Church notices for the weeks of
21st and 28th April 2024

Our new vicar
We are delighted to announce that the Reverend Andrew Edwards will become the new Priest in Charge of Chartham Church in mid July 2024. We look forward to welcoming Andrew and his wife Jo and hope they will settle into life in Chartham very quickly.

The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and APCM. This important meeting will be held after the Communion service on 28^th April. This is an opportunity to hear about what has been going on in the church over the last year, as well as to ask questions.
If you have not yet joined the church’s Electoral Roll, please do so - Tim Kidd, St Mary’s Electoral Roll officer, has information about this.

Farewell to Louise: After 3½ years as our Interim Minister, Louise’s time with us is coming to an end. There will be an opportunity to thank her and to bid her “Farewell” at a ‘Bring and Share’ Lunch in the church after the APCM on 28th April - this is Louise’s last Sunday with us. Everybody is welcome to join us to give Louise a terrific send off.
There is a list for people to sign up to at the back of the church.

Do you have problems reading the screen in church?
We know that some you have problems reading text on the church projector screen. To try to help with this we have set up a simple system so that, if you have a smartphone or tablet, you can use this to see everything that is shown on the screen.
If you think you might like to use this facility please speak to Robin.

Children and Young Peoples Ministry Support:
Stour Valley deanery drop in will be held at The Compass Inn, Crundale, on Weds 19^th June 12-2pm. Please do stop by for a drink and a chat about anything related to Children and Youth Ministry. It is also a good opportunity to begin to network with others from within your deanery.
If you are intending to come to one, please feel free to email Jen in advance with items you would like to discuss: Jen Tobin <jtobin@diocant.org
BRF Ministries (“Inspiring people of all ages to grow in Christian faith”) have announced that they will be offering a FREE online 6-part Parenting Teens Course this summer. It can be done individually, or churches can sign up to do this together. https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/parenting-teens-course
Growing Faith Hub: The next training session is at St Mary Bredin on Thursday 2nd May 12-2pm (lunch provided). This training is entitled 'Your Church and Community' and will focus on how best to engage as a church within your local community. If you would like to attend, including any dietary requirements, please email Jen: jtobin@diocant.org

Supporting our church financially: There is plenty of information about ways to give to St Mary’s at the back of church, or have a word with Tim Kidd who will be happy to talk you through the options.
Donate securely and safely: St Mary’s Chartham is registered with the Parish Giving Scheme which allows you to make donations securely and safely.
Visit: https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/chartham-st-mary-canterbury/ .

The Reverend Dawn Stamper will be licensed on Wednesday 24 April as Associate Priest in the United Wye Benefice with specific responsibility for what is to be called the Stone Street Group of churches, (Elmsted, Hastingleigh, Petham, Stelling, Waltham and Upper Hardres with Stelling). Please pray for Dawn and our friends in the deanery as she is licensed. Archdeacon Will is attending to the legal changes to the benefice of Chartham and Upper Hardres with Stelling as a result of Dawn and Andrew’s appointments.

St Mary’s Church, Chartham has a Facebook page which we use to advertise our services and events to the wider community. We want to grow this to advertise what’s going on at St Mary’s. Please “like” our church page and share with your friends and neighbours.

Collects and readings for upcoming Sundays

21^st April Morning Service
with Live Wires
Risen Christ,
faithful shepherd of
your Father’s sheep:
teach us to hear your voice,
and to follow your command,
that all your people may be
gathered into one flock,
to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 4:5-12 & John 10:11-18

28^th April Family Communion
with Live Wires
Risen Christ,
your wounds declare
your love for the world
and the wonder of your risen life:
give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve,
to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 8:26-end & John 15:1-8

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Welcome

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet at St.Mary's (details below) for our Sunday Service starting at 10am. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits afterward. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Plan your journey:

Open Google Maps

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer.

Our Service

The main service begins at 10am with a warm welcome..
Visit our This Sunday page for more information

Children

Getting Connected

Small Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes

Church notices for the weeks of 21st and 28th April 2024