FROM THE VICAR ON HOLIDAY

My dear People,

Most of us enjoy receiving gifts from time to time, but one is specially encouraged if they are intended for an organisation or charity of which one is the representative. There is a healthy element of unselfishness in the motives and reactions of both the parties concerned. So it is with me. I have gone away on holiday much encouraged by various gifts to the Parish Church. There was the splendfd donation of £100 from Mr. Shephard, Mr. Bone's nephew, towards the £400 needed for the cleaning and overhauling of our organ. This much appreciated generosity by a non-parishioner is a challenge, though, to all of us who enjoy the organ and the services of Mr. Bone. What about that larger dividend or that unexpected piece of overtime? Cannot that extra amount be diverted to the Organ Fund? Up at Yelsted Mrs. Bone and Mrs. Brown (of Guilsted Court Cottage) have been quietly making things which have already produced £35. Or, in another, direction, we can now enjoy the use of Mr. Fentiman's weather vane. Made of bronze, it is surmounted by the special shaped cross to be found in the coat of arms of St. Michael. Other smaller but no less valuable money gifts have come in recently and two special offers have been made towards the reorganisation of the Children's Corner, which has been approved in principle by the P.C.C. All these things, I submit, show the right spirit towards our money and our skills which are ours on trust for our lifetime.

This month is most unfortunately Mr. Gardiner's last as the minister responsible for the Methodist congregation in our parish. We are extremely sorry to lose him. In spite of many other commitments in the Medway Towns he has shown great interest in our community and I can truthfully say that he and I have agreed on many things and have worked together very happily indeed. Consequent upon the rearrangement of pastoral responsibility within the Circuit we welcome the Rev. David Lapworth from Chatham as the new minister.

As I write this, the weather has recovered and we have had two sessions on the seashore today. I am most grateful to my clerical colleagues and Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Shellock for covering all the services and allowing me this rest and recreation.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.