Weekly Newsletter 

Dear Church Family

Does it seem like a long time since Easter to you?  We’re well on the way to Pentecost, when we’ll celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

After Jesus ascended into heaven (Ascension Day is on Thursday, 14 May, by the way), the disciples returned to the upper room in Jerusalem to pray and attend to the replacement of Judas.  I love the fact that Peter seems to have grown in wisdom and maturity, as he calmly and clearly arranges the election of Matthias – what a contrast to the impetuous disciple who opposed Jesus’ mission to suffer and die, defended Jesus with a sword and lost his nerve in the courtyard.  Peter shows us that, however badly we mess up, Jesus always forgives and never gives up on us.  What a relief!

However, God doesn’t take away Peter’s individuality; instead, he improves and moulds it into something better.  Just look at the passion, learning and clarity about Jesus in Peter’s speech to the early church (Acts 2)! 

Like Peter, we’re all unique works in progress and there is hope for all of us!  Here’s a reassuring Bible verse:

‘…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 1:6)

Here are a few things you might like to know about:

  • Holy Trinity and Bobbing’s APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) will be at Holy Trinity at 7.30pm on Monday, 18 May.  Our new Archdeacon, the Venerable Estella Last will be chairing the meeting – we hope you can come along to welcome and get to know her!

  • Our Men’s Walking Group will be meeting at 8.30am on Saturday, 30 May.  Watch this space for more details…

  • We’ll be having a shared lunch after the 10.45 service on Sunday, 31 May.  Please bring a favourite dish to share – there will be a list in church for you to tell us what you’ll be bringing.  We’ll be celebrating Alex, Natalija and their family’s time here at Holy Trinity and wishing them all the best at their new church.  We’ll also keep you updated about Alex’s ordination as deacon on 4 July.

  • At 6pm on Sunday, 31 May there will be a Street Pastors’ Praise & Worship service at Sittingbourne Baptist Church.  Everyone is welcome to celebrate our local Street Pastor team and raise awareness of their contribution to the local community.

  • Advance notice!  There will be a Ladies’ craft evening at HT at7pm on Friday, 5 June.  More details to follow soon!

With our love and prayers,

Tina and the Staff Team