HARTLIP PARISH MAGAZINE.

MAY, 1917.

Dear Friends,

My illness proved to be much longer than expected, and the continued severe weather prevented my getting out, and also going away somewhere. But after a good change I hope (D.V.) to return in May, and take up my duties again.

My clerical neighbours have readily helped me all they could, to provide a service on Sundays, as also in taking funerals. To them I feel very much indebted for this help in my time of need.

With May I hope the ordinary services - morning and evening - will recommence, and that we will try to get back to the old regular habits of worshipping God in His own House, on His own day, for has He not promised a blessing to the earnest regular worshipper. viz.: "Them that honour Me I will honour"? On May 6 the usual services will be at 11.0, 3.0 and 6.30.

The Hartlip house-to-house collection for St. Bart's. Hospital, Rochester, was undertaken by Mrs. Day, Miss Ella Kitchingham, Mrs. Rainey, Mrs. W. Friar, and Miss Carrie Harris in March; and resulted in my being able to forward a cheque for £5 9s. 4d.; the Secretary replied, expressing his thanks to all concerned.

One of the most serious questions before the country, and, therefore, before us individually, at the present time is, have we sufficient wheat in this island to last till the next harvest? In other words, are we in sight of a famine? The Food Controller tells us plainly, THAT WE ARE, within sight of it.

This can only be averted by the consumption of bread and flour being reduced, and may be done by each individual reducing his rations. The submarines still sink our corn ships.

If that goes on unchecked, and we continue to use as much bread and flour as we were doing, then - says the Food Controller - nothing can prevent our coming to want.

Ascension Day falls on the 17th, and seeing that it celebrates our Blessed Lord's return to Heaven from this earth, it therefore vies in importance with Christmas Day. I trust we shall be able to worthily observe the day as usual.

The Tuesday before, viz., the 13th, is the day on which we should hold our Annual Rogation Service in the Churchyard: when we confess our sins as a people, and ask (rogare) God's blessing on the seeds sown, and on the fruits of the earth. Never was such a service more appropriate and necessary than this season; therefore I do trust that all of you who possibly can will try to attend, whether it be held in the open, or in the Church.

On Whit-Sunday at 3 o'clock we hope to hold our annual Egg and Flower Service; all offerings made at that service will be sent to the Children's Ward, St. Barthololmew's Hospital, Rochester.

Towards the end of March, Grace Godden, who had had to keep to her bed again recently, was taken suddenly worse, and died very peacefully within a few hours. She was one of our regular communicants, most interested in everything connected with the welfare of the Church, and whose chief sorrow is recent years was, in not being able to get to God's House. What better legacy can any of you leave behind you than this, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the House of the Lord?"

Many of you remember Mrs. Russell (née Faussett Osborne) who took an active interest in the parish previous to her marriage with Col. Russell some years ago.

Early in April, while staying at Torquay for his health, her husband passed away. We would express our sympathy with Mrs. Russell in her bereavement and sadness.

On April 16 our oldest parishioner was laid to rest in the Churchyard, viz.: Emily Kitchiligham, at the ripe age of 85 years. She was known throughout the countryside, and also in the towns, as one who had managed the "Rose and Crown" with such care and propriety for some 40 years, and also the provider of attractive meals for hungry travellers. She strove to do her duty to the public - not always an easy matter.

Her retirement, so well earned and longed for, she was not spared to enjoy.

Your faithful friend and Pastor,

J. S. McMILLAN.

OFFERTORIES.
£s.d.
Mar.4-Church Expenses0128
"11-C.E.T.S.171
"18-Church Expenses0156
"25-Church Expenses0141
"28-C.E.T.S.
Alms Box		0410
BURIALS.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Mar.30-Grace Godden. aged 66 Years.
April16-Emily Kitchingham, aged 85 years.
CALENDAR.
May6-Services at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.
"15-Rogation Tuesday.
"17-Ascension Day. For services see Notice Board.
"27-Whit-Sunday
8.0, Holy Communion.
11.0, Mattins and Holy Commununion.
3.0, Egg and Flower Service.
6.30, Evening Service.
Take Ember P. Envelope.
"28-Monday, 10.30, Holy Communion.