FROM THE METHODIST MINISTER

Dear Friends,

By the time this is in print, the Election will be over, and all the hulabalolo will be dying down; we shall have made our choice.

Our choice will have been governed by quite a number of factors, including the way we were brought up, the impact of the party leaders' images on television, and how we happened to be feeling on March 31st.

But paramount amongst the factors that govern the choices that we make, are our beliefs. Other people's beliefs are called "convictions" if we, agree with them, and "prejudices" if we disagree. But our own beliefs are moulded from the beginnings of our life, and though they may remain unexpressed and unarticulated, they govern the choices we make, and they are not easily changed.

The choices that were made by the actors in the great Easter drama, were also, governed by their beliefs - the crowd that chose Barabbas to be released; Pilate who decided to wash his hands of the affair; the priests who chose to make an end of the troublemaker - what choices would we have made in such circumstances? Do we exhibit any different beliefs from them by our attitudes and choices? Do we choose peace rather than war, justice and mercy rather than revenge and punishment?

What do we really believe? A man's beliefs are measured not by what he says, but by how he acts.

Yours sincerely,

DENIS GARDINER.

PARISH NOTES

Prizes

Mainly for attendance, but in some cases linked with work, were presented to thirteen Sunday School children at the Family Service on 27th February. Well done - Vivien, Yvonne and Ann Cole, Linda Davies, Simon and Penelope Green, Clare and Mark Harris, Timothy Kift, Deirdre Kyle, Elizabeth and Nigel Snape.

Church Fabric

Fund benefited by £3 5s., the prcceeds from a Beetle Drive (with a very good tea) kindly organised by Mrs. Williamson and Mrs. Harlow on 10th March at "Pelistry."

Five Hours'

Ringing, with a break for a Service and tea, came from our tower on 5th March. Hartlip was acting as host to 60 members of the Kent Association of Bellringers at their Quarterly Meeting. Several methods were rung, including Bob Major and Minor, Stedman Slow Course and Cambridge Surprise was rung. Youth was prominent (especially in the East .... (cont)