News from the hot seat...

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7/5/26

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Dear friends,

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Today, elections are taking place to the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Senedd, and parts of English local government. As always, Christians in these areas are being encouraged to 'love, pray, vote' and to use their vote as an expression of love for their neighbours, particularly in light of the decision by some parties to foster division and fear. But, of course, there are constructive ways we can engage in politics as Christians even if there aren't elections taking place in our local area. Have you heard of the Constituency Action Network? This is a network of churches across the UK who are committed to building meaningful relationships with their MP and working with them to speak and act for peace and justice. The goal is to establish a network of at least one church in every Westminster constituency in England, Scotland and Wales. At a conference I attended last year, we heard some wonderful stories of what this looks like in practice - of connections forged with MPs, and the impact these can have. You can watch a short video about it here.

 

If you'd be interested in helping your church become a CAN church, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

 

And, a cheeky plug - the Joint Public Issues Team releases a weekly podcast looking at that week's lectionary readings in light of current political and social issues. I'm hosting this season - if you'd like to take a listen, you can do so here.​​​

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Pastoral Committee meeting - Tuesday 12 May 

A reminder that the Pastoral Visitors will be meeting in the church at 2pm on Tuesday 12 May. Many thanks to all those who fulfil this vital role in the life of the church. 

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The future of 1st Larkfield Girls' Brigade 

Hopefully, you will have gathered by now that this is a time of great change and transition for 1st Larkfield Girls' Brigade, which meets at the church on Monday evenings and is an important part of our outreach to young people. This summer, Val and Claire will be standing down after many years of faithful service. The GB Leaders and Helpers have met twice and begun to put plans in place for September onwards. We are pleased that we believe we will still have sufficient volunteers for our younger sections; however, we are urgently seeking a new volunteer who can take overall responsibility for the older sections, working alongside our fab team of existing volunteers. We have liaised with local churches and schools, and advertised on social media, but so far, the right person has not come forward. We will need to make a decision in early June as to whether we can continue the older sections in September. Please hold the Company in your prayers, and especially Val and Claire as they prepare to step down. Please also think carefully about whether you, or someone you know, might be willing and able to join the team and to take on a position of responsibility for the older sections. Full training and support will be provided. If you have any thoughts, I would love to hear from you. 

 

An offer from All We Can

All We Can have been in touch to say that they would be delighted to visit churches in our area and to share something about the work of All We Can, and how it connects with faith and discipleship. As many of you will know, All We Can is a Methodist charity that partners with communities around the world to challenge poverty and injustice. Their hope is to encourage and equip congregations with practical ways to live out God’s call to justice, compassion, and community. This might be a great opportunity for a Local Arrangement - if you'd like to arrange for All We Can to come and visit, please contact Paul Richards, Engagement Officer, on P.richards@allwecan.org.uk.

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Sabbatical cover

As you know, I'll be on sabbatical from 8 June, returning on 16 September. The arrangements for my sabbatical cover have changed slightly, as Rev Alex Terrett will be having a knee replacement on Monday - please hold her in your prayers. These are now the arrangements for ministerial cover while I'm away:

 

• Rev Robert Zachar will provide ministerial cover for Larkfield and Eccles.

• Rev Bonni-Belle (who plans to return to work on Monday following her chemotherapy) will provide ministerial cover for Hextable and Tonbridge Road from 8 June until 19 July.

• Rev Alex will provide ministerial cover for Hextable and Tonbridge Road from 19 July until I return on 16 September.

• As you can imagine, ministerial resources will be stretched very thinly across the circuit over the summer, while I am on sabbatical, Alex is recovering from her operation, and Bonni-Belle is preparing to sit down. Robert, Bonni-Belle and Alex will sadly not be able to get involved as much as they would like in every area of the churches' life, but they will be there for you for funerals, pastoral emergencies, and situations where it would be helpful to have input from a minister. After two maternity leaves, I know you won't have any issues coping without me for three months!

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Could you be an e-steward?

Six years after they began, our weekly circuit online services continue to be greatly appreciated. The circuit is seeking someone to act as 'e-steward' on the first Sunday of the month - monitoring the chat thread, greeting worshippers as they arrive, and posting information in the thread about the order of service. Training will be provided. If you might be able to help, please contact James Walker on operations.nkmc@gmail.com

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Church WhatsApp group

Did you know that the church has an informal WhatsApp group, so we can share news and prayer requests? If you'd like to join, please send me your phone number.

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Every blessing,

 

Naomi​