News from the hot seat...

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12/2/26

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Dear friends,​

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In my purse is a scrappy piece of card with 'How do I stay close to God?' written in green pencil crayon. It was given to me by Ruth, the Bible Secretary of the Methodist Society I attended at Aberystwyth University, and has stayed in my purse ever since (along with various loyalty cards for coffee shops and miscellaneous receipts).

 

It's a good question to be reminded of as we enter Lent, which begins next Wednesday. The Isaiah reading that many of us heard last Sunday is all about the dangers of empty ritual - worship that 'ticks the boxes' but does nothing to shape the way we behave in our Monday to Saturday lives. Some of us will give things up for Lent - or even take up something new, like the '40 Acts of Kindness' challenge. But are we doing it out of routine? Or because it 'ticks a box'? Or actually, does the act of laying something down - or taking something up - help create space in our lives to draw close to God, so that God can send us out into the world to bring love, peace and hope? 

 

(For those who are interested, here's a little reflection on the Lent when Luke and I decided to give up single-use plastics - and on the questions it raised for me about why we give things up for Lent.)

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Lent and Easter 2026

see Notices page for details

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Updated preaching plan

As many of you know, Rev Bonni-Belle began her course of chemotherapy yesterday. Abi and I saw her on Tuesday, and I know she is deeply grateful for the cards, flowers and prayers she has received. I have attached an updated preaching plan (see Notices page) for March - May, reflecting the arrangements that have been made to cover Bonni-Belle's services. Many thanks to all those who have volunteered to lead an additional act of worship. 

 

See the Methodist Modern Art Collection on display

Many of you will have heard me rave about the Methodist Church's collection of modern Christian art. You can see some of these spectacular pieces for yourself, when they come to St Mary's Guildford (the oldest building in the world being used for Methodist worship) in March and April. Please find all the details on the attached poster (see Notices page). If you'd like to bring a group, please email MMAC2026@htsmguildford.org.uk

 

A slice of history 

Jim Bryant has unearthed another chunk of Larkfield's past, this time from Albert W Smith's 'History' written at the time of the Maidstone Circuit's 100th birthday. Here's what it has to say about Larkfield - I particularly enjoyed the final sentence!

 

Mission work was commenced at Larkfield in a cottage some years previous to 1898, when it was decided to try to obtain a more suitable building. Through the exertions of Messrs. Albert E. Reed and Edward Hy. Wraith, the Circuit Stewards, a piece of land with an old cottage was bought by Mr. A. E. Reed and subsequently conveyed to Geo. Frederick Baker, Wm. Brownscombe, Geo. Eve, Alfred John Fletcher, Francis Godfrey Ballard, Walter Kruse, Charles Leaver Smith, Albert William Smith, John Henry Solman, William Willet, George A. Woodfield, Edward. Henry Wraith, Stephen Payne, Amos Humphreys and Thomas James Green as Trustees.

 

The Iron Chapel was built in 1898, at a total cost including site of £462, but a debt of £300 was left, partly secured by the rent of the cottage. Largely through the efforts and personal service of Mr. Arthur F. Woodward and others, the work has been continued, and the debt which had increased to £355 has been reduced to £220. This little Society has had a hard struggle for existence and deserves the sympathy and help of the Circuit.

 

News from Kent Workplace Mission

I've attached (see Notices page) the annual report from Kent Workplace Mission, a charity that provides chaplaincy services to workplaces across Kent (from ports and hospitals to shopping centres) and whose meetings are held at Larkfield & East Malling Methodist Church. I've also attached information about 'Christ the Worker' Sunday, on 3 May, which you might be interested to consider if you'll be leading worship that day.

 

Texts to landline

A slightly odd one to finish... recently, I've received a number of text messages that have been sent to my landline. If it goes to answerphone, I'm afraid there's no way for me to access the message. If you're sending me a text, please ensure that it's to my mobile instead (07485 072 407) - and please accept my apologies if I've failed to respond to a text from you!

 

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​