VICAR'S LETTER.

My dear People,-

Again the month of December has arrived and the Festival of Christmas draws near, so I wish you one and all a very happy Christmas. One hopes that when the season of goodwill and peace is ushered in, Europe may have found something of its spirit and the agony of civil war in Spain have come to a close. War at any time is horrible, but how much more so when members of the same country destroy each other by aerial bombs and fiendish shells. A dreadful legacy of hate and distrust will linger long in Spain. The destruction of non-combatants, of women and innocent children, and the loss of property involved must surely drive sane people to hate the very name of war. There ought to be another way of settling disputes than by recourse to the devilish forms of modern warfare.

In the midst of our own rejoicings let its remember the poor souls that will have no joy at Christmas, the homes of mourning and desolation, and pray that our Land and Empire be preserved in peace and that goodwill may prevail and all the threatening war clouds be dispersed.

Our sympathy goes out to Miss Ashley, our District Nurse, who has had the very unpleasant experience of having her house broken into and robbed. A large pane of glass was smashed and entrance obtained through the window during the daytime, between twelve and one. Money was taken and some jewellery she mostly valued for association's sake. One hopes the thief may be caught, but I fear she will not regain her property.

Your sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER

BURIALS.

Nov. 4th - Rose Attwood, aged 38 years.
"  21st - Stephen Waters, aged 77 years.

MOTHERS' UNION.

Those who were able to visit London for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the 4th ultimo had a very happy time, and will long remember the wonderful scenes which they saw in the Albert Hall. It was all produced on such a grand scale - the lighting effects were marvellous, especially the snow storm scene. The dresses and colouring were brilliant, and the many thousands singing to the accompaniment of the great organ and the Kneller Hall Band will remain as cherished thoughts for long to come. Above all there stood out the great lessons of each scene so vividly impressed, the things for which the Mothers' Union stands - home life, personal purity, and recognition of the claims of God.

At the next meeting on Tuesday, December the 8th we hope Miss Bates, from Sittingbourne, will come and tell the members of the work she is engaged in.

G.F.S.

The girls are very busy at work dressing the dolls to be given to orphan and sick children at Christmas. All are to be ready by December 9th, when the work will be judged by Mrs. Faussett-Osborne, at six o'clock in the School-room. Any mothers or friends who would like to see how clever the girls have been at their work are heartily invited to come at seven o'clock and view the little exhibition.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES.

Holy Communion at 6.30 and 8 a.m.

Matins and Holy Communion at 11 a.m.

On the Sunday after Christmas at the Evening Service the Choir will sing Carols and Christmas music.

CHORISTERS.

Our boys will be singing Carols at the various houses as usual, and friends are invited to contribute to their fund in recognition of the help the boys are in our services throughout the year.