Hartlip Parish Magazine - November, 1917.

Dear Friends,

You remember that the gross takings of the "War Funds Sale" held at the Vicarage in August were nearly £24, which together with some articles made and sold since by Mrs. McMillan has enabled us to attain our object, viz.: to clear £20 net. This amount has been divided between St. Dunstan's Hostel for the Blind, Church Army Huts Fund, Braille books, Temperance Society Huts, Kentish Prisoners of War Parcels Fund, and the Mine Sweepers. This is a highly satisfactory result of a modest effort, made at the close of a Three Years' War.

We duly celebrated our Dedication Festival by a service on St. Michael's Eve, September at 7.30 p.m., when the Rural Dean (Rev. J. G. Easton) preached so ably - as is his habit - on the Ministry of the Angels. A most helpful sermon indeed it was, but its effect was almost nullified by the crash of our guns immediately overhead, shelling the enemy aircraft. The lamps were all turned low, and after Hymn 379, the blessing was pronounced, and all hurried home, except those who had previously left the Church.

The offertory, together with that at the Celebration next morning, amounted to £1 10s., and was in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. On Sunday, September 30, we offered our Thanksgiving for the Harvest, when the amount raised for the funds of Rochester Hospital was £3 7s., making nearly £5 raised within the two days. A considerable quantity of fruit, with vegetables, etc., were also sent to the Hospital.

On this Sunday evening soon after service, which was at 6 o'clock, again the enemy raiders arrived, and we had a trying time, which was repeated during the full moon period., on remarkably clear nights. This is one of the chief ways the Huns are taking revenge upon our homeland, and hope thereby to terrify us into submission, to seek for peace. Doubtless they may repeat these aerial nightly visits, and in places destroy life and property, but generally speaking they can't do much to interfere with our progress of the war. And again the multitude of anti-aircraft guns we now possess must make it very alarming for the "raiders" to have so many shells bursting all around them, the noise of which we hear so plainly, and so upsets people; but this very noise is an assurance to us that our defenders are doing their part against the enemy, and should help to make us calm and steadfast. "This is our bit of danger,"

and a small one, compared with that which our nearest and dearest are facing hourly. Let there be no panic amongst us, lest the enemy rejoice.

In order to avoid the dark when these raids occur, many desired to have the evening service at 3 o'clock on Sundays, at which hour it will therefore, be for the present; and I sincerely hope that you who have work to do will arrange it so as to get to God's House at least once on His Day. Dear friends, it matters little what else we get, or have here, if we neglect our "Father's House" and worship; our earthly worship is surely the preparation for the Heavenly. If we neglect the first we shall not be prepared for the second! Alas to have had the opportunities but to have neglected them.

We have lost an old and respected parishioner in John Boorman. He had enjoyed a remarkably long life of good health, and had been in active work till a short time ago, when he had an ailment, apparent to all. His sufferings were intense at times. But, his calmness and composure were quite inspiring, and his faith sure. It was a privilege to minister to such a one in his closing days.

Your faithful friend and Pastor,

J. S. McMILLAN.

HOLY BAPTISM.
"Suffer the little children to come unto Me ... for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Oct.7-Raymond, son of Joseph Geo. T. and Frances Annie Holloway, Rainham.
BURIAL.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Oct.22-John Boorman, aged 85 years.
CALENDAR.
Nov.1-"All Saints' Day." Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.
"28-Decanal Missionary Service, 3.0. St. Michael's, Sittingbourne.
"29-Missionary and War Intercession, 3.0.
"30-St. Andrew, Ap. and M. Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.

Each Wednesday at 3 p.m., Intercession Service for the men at the front.