Church letter

April 2023

Click for the church letter from March 2023

A time of potential and growth

We are well into the lovely period of spring, with its encouragement of beautiful flowers and longer days. In the church calendar, we are also entering the lovely period of Holy Week and Easter; it has so many emotions attached to it; beginning with the joyous celebration of Palm Sunday (2 April); through the reflective time of Holy Week (services every evening); into the thought-provoking service on Maundy Thursday (remembering the Last Supper); to the solemnity of Good Friday with its mixed emotions; before returning once again to the incredibly joyous celebrations of Easter Sunday - including a sunrise service. Holy Week is, in the church, an emotional rollercoaster. I encourage you to join in the rollercoaster journey.

Last month I spoke of the exciting things happening within our parishes, one of those being my commissioning as the next Area Dean for the Weald Deanery. Well, it has happened. The commissioning took place in a Choral Evensong service at St George’s Church on 5 March; the Venerable Andrew Sewell, the Archdeacon of Maidstone, preached and carried out the commissioning. I now have a very formal-looking document, complete with an episcopal seal, detailing my commission and appointment. Thank you to everyone who came along to the service.

You may have picked up some reluctance in taking up the role. I have to say, though, that the service was very affirming. I also said I’d let you know what the role involved, once I’d found out for myself; the more I find out, the more daunting it becomes. It seems to involve a lot of meetings throughout the year; that side I am not looking forward to (I’ll try and reduce the number). I know, though, that I have support locally from our churches, the PCCs, and the Ministry Leadership Team.

So, what have I picked up so far? Meetings to structure the way forward of our Deanery Synod in the coming year. Attending an all-day Diocesan Synod meeting. The morning was very encouraging; focusing on how to build relationships with families, youngsters and children. The afternoon session was all that I don’t like about formal Church meetings and was far from encouraging. I have also been planning, with our Chapter (the seven local priests who look after the 14 parishes in the Weald Deanery), our next Deanery Synod meeting. This will be an open meeting where we’ll have speakers discussing both sides of the recent debate from General Synod on the blessing of same-sex relationships (topical and divisive.) I’ve discovered I’m part of the process of renewing local clergy’s licences to officiate within our Deanery (who knew?!). I’m also part of the team appointing the next priest in Cranbrook and have picked up a Deanery wedding, too. Oh, and I ensure that the other priests are looking after themselves. Those meetings I will enjoy.

Other than that, there is not a lot to it! Happy Easter. I will be praying for you; please can you hold me in your prayers.

Revd David Commander, Rector