St Laurence in Thanet
Parish News 23/20
Quote for the Week
“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.”
Stephen Hawking
St Gregory the Great
On 3rd September, the Anglican Church remembers St Gregory the Great. The Protestant reformer John Calvin called him “the last of the good popes” and he is celebrated in the smaller panels running along the bottom of our great East Window in St Laurence church.
Bede recounts the story of Gregory’s encounter with English slaves in the market in Rome: intrigued by their pale skins and blond hair he is said to have remarked “If they were Christian, they would not be Angles, but angels” and sent Augustine to Kent to convert them.
Augustine’s mission is celebrated by the memorial cross at Ebbsfleet, the subject of the lovely window in the north aisle of St Laurence, designed by the late Denys Le Fevre, a former parishioner.
3rd September is an appropriate date as he is the patron saint of students and teachers, as well as musicians and singers. Our thoughts and prayers turn to all students and teachers, especially those of the St Laurence in Thanet Church of England Junior Academy, at this challenging Coronavirus time.
Sharon Cutler
People
Amanda Champs. I am delighted to confirm that Amanda has passed the Diocesan selection process to become a Licenced Lay Reader and will begin training this autumn. Do continue to hold Amanda in your prayers and support her over the coming months.
Dorothy Darby. I write this with a sadness that comes with saying goodbye to someone who is a friend and a steadfast supporter of the parish and surrounding area. But say goodbye we must as Dorothy Darby moves to Maidstone to be nearer to her family. Dorothy moved here with Michael in the early 2000s and began their ministry in the village. Dorothy is well known and has been a centre point for the church for many years, being on various committees that ensure smooth the running of things in the village, such as the hall, the gardening club and others in which she has been involved. She has seen many areas of the world including Brazil, Iraq, Switzerland and Morocco to name a few. Before finally settling here in Cliffsend on Michaels retirement from full time ministry. Dorothy has worked tirelessly for the church, being the person who takes welcome cards round to new people setting up home in the village, to introduce the church, she visited the lonely, the sick and the bereaved. Being part of the banner making team, leading prayers and generally being there and reacting when need was identified. It is often said that a person will be greatly missed when they leave. This is very true when applied to Dorothy, there will be a large hole in the team at St Mary. But we wish you all the very best for the upcoming move and the subsequent getting to know your new area. I thank you very much for your ministry among us, may God bless and keep you.
Rev Ken Cox
Denis Rivers RIP. Denis was a stalwart of St Christopher's. A long time resident of Newington Estate he filled several roles over the years as a member of the DCC, a choir member, and demonstrated the empathy of a Christian man. He could keep us enthralled for hours with stories of his naval career, having served in the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Merchant Navy. A great friend to many who, sadly, was overcome by ill health during the past ten years or so.
Rev Brian Griffiths
Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)
For those of you on the electoral roll, our postponed APCM will take place at St Laurence Church at 4pm next Sunday. Please contact the Parish Office for an electronic version of the Agenda and Trustees' Report, should you require a hard copy, please also contact the Parish Office. You will need to book for this meeting, please contact the Parish Office on 01843 592478 or office@stlaurenceparish-ramsgate.org.uk
Regular Giving
Please can I encourage you to continue to support the parish through regular giving. Every little helps. Our parish bank details are as follows: St Laurence in Thanet Team Ministry (CAF Cash Account). SORT CODE: 405240 Account number: 00028720. Or scan this Parish QR code on your phone to make a donation.
With my love and prayers,
Andrew
Rev I Andrew Jacobson
Priest in Charge
