God became man, and in the life of Jesus shared our human lot. The stable would be smelly and dirty, just as the Cross was rough and coarse. It was real life that God came to share. I hope that this Christmas you will find some time to ponder these things, some time to came and worship with us in church, some time to be still ....

I wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

Neville Brook.

HARTLIP DIARY AND CALENDAR

December

3 CHURCH BAZAAR: 2.30 p.m.
7 Deanery Synod: St. Mary's, Sittingbourne 7.45 p.m.
8 Open Meeting of Parish Council to dicuss Balance of Jubilee Fund: 8 p.m. Village Hall.
9 Children's Party (Organised by the local Conservative Party).
11 At Evensong: Filmstrip - "In His Ministry".
14 Whist Drive: 7.30 p.m.
15 M.U. Party at 'Pelistry'.
17 Parish Church 8 p.m.: Carol Concert by Salvation Army.
21 ST. THOMAS, APOSTLE: Holy Communion 10 a.m. Carol and Gift Service 7.30 p.m
24 Christmas Eve - see special notice for church services.
25 CHRISTMAS DAY
26 ST. STEPHEN:the First Martyr: Holy Communion 9 a.m.
27 ST. JOHN, Apostle and Evangelist: Holy Communion 9 a.m.
28 INNOCENTS' DAY: Holy Communion 10 a.m.
31 NEW YEAR'S EVE DANCE: Village Hall 9 p.m.

January

1 THE NAMING OF JESUS.
6 THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD: Holy Communion. 7 a.m.
8 Conversant Service at the Methodist Chapel 6.30 p.m.: no evening service at the Parish Church.

SIDESMEN'S ROTA

December
4 - -Mrs. TongMr. Shove
11 Mrs. BurgessMr. WilliamsonMrs. Russell
18 - -Mrs. TongMrs. Ambrose
24 Midnight Mass Mr. Burgess, Mr. Allen and Mr. Lawrence
25 - -Mrs. Ambrose
January
1 - -Mrs. BurgessMr. James
8 Mr. JenningsMr. FentimanMrs. Ambrose