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Newsletter October 2020

Dear FriendsPicture1

We hope this finds you all well. This newsletter is to let you about changes at St. Mary’s since the ending of lockdown in the summer.
 
Services in the church building:  please book in advance by phone or email as numbers are strictly limited (contact details at the end).
 
We have all welcomed the opportunity to return to using the church for Sunday services at 10.00 a.m. and enjoyed the music from our organist, Peter,  and singing from our choir leader, Emily.  After much experimentation and a steep learning curve we have been able to link people using zoom at home to the service as it happens in church.  The zoom experience has been new to most of us and has proved to be a great way to connect with people, often from far-flung places, the furthest during lockdown being New Zealand!
 
Pastoral Care

A small team has come together to provide care and support as needed.  If you or someone you know, would appreciate some support or help please contact Robin or Cathy in the first instance.
 
Coming up…………
 
Also, on

Thursday, 15th October at 5.30 p.m. there will be a Harvest Thanksgiving Service at St. Mary’s (no zoom).  Please book if you wish to attend the services in the church.
 
Wednesday 4th November Licensing Service 7.00 p.m. in St. Mary’s church for our new interim part-time priest, Rev. Louise Vincer, with responsibility for the benefice of Chartham and  Upper Hardres with Stelling by the Bishop of Dover, The Rt. Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin.  There will be zoom for the many who, we hope, who will want to join.
 
New services
 
Wednesday 10am service in church: please book in advance by phone or email as places are strictly limited (contact details at the end). This is led by Rev Chris Duncan.

Thursday 8.00 p.m. Compline:  A quiet service of peace and calm at the end of the day.  Zoom only.
Online services  Email invitations are sent out for online services usually the day before. For an invitation contact Robin.  These services can also be joined by telephone.  
 
New church website:
 
We are developing a new church website which we hope you will find it easier to navigate.  It is a work in progress but please have a look and let us know what you think.
Our new site allows for donations & regular giving to be paid directly to the church through:  St Mary's online donations. If you have any difficulty using the online giving contact our treasurer, Tim Kidd by emailing treasurer@stmaryschartham.org
 
Under data protection law we need your consent to email you. You can give consent by registering on our website > CLICK HERE
 
Prayer meeting:  on Monday mornings 9.00 a.m. -10.00 a.m.  It is a wonderful opportunity to gather in the church building to pray together and everybody is welcome.
 
Church is open for prayer every Wednesday 11.00a.m. - 4.00 p.m. This allows access for personal prayer and reflection in the quiet of the church building.  If you would like to spend time catching up and chatting please do this outside.
 
Regular prayer list
If you, or somebody you know, would like to be included on our regular prayer list, please email or telephone Robin.
 
Zoom group for younger people:
On Sundays, the young people in our church can have their own group with Gemson using the Zoom platform, similar to the Youth Group which has been taking place via Zoom, that we have become so familiar with. Let us know if you want to join or know someone who would like to.
 
To avoid placing ourselves and others at risk in church, we must follow the current guidance strictly.
 
Record your name and phone number on a slip of paper by the entrance and place in the box provided.
Use the hand sanitiser when you arrive and when you leave.
Keep chairs spaced for social distancing. Only family groups should sit together.
Follow the one way system and leave by the West Door unless your mobility is limited.
Understand that no singing is permitted, and communion will involve sharing the bread only.
Leave the church after the service and socialise outside while maintaining social distancing.
Pre-book for services  - contact details below.  
Wear a mask in church and bring your own water, if you expect you will need a drink.

 
Please don't hesitate to be in touch with either of us if you have any questions.
 
Keep safe & God bless you all
 
Cathy & Robin
 
Churchwardens
 
Robin Slowe  Tel 01227 732431                      Cathy Arnold  Tel:  01227 731960
robin@stmaryschartham.org                            cathy@stmaryschartham.org
Cathy Arnold, 02/10/2020
Glenys
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Welcome 

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet at St.Mary's (details below) for our Sunday Service starting at 10am. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits afterward. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Plan your journey: 

Open Google Maps

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer.

Our Service

The main service begins at 10am with a warm welcome..
Visit our This Sunday page for more information
 

Children

Getting Connected


Small Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team

Get in touch with us to plan your visit
If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.
 
Name:
Telephone:
Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.
 
We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes