FROM THE VICAR

My dear People,

I would like to mention three quite different events that are due this month. The first is a Citation for a Faculty that will be posted on the noticeboard in the porch. This is for the removal of the tinted glass in the double window in the Children's Corner and the installation instead of clear glass, with a brief inscription. The tinted glass is unattractive and of no value and the new clear glass will make that corner of the church much lighter. It is part of a larger scheme to reorganise the Children's Corner, approved in principle by the P.C.C. Mr. and Mrs. Snape and Mrs. Snape's parents are most kindly bearing the cost of the work on the window as a thanksgiving for Nigel's recovery from serious illness. The Citation is posted for three Sundays to allow anyone to object.

Secondly, there is the visit on Sunday, 18th August, of one of the Lambeth Conference bishops to Sittingbourne Parish Church. The Rural Dean has asked clergy to cancel their 11 o'clock Mattins on that day so that there may be a capacity congregation to greet Bishop M. D. Soseleje. He is Assistant Bishop of Masasi, whose Diocesan was until recently Bishop Trevor Huddleston. I urge all members of our congregation, as a matter of duty and courtesy, to make the effort to be there. Transport can easily be arranged.

Thirdly, some of you will be on holiday this month. Do not forget to visit the local parish church. Atthe least, you will glean something of the history of that place. I would hope, too, that you would have the urge to worship as a complete family. Holiday time seems a very appropriate moment to thank God for all His goodness.

Your sincere Friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.