SUNDAY SERVICES

Hartlip:

8.00 a.m.Holy Communion: 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays.
10.30 a.m.Parish Communion (except 2nd Sunday: Matins).
6.30 p.m.Evensong.

Sunday School every Sunday at 10.30 a.m. in the Church School.
(Children are welcome at the Parish Communion and on the last Sunday in the month, the address will be specially for the children in the congregation).

Stockbury:

9.15 a.m.Parish Communion.
3.30 p.m.Evensong: 3rd Sunday only.
(Evensong is at 6.30 p.m. in the summer).

Arrangements concerning Baptisms, Weddings or Confessions should be made with the Vicar. The Sick can be visited at any time and the Vicar is ready to make the Sacraments available to them in their homes.

THE VICAR WRITES ...

The question as to whether the Church of England should ordain women to the priesthood will be answered one way or another when the General Synod meets this month and votes on the matter, and I would ask everyone to make this subject a matter far prayer in the coming days. Already there is a considerable number of women priests in the Anglican Communion, but each autonomous Church has to make its own decision, and the Church of England is just coming to that stage. The decision could be divisive, for emotions run high on this issue and there is much to be considered, not least the position of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches on this matter. These two communions form the vast majority of Christendom, and they both stand against the ordination of women to the priesthood on theological and historical grounds. As the Church of England claims to be a part of the One Holy Catholic Church, it is important that we do not depart from its essential teachings and traditions.

On the other hand, it could be argued that God is calling us to give a lead and that the present situation is one that has been brought to light by the Holy Spirit's guidance. These things are not easy to decide. A lot of talking has been done over the last few years; now some decision is to be made. We should all pray that that decision may be one which will help rather than hinder the work of the Church in its mission to the world.

The Christian Fellowship has begun its new season and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to come to the meetings. Take a programme from church and see how varied and interesting the evenings are going to be and think about joining us! You will be very welcome.