FROM THE METHODIST MINISTER

Dear Friends,

March, 1967.

As I write, I have just received a copy of "Towards Reconciliation" the interim report of the Anglican-Methodist Unity Commission. A first reading leads me to believe that this document goes a long way towards meeting the difficulties that have been felt by some Anglicans and some Methodists about the proposals for inter-communion and parity of ministries (Stage One) between the two churches.

This is a study document and the final report will come out next year, when the all-important decisions will be taken by the Anglican Convocations and the Methodist Conference.

In Hartlip, we have travelled a long way along the road of mutual understanding and trust, and we all rejoice in the relationships that have been made. It may be that the time has come for us to consider what the next steps are at our village level. In any case, there is no doubt that our task is to act together as One Church, to proclaim the One Lord Whom we serve. We need to ask ourselves what things there are that still separate us, and how may the remaining barriers be broken down.

Yours sincerely,

DENIS E. GARDINER.

PARISH NOTES

A Warm Welcome

Is offered to quite a number of families who have arrived in the parish in the last six months - Mr. and Mrs. Anslow (Petty Place), Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson (Dane House estate), Mr. and Mrs. Bowen (Underlynch), Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins (Woodpeckers), Mr. and Mrs. Higgins (Paradise Cottages), Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Smith (South Bush Lane), and Mr. and Mrs. Yerburgh (The Cottage). We hope they will soon feel part of this place and community and will be very happy here.

Best Wishes

Must at the same time be offered to several families who have left us - Mr. and Mrs. Alan Chambers, for Rainham; Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, for a 100-acre holding at Cobham; and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Webb for a town house at Parson's Green. This move unfortunately means that for the first time for over 100 years the village is without any resident male member of the Webb family.