VICAR'S LETTER.

My dear People,-

With the issue of this magazine we come to the end of the first part of the Church's year.

On Whit-Sunday the Holy Communion will be celebrated at 7, 8, and 11 a.m. The two early services provide an opportunity for those with family ties to attend on this the Church's birthday. Those recently confirmed will make their first communion on this day, and we welcome them into the closer fellowship of the Church of God. Let its all pray that these young people may continue steadfast and loyal to their Mother Church.

We welcome new arrivals in the persons of Paymaster Captain and Mrs. Marks and family, who are residing at Roseneath. We trust their stay amongst us may be very pleasurable.

I shall be away with Mrs Mutter for two Sundays in June. We go to Scotland for a rest and change.

Your sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER.

MOTHERS' UNION.

The next meeting will be in July, and we hope to hold it in the Vicarage Garden following the Quarerly Service in the Church. A number of members attended the Rural Deanery Summer Festival which was held at Upchurch.

MARY GIBBON CHARITY.

In accordance with the terms of the Will of the late Mrs. Mary Gibbon, who endowed the Hartlip Church School - three scholars were presented with Bibles on completion of their education, viz., Winifred Harris, Dorothy Atkins, and Cyril Friar.

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

During the Summer the girls have a rest from classes. They have been very busy making various fancy work for their sale which is to be held on the Vicarage Lawn later on in the Summer. Quite a pile of pretty things have accumulated.

Country dancing has been taught by Mrs. Cook and some of the girls are very proficient in this old world form of amusement.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP.

The Members have ended their meetings with a party at Dane house, held on May 25th. Mrs. Noble entertained a goodly gathering there. After tea the company were amused by acted charades and competitions, needless to say the fun was fast and furious. The "mannequin parade" will not soon be forgotten. Mrs. Noble was thanked by musical honours and hearty cheers. The Meetings will be resumed again next October. agai

CONFIRMATION.

The Bishop of Dover conducted the Service in St. Margaret's Church, Raihnam, on May 9th. Those presented from this parish were Ernest William John Harris, Cyril Edric Friar, Victor George Hollands, Gladys Emily Ward, and Vera Edith Ivy Harris.

OVERSEAS MISSIONS.

The Vicar is the Ruri-decanal Secretary of the Missionary Council. This year he had to report a falling off of £84 in contributions in this Deanary. What has happened in the Sittingbourne Deanery is also evident in the other Deaneries - there has been a general decline in the money given. It is a serious matter, for no-one who loves the Church can bear the thought of cutting down the expenses in the Missions Field or permitting a policy of retrenchment. The Church Assembly has published a wonderful book entitled, "With one accord". It gives fascinating comprehensive study of the Missionary Work our Church is doing throughtout the World. All should read this. The cost is only 1/0 and the Vicar will gladly obtain copies for any who will order them. All church-people are asked to make a 10 per cent increase in iheir contributions this year. If all Churches do this it will help very materially to keep the overseas work on a firm basis. "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" was the Ascensiontide Command, and we must loyally respond to Christ's Command. On June 14th there will be the Summer Missionary Festival at Holy Trinity, Sittingbourne. Placards will be posted giving details of this. It is to be sincerely hoped that Hartlip will be well represented there. Note the date and determine you will go. Hartlip gave last year £17/10/6 altogether.

SUMMER OUTING.

To be held at Margate on July 5th. Those wishing to go must book their seats at least a week before. Further details next month.