FROM THE VICAR

My dear People,

I particularly enjoy the autumn in Hartlip. It may be partly because our church is dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels and there are usually one or two special services and functions arising from our Patronal Festival. It may be partly because we have within our parish the massed beeches of Queendown Warren which give us the autumn colouring in such full measure. It may be, too, because, linked with our Harvest Thanksgiving in church, we have an excellent Harvest Supper each year in our Hall - and this year's was pronounced by more than one person as one of the best.

In addition, as I look back, it has been a very encouraging month. The societies have begun meeting again and there is the feeling of renewed fellowship in the air; Anglicans and Methodists have worshipped together on a Sunday evening (as opposed to a weekday); the Jumble Sale for the magazine enjoyed unusually good support. Specially encouraging, though, were the Confirmation and the Parish Communion on Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday. As a fitting climax to St. Michael and All Angels Day we saw 18 candidates presented to Bishop Rose, before a capacity congregation - even the chairs being brought into use; with the Bishop endearing himself to everyone, it was altogether an inspiring service. The church was almost as full the next Sunday for the Parish Communion, when many candidates made their first communion. In addition, many children, with parents, were present with their harvest offerings. Here was family worship in the domestic sense and in the wider one of Christ's family in this place. I hope that we may all continue to draw inspiration from these two occasions in the coming months.

Finally, may I place on record what I have already said to Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bob Pope - how extremely sorry we all are to learn of their troubles with the chapel. I hope that we of the parish church may be able to help in some way.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.