Dear Parishioner, Following the third lock down I am delighted to announce that our four parish churches are preparing to re-open for Palm Sunday subject to no further changes in guidance from the Government. This will allow those who wish to attend in person services to celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday in each of our churches with services times at 10am. All four churches will host communion services on both Sundays. Easter is about celebrating new life in Christ’s resurrection. Whilst as individuals and as community we have suffered greatly, we can give thanks to God this Easter both for surviving the pandemic but also our steadfast faith in God and His eternal promise to each one of us. Clearly, we will continue the need to socially distance in church and at present singing is not permitted, and general COVID requirements will still be enforced. But we can meet to hear God’s word and share in thanksgiving this Easter. For those who still feel the need to self-isolate online services will continue. Post-Easter we will return to monthly communion services in each church with morning prayer services on the other three Sundays. This pattern will be held under review in the hope to return to a more normal pattern. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in the coming weeks. Yours in Christ Revd. Simon Rowlands Those wishing to attend these services at St Mary of Charity should contact Miranda Ford at 4favershamchurches@gmail.com or on 01795 227202 to book a place.
In September 2020 Faversham Rotary Club donated 1,000 crocus bulbs to the church. These had originally been obtained to promote awareness of the campaign to eradicate polio through vaccination, but COVID-19 and the lockdowns meant they couldn't be used as originally planned.They were planted in St Mary of Charity's churchyard (around the railings) and are currently looking 'bloomin' lovely (sorry, couldn't resist!)Thank you, Faversham Rotary Club for your generous gift.
Please click on this link for further information http://St-Mary-of-Charity-Church-Faversham.eventbrite.com
Message from Rev Simon RowlandsOn the approach to Remembrance Day we find ourselves in lock down once again with the hope that further unnecessary deaths can be prevented within our community and nation. Many will find a second period of isolation exceptionally difficult and at this difficult time we again have been requested to shut our Church doors. That does not mean the ‘Church’ is closed simply the building. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have requested us to spend this new time of lockdown in prayer.The Archbishops write:“May we as Christians express the hope we have and call for courage, calm and compassion. In one of the climactic passages of the New Testament, Paul says to those who follow Christ that their “love must be genuine, that they hate what is evil and hold fast to what is good.” He asks them to “serve the lord”, exhorting them to “rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” (See Romans 12.9-12.) None of this is easy. Especially not at the moment. But it is our calling.”Clearly as both a church and local community we can seek to support each other, and our worship of God will continue with services online. If you require support, private prayer or simply a person to talk to please contact 'the church' via the email 4favershamchurches@gmail.com or telephone 01795 530553Every blessing and peace.Rev Simon Rowlands(Vicar – The Benefice of Faversham)
