Biddenden Church and Smarden Church: notices

CHURCH NOTICES for week beginning Sunday, 29th January 2012

It is with sadness that we record the deaths of  Mick Brooker and Arthur Knowles.  A funeral and celebration of Mick's  life will take place on Tuesday 31st January at 1pm, at All Saints Biddenden, and the service for Arthur Knowles will take place on Thursday 2nd February at 2.00pm, also at All Saints.

Retreat Morning:  A guided retreat morning for Lent - "Getting the Message" - has been organised for Saturday 4th March 9.30am to 1.00pm at the Charter Hall, Smarden.  The Rev'd Rosemary Kobus-Van Wegen will lead reflections on how we hear God, how do we know the prompting of God, using art, poetry, music and silence.  All are welcome.  For further details please speak to Alex on 01580 291454 or Judy on 01580 765475.

You are all warmly invited to join a Week of Accompanied Prayer, 13th — 19th May 2012.  This will be an individually guided retreat in the midst of everyday life.  This is for YOU wherever you are on your spiritual journey.  No previous experience is necessary!  If you are interested in joining, please pick up further information and an application form at the back of church.  To help plan the number of prayer guides we will need it will be helpful to know of your interest as soon as possible.

Please be aware that Alex Bienfait's day off is changing.  It used to Monday.  But from week commencing Monday 30th January, it will be Friday.  This will affect the mid week Eucharist on Fridays.  See below.

Smarden Mid week Eucharists are changing from Fridays to Tuesday.  The first Tuesday Eucharist will be Tuesday 31st January, at Little Smarden House.  (Jenefer Randolph's home).  (No Eucharist on Friday 27th)

Candlemas Service & Supper - All Saints Biddenden Sunday 5th February 6.00pm:  The church marks the end of the Christmas season with a celebration remembering Jesus' presentation in the Temple.  As in previous years, we will celebrate this with a special candlelit evening service at All Saints.  This year we will be welcoming Archdeacon Philip Down (Archdeacon of Ashford).  This will also be the occasion for a formal thanksgiving and dedication of the re-wiring and new lighting for the church.  Supper follows after the service in Biddenden Village Hall.  Adults £7.50 and Children £4.  Please let Liz Rickwood (01580 291338) know if you would like to come.  Friends from Smarden very welcome.

Biddenden Home Study Group: Next meeting Wednesday 8th February at  8.00pm at The Cottage.72 North Street.  New members most welcome.  Please contact Julie on 291658 or Martin on 291649 for more information.

Smarden Pancake Party:  Friends of Smarden Church will be holding their very popular Pancake Party on Tuesday 21st February in the Charter Hall from 5.30 to 8.00pm.  Tickets from the Smarden Post Office or on the door.

Tenterden Ladies' Breakfast - dates for 2012:
(All on Saturdays at the Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, 8.30am start, Tickets £10)
25th February, 21st April, 16th June-(men invited), 29th September, 3rd November.  More information available from Sally Giles (291649)

Tenterden Men's Breakfast next date 17March - in St Mildred's Church Hall : FANSTONE & Baptist Mini
at Gravesend

Clock renovation fund raising, All Saints:
If you have any ideas how we might raise the balance of the money needed to renovate the clock-face, please contact Julie on 291658.