FROM THE VICARAGE STUDY

My Dear People,

December was an unusually busy month. Events of some importance seemed to follow fast one upon another till Christmas Day itself. In the space available I cannot begin to comment fully or thank adequately. Sufficient to say that, in spite of the weather and rather smaller attendance, the Bazaar achieved the excellent total of £140 - a tribute of course to the many who played a part, including Mrs. Powell, our opener, whose presence and interest in all the stalls helped greatly towards this result. Within a week it was our privilege to welcome the Bishop of Dover for the first Confirmation in Hartlip for three years, a full church rightly emphasising the importance of this occasion in our church life; it was a special pleasure to have our new Suffragan Bishop with us so soon after his consecration on St. Andrew's Day and not least because he was so willing to talk to everyone at the reception afterwards.

Once more the Sanctuary Guild decorated the church attractively for the Festival of Christmas itself; again we were indebted to the School for the tree and its lights and, as an interesting change, the Christmas Story was portrayed this year by a large-size crib and figures made by the Primary schoolchildren under Mrs. Snape's direction. As for Christmas Day itself, the figures elsewhere tell their own tale - a record number of Communicants and well-attended services. I can only say that I was much encouraged and I sincerely hope that you all found them a helpful vehicle for expressing the joy and thanksgiving and worship of God that should be uppermost in us all at that time.

I have purposely left mention of the end-of-term School Service till last, mainly because its theme has a direct link with the Feast of Epiphany which is almost upon us. As a complete change from carol service or nativity play, parents and friends took part in a Sung Eucharist, illustrated by tableaux. The impression given was such that the Chief Diocesan Inspector of Schools has asked for the School to repeat this service in his own church of St. Peter's, Canterbury, before an invited congregation of clergy and teachers from his Deanery - which reflects much credit on Mr. Snape, his staff and our children. The whole Service, though, was summed up by the Offertory procession, in which the Three Kings offered at the sanctuary rail the alms, bread and wine, symbolising the offering of ourselves to God in and through our daily work and lives. There you have the intention that should be behind all our worship and our lives.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.