This week...

​​​​​​(See services and activities pages for a list of regular groups and activities.)​​​​​​​​​​

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Saturday 28 February - Let's get ready to jumble!

If you love a bargain, then do pop Saturday 28 February in your diary!

 

At Larkfield, there'll be a mammoth book sale and coffee morning to celebrate World Book Day, from 10am - 12pm. There'll also be toys, music and puzzles to buy. 

 

Then pop along to Tonbridge Road between 10.30am and 12.30pm for a jumble sale.

 

Do let me know if you manage to do both!

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Next Prayer & Praise - Thursday 5 March 2pm 

We'd love to welcome newcomers to 'Prayer & Praise' on Thursday 5 March at 2pm at St Mary's Old Church, Burham. This monthly gathering is an opportunity to pause, to breathe, and to spend around 45 minutes sharing in prayer, reflection, and acoustic worship songs in this stunning historic church. Wrap up warm if it's a chilly day!

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Could you help?

Alison Hornsby has, at long last, been given a date for her operation, for which we are very thankful. She will need to get to the hospital in London on Friday 6 March, and would be most grateful if someone could give her a lift, as she will have luggage to bring with her. If you could offer a lift on Friday 6 March, please contact Alison on knittynoo52@gmail.com

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For your Diary...

 

MARCH

Calling all craftivists!

Are you a keen knitter or crotcheter (is that a word)? Have you wondered if your crafts could change the world?

 

You might be interested to join the Methodist Church's monthly 'Wholehearted' online gathering on 10 March, to listen to Sarah Corbett, an award-winning activist and author, Ashoka Fellow and founder of the global Craftivist Collective. Her unique 'Gentle Protest' approach to activism and craftivism (craft + activism) engages people in slow, quiet, humble and kind activism and has directly helped change hearts, minds, policies and laws around the world combining campaign strategy, neuroscience, psychology and rooted in her Christian faith. Click here to book.

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Lent course 

Please note that I'll be running a Lent course on Wednesday evenings over Zoom, starting on 18 February and open to folks from all the churches I serve. We'll be looking at resources called 'Fruitfulness on the Frontline' and thinking about how we make a difference where we are, whether that's at work, school, home, or in the community. You can find more details and an introductory video here.

 

If you'd like to join us at 7.45pm on Wednesday 11 March (and subsequent weeks), here are the Zoom details:

 

https://zoom.us/j/92097680710?pwd=6j4IImobHdCOSN4a52LIwjfMx7Aksw.1

 

Meeting ID: 920 9768 0710

Passcode: 479237

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Roger Barton's funeral

For those wishing to attend Roger Barton's funeral, here are the details from Shirley: 'The Committal Service for Roger will be held on Thursday 26th March at Vinters Park Crematorium at 1pm for family only. This will be live streamed and further details will be shared later. You are welcome to join the family at 2pm for a Thanksgiving Service at Holy Cross Church. The service will be led by Revd Robert Zachar. The wake afterwards will be held at Tudor Park Hotel and all are welcome. Donations in Roger’s memory will support the work of Action for Children.'

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APRIL

Outreach in Martin Square - Saturday 4 April 10am - 12pm 

I'm pleased to say that on Holy Saturday (4 April), from 10am - 12pm, we'll once again be heading to Martin Square with friends from St James the Great, East Malling and Holy Trinity, Larkfield to share the love of Jesus and the good news of Easter. We'll have giveaways, leaflets, and volunteers willing to chat to passers-by. We always have some interesting conversations - and people always appreciate the giveaways! Please do join us if you can. You are welcome to join me and Rev Mandy for a planning session at 3.15pm on Wednesday 11 February at the Welcome Hub.

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Easter 2026

Please find a poster for the sunrise service taking place on Easter Day, 5th April, (followed by breakfast!). 

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Exploring vocation

The Methodist Church offers an 'Explore' programme for anyone wishing to explore church leadership, whether lay or ordained. The next cohort begins in May 2026. If you might like to join them, you can book here to join a taster session on 14 April 2026 at 7pm.

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25 April 2026

Churches Together in Malling have been busy organising a fantastic event for next year. On Saturday 25 April 2026 at Brookfield Primary School, Larkfield, there will be a performance of I am Mark: a solo, word-for-word dramatisation of the Gospel of Mark, consciously modelled on the very first tellings of this good news. Since beginning in 2016 in Speakers’ Corners and on high streets, it has been presented in churches, cathedrals, theatres, schools, festivals and prisons. It has consistently proved a powerful way of opening up Scripture for both those exploring faith and Christians encountering it afresh. Do pop the date in your diaries!

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Safeguarding training

If you are an officeholder in the Methodist Church, depending on the nature of your role, you may need a DBS check and/or to undertake Safeguarding training. If you're unsure whether this applies to you (or how to access the relevant training), please chat to your Church Safeguarding Officer. You can also consult the attached lists of roles requires to complete Foundation or Advanced Safeguarding training; the attached 'Safer Recruitment' policy also contains information (from p. 17 onwards) about who is required to have a DBS check. 

 

The circuit will be offering the Foundation Module training both online and face-to-face in the Spring. You can either:

 

• Attend two online sessions via Zoom towards the end of March (both sessions must be attended).

• Attend one in-person session at Third Avenue Methodist Church in Gillingham on 25 April at 9.30am. 

 

Please contact Paul and Trish, the Circuit Safeguarding Officers, on safeguardingtrainingnk@gmail.com to book your place.

 

If you have completed the Foundation Module in the past, but need to renew (after four years) you can do so online at a time of your choosing, here: https://mcb.theologyx.com/course/creating-safer-spaces-foundation-module/

 

If you need to complete the Advanced Module, you can find the dates for the gathered sessions here (you will need to complete work online first).

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MAY

Maidstone Bible Week 11 - 14 May 

Please find a letter about this year's Maidstone Bible Week, in which Nigel Styles from Cross Connections will be speaking about 2 Peter.

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JUNE - SEPTEMBER

Sabbatical

Every seven years, Methodist ministers are generously gifted a sabbatical of three months by the Church. I wanted to let you know that mine is due next year (from mid-June to mid-September 2026) - as we're now starting to get meetings in the diary almost that far ahead! I will be working with a support group from the circuit between now and June to ensure that suitable cover is in place across the churches I serve.

 

​OTHER NOTICES

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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Cooks needed! 

As many of you know, as a church, we love being able to offer Meal Trains (ie a week of meals delivered to your door) to those who might find this helpful - those who have just come out of hospital, for instance, or have just had a baby. We would love to have a few more volunteers to join the Meal Train team - you don't have to sign up to every Meal Train, and if cooking isn't your speciality, then you can always deliver a ready meal or order a takeaway! We have a couple of Meal Trains on the horizon (as families in the church are expecting babies in the near future, and we would love to bless them in this way). If you might be willing to join the team, please contact Claire (claireboxall@sky.com).

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Job opportunity with Kent Workplace Mission

Kent Workplace Mission is seeking to recruit a part-time Lead Chaplain in the East of Kent. The advert and job specification are below - please do share them with anyone who might be interested.

 

Volunteer role - District Treasurer

The South East Methodist District is seeking a new Treasurer from April 2026 - might you be able to help? You can find all the details here.

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Volunteer vacancies in the South East District

If you are interested in getting involved in Methodism beyond the local level, you might like to check out these vacancies for volunteers in the South East Methodist District. I'm sure the district would be thrilled to hear from you!

Volunteer Vacancies — The Methodist Church — South East District

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Newsletter from Maidstone Street Pastors

Please find attached the latest news and updates from the Maidstone Street Pastors, about their valuable ministry in the town centre.

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Could you be a BB Leader - or do you know someone who could? 

Our fabulous Boys' Brigade team are still looking to recruit new Leaders and Helpers. I've reattached the advert - please have a think and a pray about whether you know someone who might be suited to the role (or whether you might be!). Please do pass the advert to anyone who might be interested. ​​​​