St.Martin of Tours
Chelsfield, Kent
Church Road, Chelsfield, BR6 7SN
© 2020 Chelsfield PCC
Charity Number 1131573
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Welcome
Readings and Resources for Pentecost - 31 May A Family Communion Service for Pentecost
Staying in Touch
St.Martin’s ‘Family’ page - 20 May
St.Martin’s worships and serves a loving God,
reaching out to the community in the name of
Jesus Christ
Sunday 31 May 2020
Whit Sunday – The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit first makes an appearance in Scripture in the Creation story hovering over the dark chaos, before God began his work. The ‘breath of God’ blows light and life into existence – and it was very good! Today’s gospel tells of Jesus first appearance to the fearful disciples after his Resurrection when Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit over them and they receive the new light and life for doing the work of the kingdom. Today the church celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost as the Christian faith is breathed into life.
In these days of Covid-19 the earth still seems a dark and dangerous place, many are fearful for the future, concerned about the rate of release from lockdown, anxious about the new normality – which is still undefined. The world is in need of Re-Creation – the breath of God is still moving over the chaos – and the Christian church has a part to play in this work, just as the early disciples did.
Jesus greets us in times of crisis with those other familiar words from today’s gospel ‘Peace be with you’. Peace (shalom) is the nature of the triune God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit dwell together in peace. This is not the peace which means the absence of war, nor of political and economic accord. It is rather the peace of loving service and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus – the peace of forgiveness, wholeness and healing.
In the days, months and years that lie ahead such peace will become increasingly vital to the well-being of our society as we face economic and structural transition in our church, nation and world. Peace be with you!
Revd John
Alleluia, Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
readings and resources continue
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Friends,
During the current Covid 19 service restrictions, We are required to keep the church and churchyard locked at all times. Rev John will be worshipping in private on your behalf at the following times:
Sunday 10.00am Holy Communion
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer
Tuesday 11.30am Holy Communion
Wednesday 9.30am Morning Prayer
Thursday 7.00pm Evening Prayer
Friday 11.30am Holy Communion
Saturday 9.30am Morning Prayer
As the Archbishops remind us: ‘This is a defining moment for the Church of England. Are we truly a church for all, or just the church for ourselves? We urge you sisters and brothers to become a different sort of church in these coming months: hopeful and rooted in the offering of prayer and praise and overflowing in service to the world.
We will continue to keep in touch with all the people in our church family using various methods. Please refer regularly to the church website for updates.
www.stmartinchelsfield.org.uk
If you have any pastoral needs, or are anxious and need prayer please contact Rev John at the Rectory on 01689 825749 or email:rector@stmartinchelsfield.org.uk
Christenings, Weddings & Funerals:
Giving - information on how to donate:
Services & Worship: - See Top of This Page
Social & Charity Events: - Currently POSTPONED
St.Mary’s and All Souls website and events:
Toddler Group: - Currently CANCELLED
Ascension Day to Pentecost: Thy Kingdom Come
Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.
After the very first Ascension Day the disciples gathered with Mary, constantly devoting themselves to prayer while they waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like them, our reliance on the gift of the Holy Spirit is total―on our own we can do nothing. We are praying that the Spirit will inspire and equip us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our friends and families, our communities and networks.
“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities."
―Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
A Prayer Journal and a Novena for use during this period may be downloaded from:
www.thykingdomcome.global/resources/key-resources-2020
An order for Daily Prayer may be downloaded from:
www.thykingdomcome.global/resources/common-worship-daily-prayer-thy-kingdom-come
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