VICAR'S LETTER.

My dear People,-

The Christmas and New Year festivities are over and the present month ushers in the solemn season of Lent. Our Church says the forty days of Lent are to be observed with fasting and prayer. No definite rules are givenu us more than these, and so it rests with loyal children of Mother Church to make their own act of self denial according as their conscience moves them. This does not mean we should ignore Lent be use the time as will benefit our daily life. A list of special services is printed below.

The Rev. D. H. Creaton is much better, although not quite restored to former health.

We are glad to see Mr. Seymour Wakeley about again after his long indisposition, and Mr. T. Walker has recovered from a trying illness. Mr. John Harris is somewhat better, and we hope all who are sick will benefit by the spring weather and warmer sunshine we now are expecting.

Colonel Locke has written from Malta. He feels the cold weather there very much. He will not be amongst us again until its gets definitely warmer.

Your sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER

LENTEN SERVICES.

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14th
Children's Service, 9 a.m.
Holy Communion, 10 a.m.
Evensong and Commination Service 7.30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 20th, will begin a series of five Lenten services at 7.30 p.m. The Rev. H M. Johnson, of St. Paul's, Chatham, will preach at three of these, and it is hoped another preacher will come for the remaining two.

The Choir, Bellringers, and the Treasurer enjoyed the Vicarage hospitality at the New Year. Supper was followed by songs. The cheery time went all too quickly. Colonel Locke was much missed by all present.

The Sunday School scholars, together with the G.F.S. had their annual treat in Christmas week. Every child received a present, and the following were also awarded prizes for almost unbroken attendance:- Victor Hollands, Cyril and Donald Friar, Marjorie, Bessy, and Ernest Philpot, Hilda and Joan Goodhew, Vera and Bertie Harris, Lily and Ronald Dixon, Winifred Kitchingham, Gordon Read, Betty and Ronald Twort, Ernest and John Baseden, Doris Skinner, and Bernard Ongley. Six of these twenty never missed attendance. Mrs. Rainey vary kindly gave us oranges, and Miss Faussett-Osborne went to London with Mrs. Mutter and obtained the presents, whilst the Vicar selected prizes from the London S.P.C.K.depot.

"Mary Gibbon" Bibles were presented to Kathleen Philpot, Gladys and Irene Ward, Victor

Hollands, and Ronald Milgate. Bibles are also awaiting presentation to Marjorie Philpot, James Philpott, William Brown, and Gladys Cooper.

MISSIONARY BOXES.

The contents were opened in December:- Mrs. Ongley, Senr., 5/2; Mrs. R. Ongley, 5/6; Bellringers, 4/5½; Mrs Kitchingham, 4/8; Vicarage, 5/2½; total, £1/5/0.

G.F.S.

The members and candidates gave an excelent Concert, together with Tableaux presented by Mrs. Noble, in the first week in January. The Hall was packed with an enthusiastic audience. We have not room to print details, but these fully appeared in the Press at the time. Yet we must say how tremendously Mrs. Noble's effort was appreciated and how grateful we are for the pains and trouble taken.

The proceeds go towards a G.F.S. Banner Fund, so that our Hartlip Branch can have a worthy banner to carry at Diocesan Ruri-decanal, or parish functions. Mrs. Mutter desires to thank all who so splendidly backed up her efforts.

The dolls dressed by the girls were sent off to St. Mary's Convalescent Home for Sick Children at Broadstairs. The Sister in charge sent a letter of warm thanks.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP.

Mrs Noble took the members to the Plaza Cinema at Gillingham for their Christmas Treat. They afterwards returned to Dane House for a sumptuous tea. It was a jolly day for all concerned.

MOTHER'S UNION.

Mrs. A. J. Hayne, enrolling member for St. Mark's, Mitcham, Surrey, came and addressed our January meeting. Her earnest words were much appreciated, aad we had the pleasure of entertaining the Newington Branch, who came over with Mrs. Francis Webb, their enrolling member. At Sittingbourne, in Holy Trinity Church, there will be the Ruri-decanal gathering of members for a "Quiet afternoon" on Thursday, Feb. 8th, at 2.30 p.m. Subject of addresses, "The Way of Renewal," as set forth by the M.U. Headquarters. We hope many will try and go to this service which our Vicar has been asked to take. He has also been asked to preach at three services of the M.U. during Lent in Canterbury Cathedral.

A supply of new Prayer Books has been purchased for the use of worshippers in the Church.

£5 was sent to Canterbury Cathedral as Hartlip's Epiphany Gift to the Archbishop's Fund for the Building of New Churches.

Sincere thanks to those who have contributed towards the deficit of the Magazine Fund.