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Bishop Philip’s Pastoral Letter “God’s Creation”

Today, in the midst of the COP26 Summit, our Bishop Philip sends us a Pastoral Letter called “God’s Creation”, inviting us to consider our relationship and responsibilities as Christians towards our earthly home.
Bishop Philip shares his thoughts with us in this video.
 
You can read the text of the letter here
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Advent ideas…

Advent begins on Sunday 29th November.
If you’re looking for a few ideas on how to make a spiritual preparation to celebrate Christmas more meaningfully, we have some here
 
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Prayer & Praise this Tuesday 3rd Nov

St Joseph’s Parish Prayer & Praise

EVERYONE WELCOME!


Next gathering:  Tuesday 3rd November
Scripture:  Psalm 62(63), verses 2-8
O God, you are my God, for you I long 

Songs: 
1.  Draw me to your presence, O Lord
2.  10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord, O my soul)

Join us for about 40 minutes of prayer, singing, Scripture and reflection in a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Stay online for a while afterwards if you wish to have a bit of a chat – your choice!

Zoom details here

People who’ve come say:
“I thought it was a wonderful experience” 
“Thank you for prayer and praise last night – it was lovely to get together as a community and pray – more please!”
“The Praise & Prayer Evening was beautiful and singing with you brought a smile to all our faces “
“Well thought out, prayerful and not too long”
“Really enjoyed learning & praying together like this”
“We both really enjoyed the worship and prayer gathering last night, it was such a blessing”

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CAFOD Fast Day this Friday 9th October

October 9th is CAFOD’s Family Fast Day to help people facing the worst of the coronavirus crisis. We’ve all felt the impact of this terrible disease
– let’s come together to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world survive, rebuild and heal. Please pray for all those affected and donate

Anyone can text CAFOD on 70085 to donate £10 or give on-line on cafod.org.uk/give

View introductory video here: https://vimeo.com/453718072/66db9d386d.

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Prayer & Praise this Tuesday 6th Oct

St Joseph’s Parish Prayer & Praise
THIS TUESDAY 6th OCTOBER
8pm via Zoom

Everybody welcome!

Join us for about 40 minutes of prayer, singing, Scripture and reflection in a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Stay online for a while afterwards if you wish to have a bit of a chat – your choice!

This week:
Scripture:   Matthew 22:1-10 (from the following Sunday’s Gospel)
Songs:   The Lord’s my Shepherd;  God’s Spirit is in my Heart

More details and how to join here

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God in the Time of COVID-19 – new book

GOD IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

New book from the Carmelites, edited by Matt Betts, who manages our website, and including a contribution by our own Deacon Hugh Parry
 

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10% DISCOUNT FOR AVON STOUR PARISHIONERS! (see below)
The Carmelites in Britain have published a new book called ‘God in the time of COVID-19’, which is now available to order. This little book of articles and reflections is offered as a way of maintaining a connection and of nurturing the interior life. The reflections were originally written online, but many of these articles are now available in this book. There is a wide range of styles, content and approaches to suit the widest range of readers and all tastes. Writers include Saint Joseph’s very own Deacon Hugh Parry, and also, Fr Kevin Alban, O.Carm; Fr Brendan Grady, O.Carm; Fr Nicholas King, SJ; and many more. Parishioner of St Joseph’s Church (Christchurch), Mr Matthew Betts has edited the book.
Perhaps in future months and years it will remind us of what we were doing and reading in 2020.
Order your copy today online (https://tinyurl.com/GodintheTime) Or, you can order by sending a cheque for £4.50 (incl a donation for P&P) to our PO Box address (PO Box 289, FAVERSHAM, Kent, ME13 3BZ); or you can call 01795 539 214 and donate with a credit/debit card.
If Avon Stour parishioners order via the online shop use the code ‘1593’ via our online shop, they’ll receive 10% off the book and any other items
Full list of contributors:
Kevin Alban, O.Carm
Matthew Betts
Brendan Grady, O.Carm
Richard Green, O.Carm
Paul de Groot, O.Carm
Francis Kemsley, O.Carm
Nicholas King, SJ
Hugh Parry
Gerard Walsh, O.Carm
John Warrington
Articles include:
Our Relationship with God
What do we ask God for and why?
Queens of England and Scotland
Disciples in the New Testament
Being a Disciple
My Lord and My God
Cauliflower Cheese
How Saint Jude can help us to cope with COVID-19
Chatting with God
Prayer as Friendship
Pentecost and the Pandemic
Hope in the New Testament
Plus many more
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Tuesday evening “Prayer & Praise”

St Joseph’s Parish Prayer & Praise
– everyone welcome!


FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of each month, 8pm on Zoom (see joining details below)
[Sep 1st, 15th.   Oct 6th, 20th.   Nov 3rd, 17th.   Dec 1st, 15th]

Join us for about 40 minutes of prayer, singing, Scripture and reflection in a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere.   We have regularly been joined by people from across the Pastoral Area, Diocese and beyond!

Stay online for a while afterwards if you wish to have a bit of a chat – your choice!

People who’ve come say:
“I thought it was a wonderful experience” 
“Thank you for prayer and praise last night – it was lovely to get together as a community and pray – more please!”
“The Praise & Prayer Evening was beautiful and singing with you brought a smile to all our faces “
“Well thought out, prayerful and not too long”
“Really enjoyed learning & praying together like this”
“We both really enjoyed the worship and prayer gathering last night, it was such a blessing”

Join here
(ID 813 9830 2271, PW 297397)