HARTLIP PARISH MAGAZINE.

MARCH, 1917.

Dear Friends,

We have lost one of our oldest parishioners during the past month in the person of Eliza Jane Sone, who, I think, came to Hartlip as a bride as far back as 1862, therefore there are very few now who have lived in the parish so long. Never possibly over robust, yet possessing remarkable vitality, she has reared a family, and lived to a good age, although her health for many years past had been very precarious, more especially during the last twelve months, when the affection of the throat became worse and worse, making the swallowing of food next to impossible.

Such an illness was of necessity very distressing, but throughout it was borne with fortitude and patience; the dominant thought ever in her mind being "it is God's will for me to have this trial; His will be done." Such submission and patience was a noble example of Christian living, and was only possible by one who relied on the grace of God day by day.

A married life of over half a century cannot be broken without a shock to the one who is left. Our sympathy goes out to Thomas Sone in his lonesome sadness, as he approaches his four score years.

March 11, III Sunday in Lent, is our Temperance Sunday, Mr. John L. Fleming will again be the preacher at 11 and 6.30. He will address the children at 2.30, and at 3.30 he will hold a Service for Men. Never was temperance more necessary from every point of view than at the present time: viz., for the sake of "fitness" when all are called upon to do their bit in the present vital emergency; for the sake of economy; for the sake of the home and nation; for the sake of our highest good.

I trust that Mr. Fleming will have many hearers, and that what few men there are left will make a great effort to attend the Service specially arranged for them that day at 3.30.

The Confirmation will be held (D.V.) at Newington Church on Wednesday, March 14, at 7, by the Bishop of Croydon.

This Service of Apostolic origin and practice is therefore more ancient than our Testament itself, and is referred to in the Epistle to the Hebrews vi. 2 as one of the four "doctrines" of our faith. It is consequently of supreme importance and value to those who rightly use it, and seriously and conscientiously prepare for it. Therefore may I ask your prayers on behalf of those who are being prepared to receive this sacred rite of the Church.

The Annual Service of the Mothers' Union is fixed for Monday, March 26, at 2.30, in Church, when the Vicar of Upchurch (Rev. A. G. H. Dicker) has kindly promised to give the Address. It is some time now since the M.U. met, therefore, I trust that each member will do her utmost to be present that afternoon.

On the following Wednesday, March 28, at 7.30 p.m., while we will not omit to intercede for our brave soldiers and sailors, the Service that evening will be specially one of preparation for the Easter Communion.

The claims upon our time and attention just now are many, and are apt to crowd out the claims of out higher self, and of our highest good, and also the claims of our Lord. "Let a man, examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup." I Cor. xi. 28. It is the bounden duty of every member of the Church to receive the Holy Communion regularly, and also to prepare him or herself for the same. This Service, on the 28th, is to help us to do that, and the Vicar of St. Nicholas', Rochester is kindly coming to address us on the subject. I would, therefore, most earnestly invite every one of our Communicants to this Service, and also any one who has not been for a long time I would ask them to come and hear what the Lord has to say, through the voice of His Messenger, on the very important subject of the Lord's Supper.

How are we using this Lent? Our Lord spent His forty days in the wilderness, thereby giving up everything for us. What are we giving up? Our slackness, our carelessness about Sunday worship? Let us be thorough this Lent, then we can anticipate Easter joy.

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. S. McMILLAN.

OFFERTORIES IN JANUARY.
£s.d.
Jan.7-Church Expenses0143
"14-Organ and Choir01611
"21-Church Expenses0105
"28-Church Expenses0107
"1 and 25 - A.C.S. Offerings120
"3 - 31 - Belgian Children's Fund1111
BURIAL.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Feb.19-Eliza Jane Sone, aged 77 years.
CALENDAR.
Mar.2, 3 - Ember Days.
"4-II, Sunday in Lent. Return Ember Pence Envelopes.
"11-Temperance Sermons by Mr. J. L. Fleming 11 and 6.30. Children, 2.30. Men only 3.30.
"14-Confirmation at Newington Church. 7 p.m.
"25-Mothers' Union Communion. 7 p.m.
"26-Special Service for Mothers' Union. 2.30 p.m.
"28-Preparation Service, 7.30 p.m.

Each Friday, at 3, Litany and Devotional Reading, Wednesdays, Lenten Service at 7.30 p.m.