Hartlip Parish Magazine. November, 1922.

Dear Friends -

It is most probable that never, in the whole history of our Church's Dedication Day - St. Michael's - has there ever been held a more enheartening and uplifting service, than that on September 29th last, at 7.30 p.m, when a devotional atmosphere surrounded us, and hearts went out in praise and prayer; particularly was this so, when we sang the Te Deum as our final act of praise. The Bishop of Dover preached a most helpful sermon on the Angels and the work they are ever doing. He also in the afternoon had met in the Vicarage Garden, our Church Workers who were able to get there, and given them a brief address on the privilege and happiness of doing the work for God and His Church.

Our Services of thanksgiving for the Harvest on Sunday Oct. 8th, were quite up to the average for heartiness and brightness. As arranged the Rev. W. A. R. Ball took Mattins and preached and the rural Dean (Rev. A. P. McNeile) preached at 6.30. a somewhat unusual but most interesting sermon, comparing the vast difference in the transport of corn owing to no roads 1000 years ago; the bad roads 100 years ago, and the good ones at the present time: while science has provided us with with the newest means of transport, in bringing us corn from the ends of - not only this country - but of the earth. For all of which blessings, at such a Service, we thank the Lord.

I would here compliment the Organist for his untiring energies, and the Choir for their application in preparing and rendering the two foregoing services, and their anthems in such a most satisfactory manner. The collections on both occasions - although only one day between were good, especially the former.

Our little Missionary Sale, on Wednesday, October 4th, began in sunshine, but as was feared from the red sunrise, rain fell in the early afternoon, and so marred our enterprise, as has been experience in numerous parishes this last summer.

We however struggled on; the G.F.S. girls gave their melodies etc. under the spreading Cedar Tree, where the audience also sheltered. Mrs. McMillan has been keeping Open Shop in the Parish Room since, and sold sweets and toys and garments, etc. being anxious that the Missionary Societies should not suffer.

Congratulations to the Secretary and Committee on the success of the Hartlip Gift Sale on October 7th, - The display of fruit and vegetables was

excellent, and the cash result considering present day prices most encouraging, £13 odd: which was in aid of the funds of Rochester Hospital.

Armistice Sunday November 5th. is generally observed throughout the Country. Gen. Lord Horne has written a strong appeal - supported by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York - asking the Clergy to hold a Special Service that day for the ex-service men and their friends, and to give the collection to the Service Candidates' Ordination Fund. I therefore propose to make our 6.30 Service on November 5th of a Special kind, and cordially invite all our Ex-Service Men and their friends to attend it.

The National Assembly has requested that in every diocese in the country the week beginning Sunday, November 26th and ending December 3rd. be one of "Prayer, Instructions and Self Denial."

The Archbishop says "our object is to remind men, women and children in the simplest and most sacred way possible of our responsibility in the sight of God to make our corporate life a reality in great things and in small. We are a Society of the children of Jesus Christ. We desire with all our hearts that in that fellowship we may be enabled to act and pray together. I very earnestly ask that every one will give quiet attention to the observance of our special week ..... and with simple perseverance make our joint endeavour fruitful for the common good."

I can but heartily endorse his Grace's words.

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

CALENDAR.
Nov.1-"All Saints." Holy Communion 10.30 a.m. "All Souls' Eve," Service 7 p.m.
"5-Armistice Sunday, Special Service.
Memorial of the Fallen, 6.30 p.m.
"10-Annual Meeting at the Vicarage, for the Maidstone Home.
"26-Week of Prayer begins - See Notices.
"29-Whole Day of Intercession - Closing with Service at 7 p.m.
"30-St. Andrew, Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.