to bring your own seats.

  • If you have children we suggest you bring rugs or ground cover for them to sit on. (Please also bring paper and pencils/pens for the children to use during the service).

  • Children will need to stay with you throughout the service.

  • When you arrive please park in the church car park. You will then be asked to wait in a 'distanced queue' in order to sign an attendance list for 'Track and Trace' if needed. It is suggested that you bring your own pen.

  • You will then be directed towards the seating area. You will need to be seated with a two metre space around your family.

  • If you need to use the toilets you are asked to wear a mask and there is a one-way system for using the Parish Centre, with only one person or family in the building at a time.

  • At the end of the service you will be directed back to the car park, again in a distanced queue.

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Syrian strings online for refugees in Sevenoaks

Two world-class musicians originally from Damascus are helping Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees to raise funds for Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks area in Kent.

The online fundraiser concert for Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is on Saturday 27 June at 7:00 pm, featuring the sublime, exquisite and moving music of Ayman Jarjour (guitar) and Maya Youssef (qanun). The money raised will help support vulnerable Syrian refugees rebuilding their lives in the Sevenoaks area, as part of the UK Government’s Resettlement Scheme.

Internationally renowned Syrian classical guitarist Ayman Jarjour has performed worldwide, including at Carnegie Hall in New York, and studied in Madrid and Juilliard. Now living in Scotland he is the 2020 Arts and Culture Ambassador for the Scottish Refugee Council.

Ayman returns to help Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees with a varied programme including Classical, Spanish, Latin, Modern and Syrian music, to support Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks area. Here’s a clip of Ayman in performance, and his website.

Maya Youssef is hailed as ‘queen of the qanun,’ (BBC) the 78-stringed Middle Eastern plucked zither. For her, the act of playing music is the opposite of death and destruction; it is a life- and hope-affirming act and an antidote to what is happening, not only in Syria, but in the whole world.

Maya’s debut album Syrian Dreams, produced by the legendary Joe Boyd, was highly-acclaimed in music press around the world (including this review in the Guardian) and has led to her performing on prestigious stages such as the BBC Proms and receive prestigious awards such as the Arts Council of England Exceptional Talent Award, Songlines Music Award and The German Critics' Record Award. In perhaps her highest honour, the Year 6 class of Dalmain Primary School in London is named ‘Youssef’ in recognition of her inspirational work. Currently, Maya is writing and recording her second album with support from the PRS Women Make Music. She appears regularly in the media, including these recent appearances on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4.

Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) will use the money raised to help support the resettlement of vulnerable refugees in the Sevenoaks area. Previous grants have included living costs incurred whilst in hospital, Eid and Christmas gifts, clothing, necessary equipment for the houses, bikes, books and travel for English lessons, laptops, professional tutoring, professional qualification exam fees, swimming and football courses and social outings. In addition, the charity has used its funds to help to secure two additional rental properties by supporting the landlords to carry out improvements to the properties.

The charity works in close partnership with Sevenoaks District Council, Kent County Council and the support agency Clarion Housing Association, who are commissioned by KCC. SWR provides local practical support to refugee families in their area and finds private landlords willing to take part in the government-funded rent payment scheme.

The refugees are making good progress with the hard work of resettlement, with English lessons continuing remotely during the COVID-19 lock down. Ahmad said “The life in Sevenoaks is good. It is a beautiful town. People are friendly and it is very safe for me and my family. My children can get a good education here.” Zaynab agrees and said ““Now I just want to move forward and not look back.”

Tickets for the online fundraiser concert are here.

Contact: Humphrey Pring 07947 426661

Appointment of the Revd Mark Bridgen as Team Rector

The Bishop of Rochester and the Patronage Board of the West Sevenoaks Team Ministry are pleased to announce that, subject to the usual legal formalities, The Revd Mark Bridgen, at present Rector of All Saints, Paston, will be the first Team Rector of the newly-established West Sevenoaks Team Ministry.

Mark is married to Karen who works in community care and they have four children. He has spent time in Zimbabwe and undertaken ministry in a variety of urban and rural settings, including Kidderminster, Norwich, Longbridge in Birmingham, Wednesbury and the villages in Staffordshire, before his present appointment in Peterborough.

Mark is really looking forward to taking up this post and to getting to know everyone in the three parishes. He is likely to be instituted and inducted in late July/August, although this is entirely dependent upon Covid-19 restrictions. He would very much appreciate your prayers for himself and his family at this time.

Kippington Cat (our magazine for young people) is now available online

Given we cannot meet up in Church at the moment, the Kippington Cat, our magazine for young people, has made a welcome return.

The magazine has things to read, thing to do at home, jokes and puzzles, and more.

As well as being distributed with the weekly pew sheets by email, it’s now available to download online.

Visit the Children & Youth page for more details.

Anne Bourne appointed to Team Ministry

To the church family of St. Mary Kippington,

A very happy Easter to you all.

The diocese has asked us to send this announcement to you all,

“We are delighted to announce that, with the agreement of all 3 PCCs, Anne Bourne is being licensed by the Archdeacon of Tonbridge on 15th April as Associate Rector of the West Sevenoaks Team Ministry. This appointment is made on an interim basis, part-time, for 12 months, to support all 3 parishes within the West Sevenoaks Team Ministry during this time of crisis and whilst recruitment to substantive posts remains delayed.”

Lynette Leithead remains our Associate Vicar.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact either of us.

With our love and blessings,

Sally and Sue
Church Wardens

Lent Services & Lunches CANCELLED

During the five weeks of Lent, different churches will be holding short services at 12.30pm followed by a light lunch.

This is a good opportunity to come together as God’s people and reflect on our walk with Jesus and our individual and collective witness in our community.

All are welcome.

This year, we will be collecting at our services for the charity Crosslight.

The services start at 12.30pm and will be held as follows:

Monday 2nd March at St. John’s Hill URC, Sevenoaks
Tuesday 10th March at St. Luke’s Church C of E, Sevenoaks
Wednesday 18th March at St. Thomas of Canterbury RC Church, Sevenoaks CANCELLED
Thursday 26th March at The Drive Methodist Church, Sevenoaks
Friday 3rd April at St. Mary’s Church C of E, Riverhead

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.