August 2024 - Magazine - Page 36
S t L u k e ’ s M at f i e l d
Vicar: The Revd. Andrew Axon 01892 890688
revandrew@mail.com
Associate Priest: Revd. Roger Bishop 01892 833232
St. Luke’s Parish Administrator: Miranda Hungerford
The Parish Office, High Street, Lamberhurst, Kent
TN3 8EB
open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-3pm
Phone/Fax 01892 890256
email: parishoffice6@gmail.com
www.stlukeschurchmatfield.org
Churchwardens: Alex Cunningham: 01892 724481
Tom Trinder: 01892 724059
A
s I write this note we are still in lockdown and the restrictions are being
gradually lifted. Social media is starting to fill up with pictures of reunions
with loved ones and all at a safe distance (well mostly!). In our family we
are still awaiting some precious reunions where distance makes it difficult
to simply have a day visit and hotels remain closed. Coming out of all this
feels a bit like the slow emergence of spring from the long winter darkness.
Suddenly the days feel brighter, the air a bit sweeter and summer evenings are
beckoning.
On the other hand, social media now seems to be raging about all manner
of issues: politicians and prime ministers, foreign leaders, neighbourhood
disputes, planning applications, fly tipping and the perennial issue of dog
fouling. It seems to be the case that anyone with an opinion or viewpoint will
instantly be shot down in verbal flames and insult. I wonder if the stresses and
strains of lockdown are being expressed in the way we respond to each other?
As Vicar of St Luke’s Matfield it has been a wonderful experience to see
all that has been happening through the lockdown to keep village life ticking
over and to see neighbours and others showing care for one another. When
Reverend Roger and I have made phone calls or sent emails to church members
and other local people it has been remarkable to hear how people have been
supported. On behalf of the church family I would like to thank Chantal from
the Parish Council and Jay from The Star Inn for coordinating and delivering so
much loving care to local residents. Thank you!
As he steps down from office, I would also like to pay tribute to the
outgoing chairman of the Parish Council, Chris Woodley. Since I first came to
the village in 2016, he has been a friendly and helpful source of local wisdom.
Serving on local committees and councils can be costly in terms of time and
energy. Thank you, Chris!
A
lthough St. Luke's is currently closed and no services are happening in the
traditional sense, we have set up ways in which the people of Matfield and
the surrounding area can keep in touch with us.
• We are holding a weekly short service on Zoom at 10.00am every Sunday.
It is a great way to say hello to friends and to participate in worship
‘together’. Anyone is very welcome to join us... Please contact Miranda
Hungerford, Parish Administrator, on miranda@parishoffice.info.
• We now have a You Tube channel on this link: https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCY3htE9S6NXQ07bzMfFQ4EQ. Rev Andrew is uploading a weekly
video here, and other service videos, to view anytime.
• We are producing a weekly sheet with words, thoughts, prayers and
resources, which is being sent out on a group email, and uploaded onto the
church Facebook and village Facebook pages. If you would like to be added
to the group email to receive this and other resources, please do contact
Miranda Hungerford.
St Luke’s is currently open for private prayer by individuals on a Tuesday and
Saturday (10am-4pm) and we are following government guidance on cleaning
and safe working. At some stage we will reopen for Sunday worship. In the
meantime, if we can help in any way please let us know and please be in
contact if you would like a chat or prayer or simply to hear or see a friendly
face.
All best wishes from everyone at St. Luke's
Revd. Andrew: 01892 890688 revandrew@mail.com
Parish Office: 01892 890256 miranda@parishoffice.info
Comma
Common Blue
Reverend Andrew Axon
Small Tortoishell
36
37