05/09/2026
Dear friends
Last Sunday I had the joy of visiting the South Gillingham parishes at St Matthew's Wigmore as they marked the start of the Season of Creation. What a warm welcome I received, and how wonderful to share with other congregations in prayer, worship and praise! We begin our observance of this special time tomorrow when we gather as The Six at All Saints' Iwade for an outdoor service.
At St Matt's we watched a wonderful video by David Attenborough called How to Save Our Planet. Beautiful, disturbing and ultimately inspiring; I do urge you to watch it if you are able. The link is below the image. After all, we must surely give thanks for the beauties and abundance of God's creation while facing up to our responsibilities. More on that subject tomorrow!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Puv0Pss33M
George Hulme will be preaching and providing the challenge we need, and we will be celebrating the confirmation of seven candidates from All Saint's Iwade, who are making their confirmation promises before Bishop Rose at Minster Abbey later today. Do pray for them.
Our worship tomorrow, for the beginning of the Season of Creation is:
All Saints Iwade - 10.30am - Outdoor Benefice Communion
Please do come along - bring a chair - and meet those who will be newly confirmed. Parking is available at The Woolpack; please park on the far side, away from the pub, and share cars if possible - fewer cars to park, and better for the environment!
Our worship next Sunday, 13th September and the 2nd in the Season of Creation is:
St Margaret's Lower Halstow - 10am Morning Worship - Teresa Parker
St Mary's Newington - 10am Communion - Rev Amanda Lane
St Mary's Upchurch - 10am Morning Worship - Jill Rothery
St Michael's Hartlip - 10.30am Songs of Praise
All Saints Iwade - 10.30am Fellowship
3pm Assembly on Sunday at Iwade School - Rev Amanda Lane
On Monday evening, 6.30pm, at Lower Halstow Memorial Hall for Happy Hour. We are paying tribute to Dolly Parton, we will sing some of her biggest hits as well as marking her big hair, her love of a Cadillac and her impact on Dolly the Sheep!!!! £2/person £3/family.
All welcome. ALL ABILITIES.
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Then next Saturday, 12th September, there is a coffee morning at St Mary Magdalene Stockbury from 10am to noon, porch sale at St Mary's Upchurch and the Friends of Kent Churches Ride and Stride.
As well as the usual sponsored ride, where participants visit as many churches as possible, this year we have a NEW activity: come to St Margaret’s Church Lower Halstow and take part in the ‘Ride and Stride Treasure Hunt’ - find the six churches in our Benefice and answer the questions around The Brickfield. £3/question sheet.
I hope to see you tomorrow
Every blessing
Amanda
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Small Groups & Prayer meetings:
Opportunities for fellowship, prayer, study, discussion and worship
as part of being rooted in Jesus:
· Monday Zoom group: At 2.30pm, for link contact Gill Gay [email protected]
· Connect Group Newington: 7.30pm every Tuesday evening. Contact: Teresa Parker [email protected]
· Connect group Iwade: 7.30pm at 17 Meadow Brown, Iwade. Contact: Becky Ridley [email protected]
· Prayer Groups Newington: Wednesdays fortnightly (1st & 3rd) from 10am. Contact Teresa Parker. Tuesday morning at 7.30am in St Mary's Newington. Contact [email protected]
Lower Halstow Prayer and chat 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 10am at St Margaret of Antioch church. Contact [email protected]
· Men's Breakfast: second Saturday at 8.30am at St Margaret's Lower Halstow.
Other regular activities: If there are any gaps then do let us know. Next dates are highlighted.
· St Michael's Hartlip: Coffee morning first & third Wednesday from 10.30am: 16th September
· Bereavement Group: in St Margaret's Lower Halstow every Thursday morning from 10am.
· Rainbow Cafe: in St Mary's Upchurch on second Thursday from 2.00 to 4.30pm: 10th September
· Cornerstone Cafe: in St Mary's Newington third Thursday from 9am: 17th September
· Newington Methodist Coffee Morning: First Saturday morning from 10.00 to noon: sec0nd Saturdayin Newington Chapel
St Mary Magdalene Stockbury coffee morning from 10.00 to noon 12th September
· "Porch Sale" in St Mary's Upchurch: on Second Saturday from 10.00am: 12th September
Upchurch Choral Society: UCS rehearses on Friday nights, from 7.45pm to 9.15pm in St Mary's church. This is a four-part choir. New members are welcome, no audition needed.
Interested? Contact the Secretary Heather Medlock: [email protected]
UCS will restart on Friday 18th September.
Happy Hour Singing Group at Lower Halstow Memorial Hall, 6.30pm-7.30pm, 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Next meeting 7th September
Newington Court: Two monthly events are open to local residents: Dementia Cafe every 2nd Friday / Craft Club every 4th Wednesday Book through 01795 843033.
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Amanda Lane
Priest-in-Charge of The Six