Canon Rob Dillingham informed all that it had finally been agreed, to appoint a House for Duty (HfD) incumbent to Cowden who will work in a ministerial team led by Rev’d Julie Sear (Hartfield and Colemans Hatch). He explained that a HfD post means that someone will live in the Rectory, rent free and give 2.5 days a week to the Church. The relationship between Cowden and Hartfield / Colemans Hatch will remain informal initially with Cowden staying in East Grinsted Deanery. Hartfield and Colemans Hatch are in Rotherfield Deanery. He explained that the cost of moving Cowden into Rotherfield Synod will be considerable and very time consuming, so it had been agreed to get a HfD in post first. Rob stated that this is the best solution for Cowden at this present time as it will ensure that there is a priestly and authorized cover living in the village.
The Good Friday service consisted of 8 readings and Easter hymns. It led all who attended to the foot of the cross. Various member of the congregation read and allowed who attended to really think and meditate on what they heard. The Easter Service was attended by a number of families and children enjoyed activities at the back of church during the service. At the end of the service there was an Easter egg hunt and lovely cake with our coffee.
