This week...

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

​​

SATURDAY

Eccles coffee morning - Saturday 15 November 11am - 1pm 

The monthly fundraising coffee morning at the Church in Eccles will be taking place this Saturday at the new time of 11am - 1pm. Pop along for a cuppa, delicious homemade cakes, a tabletop sale and activities for children.

 

SUNDAY

Cafe Church at Burham this weekend 

We'd love to see you for the monthly Cafe Church in Burham, held in partnership with All Saints, Wouldham. As always, there will be tasty homemade cakes, lots of tea and coffee, and good conversation as we worship together in an informal way. All are welcome, at 3pm on Sunday 16 November at the Old School Community Centre, Burham. 

 

THURSDAY

Membership exploration sessions

I'll be running sessions on Thursdays 20 November, 4 December and 11 December at The Friars in Aylesford for anyone interested in becoming a member of their local church. We'll meet from 10am - 11.30am over tea and cake to explore what it means to us to be a Christian, a Methodist, and a member of a local church. If you'd like to take part, please do let me know.

​

SUNDAY

Service of Remembering - Sunday 23 November 3pm 

You are warmly invited to a Service of Remembering at Larkfield & East Malling Methodist Church on Sunday 23 November at 3pm. This gentle, reflective service is intended for anyone who has lost a loved one. There will be the opportunity to listen to music, say prayers, and light candles. Please let me know if you would like me to include a particular piece of music or reading in memory of a loved one. Also, if you would be willing to help serve refreshments after the service, I would be glad to hear from you. 

​

For your Diary...

​

NOVEMBER

Domestic abuse awareness webinar - Thursday 27 November

The Methodist Church has organised a domestic abuse awareness webinar on Thursday 27 November from 9.30am - 12.30pm. This webinar will seek to increase understanding around control and coercive behaviour, the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship, and how churches can respond well to domestic abuse, ensuring that there is help available for victims/survivors. You can find the details and sign up here.

​​

DECEMBER

HMP Maidstone Carol Service - Tuesday 16 December 5.30pm

I know that several of you really value the opportunity to attend the annual carol service at HMP Maidstone. This year's service will take place on Tuesday 16 December at 5.30pm; please see the attached for further details, including about how to book your place.

​

JANUARY

Church weekend away 

We're excited to say that we'll be sending out invitations on Sunday 14 September (the day our Alpha Course begins) inviting you to book your place on our church weekend away. We'll be heading to Ashburnham Place from Friday 30 January - Sunday 1 February 2026 - and we'd love for you to join us. There are 50 spaces available, and the grant funding we have received from the circuit and district means that we can operate on a 'pay what you can' basis - meaning that the weekend away will be accessible to anyone from our extended church family who wishes to join us. We hope this will be a really special time together, as we spend time with old friends and make new ones, and as we build on the content of this autumn's Alpha Course. Do save the date - and get ready to book your place!

​​​

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2026

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

Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter - Volunteers needed

MCWS will be returning to Tonbridge Road on Sunday evenings this winter. Applications are welcome from anyone wishing to volunteer (at Tonbridge Road or in other venues). You can find the form at maidstoneshelter.org.uk/volunteer - click on the 'Volunteer here' button. If you prefer a paper form, you can contact the office on 01622 296 450 or mcwsoffice@maidstoneshelter.org.uk. The deadline for applications is Sunday 30 November, and further details can be found in the attached. 

​

MCWS is also holding its annual fundraising dinner, with support from Frédéric bistro, on Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 7pm. Frédéric’s is an independent French restaurant in the heart of Maidstone. The dinner will cost £30 per person, which includes a donation to the winter shelter. If you would like to book your place, please do so by Thursday 16 October by emailing Mandy on mcwsoffice@maidstoneshelter.org.uk.

​

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. ​​​​