Services

Online Worship: 29th November 2020, Advent Sunday

Posted by Rev David Green on November 29, 2020

This Sunday is the 29th of November 2020,
Advent Sunday

winter waiting

Photo by Justine FG
from FreeImages

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.

Welcome to our Online Worship for this week.

Today is Advent Sunday, traditionally the first Sunday of the Christian year and the start of our countdown to the celebrations of Christmas. But it’s not Christmas yet and Rev David in his reflection today encourages us to embrace the chance 2020 gives us to have the ‘adventiest Advent’ ever.

Since we can’t be in church this week, the video sermon this week also includes the lighting of our first Advent candle. Our thanks to Jack and Isabella (and their mum and dad) for helping us with the Advent wreath this week.

In our Notices there is also news this week of our plans for Christmas as well as the return to services of worship in our church buildings. Once you have spent time in prayer and worship, don’t forget to absorb all the news and information. Finally, appreciating that Kent is in Tier 3 for a while, let’s be vigilant, look after one another and look for opportunities to serve our neighbours and community.

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

 O come, O come Emmanuel

Christ be our light!

All-Age song: City on a hill

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

0:01 lighting the Advent Candle, 01:38 the Bible Reading with Gemma, 03:17 onwards the Sermon with Rev David.

Prayers for today

Prayers of Intercession
for Advent

Watchful at all times,
let us pray for strength to stand with confidence
before our Maker and Redeemer.

That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.

That God may establish among the nations his sceptre of righteousness,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.

That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures
and recognize him in the breaking of the bread,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.

That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick
and raise up all who have fallen,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.

That the light of God’s coming may dawn
on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.

That, with all the saints in light,
we may shine forth as lights for the world,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

Silence is kept.

Almighty God,
as your blessed Son Jesus Christ
first came to seek and to save the lost; so may he come again to find in us
the completion of his redeeming work; for he is now alive
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

Come Lord, your wounded world is yearning
for you to come again.
Come Lord, your weary world is crying out
for you to lift us up
out of our despair, our hunger,
our thirst for something better,
our need for the food that will last.
Come Lord, come again,
we need to begin again.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

Almighty God,
as your kingdom dawns,
turn us from the darkness of sin
to the light of holiness,
that we may be ready to meet you
in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Blessing

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,
scatter the darkness from before your path,
and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;
and may the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Be at peace. Love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Resources for the week ahead

Prayer pointers

  • Those who have asked for our prayers (Offham): Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
  • Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, Ann & Colin, and Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael and Alice.
  • For the families of James Douglass, Julie Terry, Colin Ellis and Anne Baring, all of whom have died recently.
  • For those in our congregation who work in businesses which cannot open in Tier 3. We pray for their health, well-being and prosperity. Help us Lord to help one another in difficult days.
  • Giving thanks for our Rural Dean Wil, Archdeacon Julie and Bishops James and Simon and for God’s blessing on their ministry and family life.
  • Praying for one another while our buildings are closed.
  • Prayers for St Gabriel’s and the people of Kings Hill.
  • As we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, we pray for the UK and world authorities; political, medical, scientific, civil and religious.
  • For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life.
  • For unity and reconciliation in our nation following our departure from the European Union.
  • For authorities and emergency services working in areas of war, humanitarian or ecological tragedy including all nations affected by Coronavirus. Especially we pray for the USA during this period of transition, India and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
  • For Rev Peeter Kaldur, and our partner churches of St Michael’s, Jõhvi and Pühajõe church in Estonia.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).
Advent Season.

Monday Morning – Psalms 47, 147.1-12, Ezekiel 47.1-12, John 12.20-32 (St Andrew’s Day)
Monday Evening – Psalms 87, 96, Zechariah 8.20-23, John 1.35-42 (St Andrew’s Day)
Tuesday Morning – Psalms 80, 82, Isaiah 43.1-13, Revelation 20
Tuesday Evening – Psalms 74, 75, Isaiah 26.1-13, Matthew 12.22-37
Wednesday Morning – Psalms 5, 7, Isaiah 43.14-end, Revelation 21.1-8
Wednesday Evening – Psalms 76, 77, Isaiah 28.1-13, Matthew 12.38-end
Thursday Morning – Psalms 42, 43, Isaiah 44.1-8, Revelation 21.9-21
Thursday Evening – Psalms 40, 46, Isaiah 28.14-end, Matthew 13.1-23
Friday Morning – Psalms 25, 26, Isaiah 44.9-23, Revelation 21.22-22.5
Friday Evening – Psalms 16, 17, Isaiah 29.1-14, Matthew 13.24-43
Saturday Morning – Psalm 9, Isaiah 44.24 – 45.13, Revelation 22.6-end
Saturday Evening – Psalms 27, 28, Isaiah 29.15-end, Matthew 13.44-end

Advent and Christmas 2020

Posted by Rev David Green on

The impact of Coronavirus on our world will have a major impact on our plans for Advent and Christmas 2020. Many of the time-honoured traditions of our worship and celebrations at Christmas will have to adapt to the changes in our circumstances.

We remain committed to celebrating Christmas, the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, as fully as possible. However we are also committed to being loving neighbours and responsible members of our local communities and want to ensure everyone is kept safe and healthy.

Our Vicar, the Rev David Green, has recorded a video to give you a breakdown of the plans for 2020. ** UPDATE ** – please note that we’ve had to make a change and the live-streamed Carol Service will now be on the 23rd. We’ll update the video as soon as we can.

Dates for the diary

What’s happening and what’s not happening this year?

Offham’s Travelling Nativity
The knitted figures of Mary, Joseph and the Donkey (all less than 10″ tall) complete with their own stable unfortunately cannot be passed around the parish this year. As an alternative this year everyone is invited to print one of the downloadable pictures of Mary and Joseph and their trusty donkey, and perhaps colour it in and display it in your window during Advent.

The West Malling Nativity Treasure Hunt
Large pebbles decorated with the Nativity characters will shortly be appearing in the windows of local shops on West Malling High Street and further afield around the community. Families will be invited to download a Treasure Hunt checklist and go hunting! See how many of the Nativity characters you can find.

12 Days of Christmas Online Raffle in aid of Relief in Need
Running during December with the draw taking place on Christmas Eve, we will be hosting an online Raffle via the platform Raffall. With a variety of prizes available, raffle tickets will cost £2.50. All the money raised will go towards St Mary’s vestry charity, Relief in Need, which seeks to provide support to individuals or families in the local area who find themselves in crisis, emergency need or simply need some encouragement in tough times.

Thu 10 Dec, 7.30 pm
Christmas Quiz on Zoom in aid of Relief in Need
Hosted by Phil & Gemma Coupland on Zoom, a little bit of fun for all the family. Nothing too serious with participants marking their own answers. An opportunity to gather and get a taste of the Christmas spirit with friends from St Mary’s and St Michael’s.

Like the Raffle, this event is raising money for St Mary’s vestry charity, Relief in Need, which seeks to provide support to individuals or families in the local area who find themselves in crisis, emergency need or simply need some encouragement in tough times. The Quiz will cost £2 per person to enter or £4 per family (or make a donation of your choice). You can sign-up to take part now by using our Online Donations facility.

Thu 17 Dec, 8.00 pm
Pub Theology on Zoom with Rev David
Being in Tier 3, we cannot meet in one of our local pubs so Rev David will be hosting a special Christmas Pub Theology at 8.00 p.m. on Zoom instead. Crack open a bottle of wine or pour yourself a beer, start the Christmas tipples if you prefer, and bring your Christmas-themed questions to grill David and discuss with the group.

Pub Theology is an occasional group (roughly once a month) that meets to talk about God, ask questions and discuss opinions in a relaxed and friendly environment. Suitable for beginners and those who aren’t sure as well as Christians of many years. All opinions and views are welcome.

A photo of the choir from the Carol Service at Offham, 2012Wed 23 Dec, 8.00 pm
Live-streamed Carol online service from St Michael’s, Offham
St Michael’s, Offham
We will be live-streaming a special service online for all those who wish to take part in our Carol Service for 2020. From the beautiful, ancient church of St Michael’s we will be hosting a candle-lit evening service of Christmas readings and carols with our Director of Music Stewart Biggs, guest Choirmaster Richard King leading a special guest choir. An Order of Service will be available to download and we encourage you to use the words to sing along with all the Christmas Carols from your front room.

Please do not turn up to church on the night. You won’t be able to get in. If you can’t join us for the live-stream on the 23rd, you will be able to watch it later on catch-up via YouTube.

Congregation, St Mary's, Christingle 2011Thu 24 Dec, 4.00 pm
Pre-recorded Christingle online service with nativity from St Mary’s, West Malling
St Mary’s, West Malling
Although the highly popular Christmas Eve Christingle cannot take place in church this year, we will be posting a special Christingle service on our YouTube channel at 4.00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Rev David will be talking about the Christingle and showing you how to make your Christingle at home, our Sunday School are recording a special Zoom nativity, while Richard Hammond-Hall and St Mary’s Choir will be recording the Christmas Carols. An Order of Service will be available to download so you can sing along from home.

Fri 25 Dec, 8.00 am
Holy Communion (BCP) in church
St Mary’s, West Malling
Traditional language, reflective and quiet Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service. This service will be ticketed. 21 households maximum capacity.

Small girl, St Mary's, Christingle 2011Fri 25 Dec, 9.15 am
All-Age Communion service in church
St Michael’s, Offham
Child-friendly Eucharist service to celebrate Christmas Day. The children are encouraged to bring one of their presents to ‘show and tell’ as part of the service. This service will be ticketed. 8 households maximum capacity.

Fri 25 Dec, 10.00 am
All-Age Communion service in church
St Mary’s, West Malling
Child-friendly Eucharist service to celebrate Christmas Day. The children are encouraged to bring one of their presents to ‘show and tell’ as part of the service. This service will be ticketed. 21 households maximum capacity.

Sun 27 Dec, 10.00 am
Benefice Service for first Sunday after Christmas in church
St Mary’s, West Malling
There is no 8 am at St Mary’s or 9.15 at St Michael’s on this Sunday. Instead, we come together as one congregation for a joint Benefice service. Canon Alan Vousden will be leading and we gather at St Mary’s, West Malling. There will also be an act of Online Worship available from 7.30 a.m. for those who are unable to come to church in person.

This service will be ticketed. 21 households maximum capacity.

What is not happening this year

For the avoidance of any doubt, here’s the list of things we are sadly unable to host in 2020.

  • The Christmas Tree Festival (St Mary’s, West Malling)
  • The West Malling Community Choir Christmas Concert (St Mary’s, West Malling)
  • The Heart of Kent Hospice Christmas Concert (St Mary’s, West Malling)
  • Carols in the Pub (Kings Arms, Offham with St Michael’s, Offham)
  • Christingle services in both churches (although there will be a service online)
  • Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve (St Mary’s, West Malling)

Online Worship: 22nd November 2020, Christ the King

Posted by Rev David Green on November 22, 2020

This Sunday is the 22nd of November 2020,
Christ the King

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.

Welcome to our Online Worship for this week.

Today is the last Sunday of the Christian year. Next Sunday we will have the excitement of the start of Advent and the beginning of a new cycle of worship and exploration.

But today we look forward to our future hope of Christ the King, a returning King who will set right all that is wrong and make everything new. In our worship this week, Rev David reflects on the Narnia stories as an allegory of our hope in Christ the King. We also welcome our new Cluster Administrator, Amy Southby, to our online worship. Amy has kindly provided the Bible reading today.

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

Christ triumphant, ever reigning

King of Kings, Majesty!

All-Age song: Over all the earth

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

01:24 the Bible Reading with Amy, 02:44 onwards the Sermon with Rev David.

Prayers for today

Prayers of Intercession
for Christ the King

Let us with confidence present our prayers and supplications to the throne of grace.

We pray for all those in positions of power,
that they may govern with wisdom and integrity,
serving the needs of their people.
May your reign come;
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church, the sign of your reign,
that it may extend your welcome to people of every race and background.
May your kingdom come;
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for Christians of every denomination,
that together we may come to understand
the royal priesthood you bestowed on us in baptism.
May your dominion come;
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those whose commitment to truth
brings them into conflict with earthly powers,
that they may have the courage to endure.
May your rule come;
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for this community of faith,
that attentive to your word
we may always worship in spirit and in truth.
May your reign come;
Lord, hear our prayer.

Loving God,
you have taught us that the power of the heart
is greater than the power of wealth and might.
Hear us as we pray for the fulfilment of your reign.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our King;
to him be glory and power for ever.
Amen.

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

A prayer from Colombia

Lord Jesus,
give us the grace to hear your voice,
and the strength to continue working for your kingdom in this time of pandemic.
Do not allow us to be indifferent
to those who today suffer the loss of a loved one,
or who suffer from the absence of work.
Give us the courage to accompany
and side with those
who suffer violence or injustice.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

God the Father,
help us to hear the call of Christ the King
and to follow in his service,
whose kingdom has no end;
for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, one glory.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Blessing

May Christ our exalted King
pour upon you his abundant gifts
and bring you to reign with him in glory;
and may the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Be at peace. Love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Resources for the week ahead

Prayer pointers

  • Those who have asked for our prayers (Offham): Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
  • Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, Ann & Colin, and Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael and Alice.
  • For the families of Joanie Sellwood, James Douglass, Julie Terry, Colin Ellis and Anne Baring, all of whom have died recently.
  • For those in our congregation who work in financial services. For good stewardship, rebuilding of trust in our economy, and witness to Christ.
  • Giving thanks for those who read the Bible in church or lead intercessions. We give thanks for their service and the ways in which they inspire and give shape to our worship.
  • Praying for one another while our buildings are closed.
  • Prayers for St Mary’s Church and the people of West Malling.
  • As we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, we pray for the UK and world authorities; political, medical, scientific, civil and religious.
  • For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life.
  • For unity and reconciliation in our nation following our departure from the European Union.
  • For authorities and emergency services working in areas of war, humanitarian or ecological tragedy including all nations affected by Coronavirus. Especially we pray for the USA during this period of transition, India and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
  • For our link dioceses of Harare, Mpwapwa & Kondoa and Estonia.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).
Kingdom Season. Advent starts next Sunday.

Monday Morning – Psalms 92, 96, Isaiah 40.1-11, Revelation 14.1-13
Monday Evening – Psalms 80, 81, Isaiah 14.3-20, Matthew 9.18-34
Tuesday Morning – Psalms 97, 98, 100, Isaiah 40.12-26, Revelation 14.14-15.end
Tuesday Evening – Psalms 99, 101, Isaiah 17, Matthew 9.35-10.15
Wednesday Morning – Psalms 110, 111, 112, Isaiah 40.27-41.7, Revelation 16.1-11
Wednesday Evening – Psalms 121, 122, 123, 124, Isaiah 19, Matthew 10.16-33
Thursday Morning – Psalms 125, 126, 127, 128, Isaiah 41.8-20, Revelation 16.12-end
Thursday Evening – Psalms 131, 132, 133, Isaiah 21.1-12, Matthew 10.34-11.1
Friday Morning – Psalm 139, Isaiah 41.21-42.9, Revelation 17
Friday Evening – Psalms 146, 147, Isaiah 22.1-14, Matthew 11.2-19
Saturday Morning – Psalm 145, Isaiah 42.10-17, Revelation 18
Saturday Evening – Psalms 148, 149, 150, Isaiah 24, Matthew 11.20-end

Online Worship: 15th November 2020, 2nd Sunday before Advent

Posted by Rev David Green on November 15, 2020

This Sunday is the 15th of November 2020,
the second Sunday before Advent.

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.

Welcome to our Online Worship for this week.

We are once again back in lockdown. Last weekend for Remembrance Sunday was something of a ‘hybrid’ with worship available via our website and events also taking place outdoors at the war memorial. Today we are back to only being able to offer worship online, rather than being able to offer both online and offline options.

We would encourage you to play a full part in this act of worship today. Leave a comment here on our website, or on social media or YouTube, to wish others well and ensure they know you are with them in prayer and worship today. It’s always encouraging to know that others are taking part with you. May the Lord continue to watch between us while we are apart from one another (Genesis 31.49).

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

O Jesus I have promised

Jesus be the centre

All-Age song: Love is something (magic penny)

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

01:20 the Bible Reading with Jane, 02:52 onwards the Sermon with Rev David.

Prayers for today

Prayers of Intercession
for the season between All Saints and Advent

We pray for the coming of God’s kingdom.

You sent your Son to bring good news to the poor,
sight to the blind,
freedom to captives
and salvation to your people:
anoint us with your Spirit;
rouse us to work in his name.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.

Send us to bring help to the poor
and freedom to the oppressed.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.

Send us to tell the world
the good news of your healing love.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.

Send us to those who mourn,
to bring joy and gladness instead of grief.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.

Send us to proclaim that the time is here
for you to save your people.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.

Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in mind and heart
to serve you in Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

A prayer from Madagascar

Almighty and merciful Father,
who shows love to all your creation.
We come before you asking for a quick control
of the Coronavirus currently ravaging our world.
Hear graciously the prayers we make
for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world.
Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families.
We pray that an effective medicine to combat the sickness be speedily found.
We pray for the relevant governments and health authorities
that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people.
Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our failings.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

Heavenly Lord,
you long for the world’s salvation:
stir us from apathy,
restrain us from excess
and revive in us new hope
that all creation will one day be healed
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Blessing

May God give to you
and to all those whom you love
his comfort and his peace, his light and his joy,
in this world and the next;
and may the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Be at peace. Love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Resources for the week ahead

Prayer pointers

  • Those who have asked for our prayers (Offham): Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
  • Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Colin & Lesley Bays, Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, Ann & Colin, and Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael and Alice.
  • For the families of Gary Tickel, Joanie Sellwood, James Douglass, Julie Terry, Colin Ellis and Anne Baring, all of whom have died recently. We remember also Peter (Ben) Grierson, who died at the age of 22 50 years ago this week.
  • For those in our congregation who work in communications and media. For a sense of God’s voice in their work, and their witness to Christ.
  • Giving thanks for our Treasurers, Ken in Offham and John in West Malling, for Rhonda and Issy who assist in different ways, and for all those who help to steward our churches finances on a day to day basis.
  • Praying for one another while our buildings are closed.
  • Prayers for St Michael’s and the people of Offham.
  • As we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, we pray for the UK and world authorities; political, medical, scientific, civil and religious.
  • For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life.
  • For unity and reconciliation in our nation following our departure from the European Union.
  • For authorities and emergency services working in areas of war, humanitarian or ecological tragedy including all nations affected by Coronavirus. Especially we pray for the USA during this period of transition, India and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
  • For local mission partners at Pilsdon, Spadework and Kenward Trust.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).
Kingdom Season.

Monday Morning – Psalms 46, 47, Daniel 8.1-14, Revelation 10
Monday Evening – Psalms 70, 71, Isaiah 9.8-10.4, Matthew 7.1-12
Tuesday Morning – Psalms 48, 52, Daniel 8.15-end, Revelation 11.1-14
Tuesday Evening – Psalms 67, 72, Isaiah 10.5-19, Matthew 7.13-end
Wednesday Morning – Psalms 56, 57, Daniel 9.1-19, Revelation 11.15-end
Wednesday Evening – Psalm 73, Isaiah 10.20-32, Matthew 8.1-13
Thursday Morning – Psalms 61, 62, Daniel 9.20-end, Revelation 12
Thursday Evening – Psalms 74, 76, Isaiah 10.33-11.9, Matthew 8.14-22
Friday Morning – Psalms 63, 65, Daniel 10.1-11.1, Revelation 13.1-10
Friday Evening – Psalm 77, Isaiah 11.10-12.end, Matthew 8.23-end
Saturday Morning – Psalms 78.1-39, Daniel 12, Revelation 13.11-end
Saturday Evening – Psalms 78.40-end, Isaiah 13.1-13, Matthew 9.1-17

Second national lockdown

Posted by Rev David Green on November 4, 2020

On Saturday the 31st of October, the Prime Minister announced a second national lockdown in England to start on the 5th of November and last for one month.

The Government guidance for this announcement makes clear that places of worship must close, apart from for the purposes of independent private prayer, to record and broadcast services for the online environment, or to host funerals.

As a result, all other regular services at St Mary’s in West Malling and St Michael’s in Offham are suspended until early December. If things go as planned and the lockdown is lifted on time, our next church services could take place on the second Sunday in Advent, the 6th of December. Obviously things may not go to plan and we will try to keep everyone informed as we go along.

This week, our focus is quite rightly on Remembrance Sunday. However, next week Rev David, the Churchwardens and PCCs of our two churches will be considering how we might be able to make use of the permission to accommodate people in church should they wish to visit for individual private prayer.

Online worship and the phone-line will both continue each Sunday throughout November.

Welcome back to St Mary’s, West Malling

Posted by Rev David Green on July 16, 2020

We are delighted to be able to announce that we are re-opening St Mary’s for Public Worship from Sunday the 26th of July.

However, there are a number of things that we need you to know and a number of things we need you to do. To start with, can we encourage you to watch this short two minute safety video to give you a brief rundown of how things will work and what we need you to do.

What will services be like?

  1. Every service will a service of Holy Communion. If, as we expect, you may only be able to attend two, three or four weeks, it is important that when you do attend, there is the chance to receive Holy Communion.
  2. Every service will be somewhat child-friendly. We cannot run Sunday School for the time being. Neither can children use toys or busy bags (other than ones they have brought from home). Neither is it appropriate to make every service an All-Age service. So every Minister leading or preaching will need to account for the fact children will be present and sat in a pew alongside their parents.
  3. Every service will be 30 to 40 minutes maximum. The risk of infection goes up the longer we stay together in the building, so we’ll keep services short.

What services will there be?

  1. Initially there will be one service on a Sunday in Offham at 9.15 a.m. and one in West Malling at 10.00 a.m. There will be a sermon. Both services will be based on Common Worship Holy Communion.
  2. There will be a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service at St Mary’s at 9.30 a.m. every Wednesday during August. There will not be a sermon. We will review again at the start of September as to whether this service can return to Sundays at 8 o’clock.
  3. Christenings will not take place in the Sunday service for the time being.
  4. If there is a Christening in a lunchtime slot on a Sunday, the congregation present that morning will be asked to help sanitise after their service.
  5. Online Worship will continue as pre-recorded videos and pre-prepared web pages to be published each Sunday. Each week, the rota will allocate ministry leadership to the online environment; separate to offline leadership for that week.

How many people can come?

Sadly, because of the regulations concerning physical distancing and maintaining two metres distance, our maximum capacity is based on 14 households. If you’ve watched the video (above) and are coming on your own, we may be able to take more than 14 households with individuals sat at either end of a pew.

If more people want to return to church services than we accommodate, we will need to allocate people into groups and then inform each group which Sundays they can attend. It may be that we have a group on the first Sunday and another group on the second Sunday and so on.

If you don’t want to return to church now and are happy to continue worshipping online, you will be able to let us know later when you do want to come to church. If need be, we will allocate you to a group. Hopefully, the physical distancing regulations will relax in time and we will be able to welcome more people into the same service until such time as we can all be in church together.

How do I let you know what I want to do?

At present, we are conducting a survey. We would be really grateful if you would click on the link for the survey and complete your details to let us know what you would like to do.

The more households that let us know their plans and wishes, the better we can fairly and equitably enable as many people as possible to return to church.

What do I need to bring when I come to church?

You don’t need to bring anything, but you might want to think about bringing the following items:

  1. A face covering.
  2. Your own pen (to fill out a sign-in slip if you’re asked to do so).
  3. Your own Bible (spare Bibles will not be available to pick-up and use in church).
  4. If you have young children, you may like to bring a busy bag for the children. We can’t provide any of our materials at present because of the difficulties sanitising those items.

Welcome back to St Michael’s, Offham

Posted by Rev David Green on

We are delighted to be able to announce that we are re-opening St Michael’s for Public Worship from Sunday the 26th of July.

However, there are a number of things that we need you to know and a number of things we need you to do. To start with, can we encourage you to watch this short two minute safety video to give you a brief rundown of how things will work and what we need you to do.

What will services be like?

  1. Every service will a service of Holy Communion. If, as we expect, you may only be able to attend two, three or four weeks, it is important that when you do attend, there is the chance to receive Holy Communion.
  2. Every service will be somewhat child-friendly. We cannot run Sunday School for the time being. Neither can children use toys or busy bags (other than ones they have brought from home). Neither is it appropriate to make every service an All-Age service. So every Minister leading or preaching will need to account for the fact children will be present and sat in a pew alongside their parents.
  3. Every service will be 30 to 40 minutes maximum. The risk of infection goes up the longer we stay together in the building, so we’ll keep things brief.

What services will there be?

  1. Initially there will be one service on a Sunday in Offham at 9.15 a.m. and one in West Malling at 10.00 a.m. There will be a sermon. Both services will be based on Common Worship Holy Communion.
  2. There will be a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service at St Mary’s at 9.30 a.m. every Wednesday during August. There will not be a sermon. We will review again at the start of September as to whether this service can return to Sundays at 8 o’clock.
  3. Christenings will not take place in the Sunday service for the time being.
  4. If there is a Christening in a lunchtime slot on a Sunday, the congregation present that morning will be asked to help sanitise after their service.
  5. Online Worship will continue as pre-recorded videos and pre-prepared web pages to be published each Sunday. Each week, the rota will allocate ministry leadership to the online environment; separate to offline leadership for that week.

How many people can come?

Sadly, because of the regulations concerning physical distancing and maintaining two metres distance, our maximum capacity is based on five households. If you’ve watched the video (above) and are coming on your own, we may be able to take more than five households with individuals sat at either end of a pew.

If more people want to return to church services than we accommodate, we will need to allocate people into groups and then inform each group which Sundays they can attend. It may be that we have a group on the first Sunday and another group on the second Sunday and so on.

If you don’t want to return to church now and are happy to continue worshipping online, you will be able to let us know later when you do want to come to church. If need be, we will allocate you to a group. Hopefully, the physical distancing regulations will relax in time and we will be able to welcome more people into the same service until such time as we can all be in church together.

How do I let you know what I want to do?

At present, we are conducting a survey. We would be really grateful if you would click on the link for the survey and complete your details to let us know what you would like to do.

The more households that let us know their plans and wishes, the better we can fairly and equitably enable as many people as possible to return to church.

What do I need to bring when I come to church?

You don’t need to bring anything, but you might want to think about bringing the following items:

  1. A face covering.
  2. Your own pen (to fill out a sign-in slip if you’re asked to do so).
  3. Your own Bible (spare Bibles will not be available to pick-up and use in church).
  4. If you have young children, you may like to bring a busy bag for the children. We can’t provide any of our materials at present because of the difficulties sanitising those items.

“Walking in the way of the Cross”; doing Holy Week online

Posted by Rev David Green on April 7, 2020

Walking in the way of the Cross

A guide to resources in order to pray your way through Holy Week

This Holy Week will be one like no other. With our church buildings unavailable to us, we’re having to be a little more creative in how we choose to mark the run-up to Easter Sunday.

Here in West Malling and Offham, the grid below will fill out day-by-day with clickable links so that you can choose how you wish to walk this year ‘in the way of the Cross’.

Monday
A service for Monday of Holy Week
from Rochester Cathedral
Tuesday
A service for Tuesday of Holy Week
from Rochester Cathedral
Wednesday
A service for Wednesday of Holy Week
from Rochester Cathedral

Maundy Thursday
 

Seder

Using a Zoom conference call, Rev David will host a live act of prayer
on Thursday at 6.00 p.m. BST adapted from both the Jewish Seder and the Christian Agape liturgies. If you would like to take part, please contact Rev David and he will send you details of all you need to prepare via email.

  

Tenebrae

Rev David has recorded an adaptation of a Tenebrae service.
“Tenebrae” is a Latin word for “shadows”. In this service we use increasing darkness to dramatize the increasing sadness of Holy Week.
Premieres ‘as live’ on Maundy Thursday at 8.15 p.m. BST.

Good Friday
 

The Walk of Witness

We cannot gather to do the physical Walk of Witness this year.
However, the service book is available to download (pdf file) so that you can use it at home, or to accompany your daily exercise.

Quiet Hour

Rev David has recorded a special version of the Good Friday Quiet Hour
via SoundCloud. Mixing Gospel readings, silence, prayer,
the Good Friday anthems and music.
 

Holy Saturday
All will be quiet on Holy Saturday. No services and no provision made
Heaven is silent. Jesus is dead. The tomb is sealed shut.
 

Easter Sunday
 

Dawn Service ‘as live’ stream

Because of technical difficulties, we are not able to live stream from the church in Offham on Sunday. However, Rev David has recorded an adaptation of the service which premieres ‘as live’ on Easter Sunday at 6.30 a.m. BST.

The liturgy is available to download if you want to follow along.

  

Online Worship

As we have done in recent weeks, there will be hymns to sing, written prayers, notices and a video sermon from David. It will be available to encourage you in worship from 7.30 a.m. BST this Sunday.

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Remembrance 2019

Posted by Rev David Green on November 7, 2019

A photo of the St Mary's war memorial, taken early morning 2011For each of our three communities, please find below details of the Remembrance Sunday services.

Offham, 10.00 a.m.

The Sunday service starts at the slightly later than usual time of 10.00 a.m. and will follow the pattern for Churches Together services of remembrance. Rev Jim Brown will be leading.

After the service, just before 11.00 a.m. we will make our way outside to the War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance and the two minutes silence.

The congregation will be invited to join the Minister outside the church at the War Memorial where the names of the dead will be read aloud and wreaths laid.

West Malling, 10.00 a.m.

The Sunday service at West Malling will be a simply service of Remembrance, led by Rev David Green. Following the service, the congregation will make its way outside to the War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance and to observe two minutes silence at 11 o’clock.

Kings Hill, 10.30 a.m.

A special joint service takes place at 10.30 at the Running Airman Memorial on Gibson Drive with use of the Italian Market for larger crowds. Uniformed organisations will parade from the Control Tower to the Memorial for the service. Rev Matt Ross of Kings Hill Christian Fellowship and Rev Mark Montgomery of the Church of England will be leading the service.

West Malling, 2.30 p.m.

The Civic Service for Remembrance Sunday will take place at 2.30 p.m. in the afternoon. A parade will make its way up the High Street from about 2pm onwards. Please note the High Street will be closed to traffic while the parade is going on.

This year we welcome Ven Julie Conalty, the Archdeacon of Tonbridge as our guest speaker. Rev David Green will also be on hand to lead the service alongside other ecumenical guests.

After the service, wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial while the uniformed organisations form up in the road. Once again, the High Street will be closed around 3.30 p.m. in order for this to take place.

More details are available in the Events section of this website.

 

 

Harvest 2019

Posted by Rev David Green on October 4, 2019

A photo of produce from Harvest Festival 2012 at St Mary's, West MallingOctober means it is Harvest Festival season for West Malling and Offham.

All-Age services will be taking place at West Malling and Offham as we celebrate all of God’s goodness to us in the food we eat and all that the earth provides.

This page provides some brief details for those interested in joining us for the Harvest celebrations.

Services

  • Offham Harvest All-Age Service, St Michael’s Church
    Sunday 6 October, 9.15 a.m. till 10.15 a.m.
  • West Malling Harvest All-Age Service, St Mary’s Church
    Sunday 13 October, 10.00 a.m. till 11.00 a.m.

Offerings

As usual, everyone is very welcome to bring a donation of food as part of their act of thanksgiving. Dried and tinned goods with a ‘best before’ date a good way into the future are ideal, but all and any gifts are welcome. This year, the donations will be passed on in equal shares to Pilsdon at Malling, the Kenward Trust in Yalding, and the West Malling Churches’ Foodbank (based at Pilsdon). All do fantastic work amongst those in need of extra help.

 

 

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