Keeping in Touch
Service of Remembering and Thanking
On the afternoon of Sunday 3rd November we held our annual service of remembering, lighting a candle in memory of those we have known and loved.
Welcome (&) Cake!
On Sunday 3rd November following her Institution on Wednesday evening,
it was wonderful to welcome the Revd Caroline Kramer, our new vicar and team Rector, to her first Sunday service and share cake with her.
We pray that her ministry at St Matthew’s will be long and fruitful.
Thank you and Daily Prayer
It is great to finally be here and to be official. Thank you to everyone who has made us so welcome and to everyone who worked so hard to make the installation service such a wonderful occassion. I am hoping to get to meet you all over the next few weeks. As many of you know our furniture is severely delayed in transit. This means we cannot hold open houses as we otherwise might and so I am hoping to have some sort of "meet and greet" at each of the Churches in the next couple of weeks. If you want to invite me over for tea, coffee or whatever please just ask. Hopefully, towards Christmas, the house will be a little more functional. My study is set up for use and so I am happy to meet with individuals or small groups at the house.
I have caused some confusion, I think, with my announcement of Morning Prayer. Clergy are required, where possible, to say Morning and Evening Prayer in the Parish Church each day. It is my habit to invite anyone who would like to join me in these services to do that. If no one is with me, I still say the service on my own. So, whilst it is always lovely to have as many people praying as possible, the enterprise is not reliant on hoards of people showing up. For this coming week I will be in Church at 9am - except for Wednesday and Thursday. After this I will publish a proper schedule. I will announce verbally a time for Evening Prayer. I want to chat with folk to see what times work best for anyone who might want to attend when they are free to.
There will be a lot of figuring out and learning over the next few weeks. I always value feedback. I have been out of the country for a few years and, whilst I am a local, I might need some reminding of bits and pieces. Please feel free to offer constructive feedback at any point. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of you.
Caroline
“Sing at St Matthew’s” - Directed by Jason Edge.
If you are someone who loves to sing (but welcomes flexibility) come and join us for 120 minutes of pure singing joy, on the third Saturday morning of each month between 9.45am -12.15am. With “Sing at St Matthew’s” there is absolutely no commitment or subscription (come and go when you please). There is no audition, you do not need to read music, but, of course, it helps, and there is no obligation to participate in any performances that “Sing at Matthew’s” are invited to perform. We will also be previewing forthcoming music that St Matthew’s Church Choir will be singing in various services throughout the year. If we rehearse something you enjoy, you will be welcome to sing as part of the official choir for the service that features your favourite!
The next date is:
Saturday 21st September (Concert Day), Rehearsal (Come-and-Sing style) 2:30-5pm Concert 7pm.
Do come along and tell your friends, the more the merrier. See poster at the back of Church and for more information email: jason.a.edge@gmail.com
Heritage Open Day Success
Many thanks to all the volunteer helpers from the St Matthew's Church community who made the Open Day on the 14th September such a success. We greeted over one hundred visitors, from newly born babies to nonagenarians. Some were just passers-by and some had made special journeys from the Midlands. Many had stories to tell of connections with the church or their love of architecture. 48 intrepid visitors made it up the tower, and back, safely. All enjoyed the warm welcome and the chance to chat over a cuppa.
Thank you all, and let's do it again next year!
Special Announcement - The Revd Caroline Kramer
We are delighted to announce that the Crown as Patron has approved the appointment of the Revd Caroline Kramer to be Team Rector of the Tolworth, Hook and Surbiton Team. This followed interviews held on 21st June. Caroline will be based at St Matthew’s Surbiton.
Caroline is currently Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Shelby, North Carolina in the USA, having previously served in parishes in Florida and in the Diocese of Guildford and Oxford in the UK.
Caroline writes,
"I grew up in Ewell, just down the road. Eventually I studied for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, in Oxford.
I was ordained Deacon in 1998 in Guildford Cathedral. We have spent a lot of time in the USA as my husband is from North Carolina. He is also a priest. Most recently I have been in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and, currently, Shelby, North Carolina.
Our four children are grown up. Our oldest daughter is a musician, our son is about to finish a summer on Iona and move to North London. Our next daughter is doing a PhD in psychology at the University of Florida and our youngest daughter has just moved to New York. We are at an ideal point to return to the UK, and we intend to stay put!
I have a Masters Degree in Christian Leadership from St. Mellitus and I am very interested in models of leadership which enable and support diverse lay vocations and ministry. I love working in school and with children in church. I am a bit of a hybrid having a strong background in both traditional liturgy and music and, also, in contemporary worship.
I am really excited to meet you all. After the Parish Tour I called my husband and told him how nice all the people who I met are. I am not usually overly effusive but I am so happy and grateful to have been called to St. Matthews. I feel very lucky and look forward to joining you in the work of the Gospel in Surbiton. "
Caroline and her husband Kris will move to Surbiton in the early autumn and she will be instituted by the Bishop of Southwark at St Matthew’s on Wednesday 30th October at 7:30 pm.
We look forward with excitement to this new chapter in the life of the team and of St Matthew’s, and we pray for Caroline, Kris and their family as make this move and prepare for life and ministry in Surbiton, Hook and Tolworth.
St Matthew's Church Prayer Event 7:30pm 18th June 2024
St Matthew's Church PCC and vacancy update No. 6 May 2024
Here’s a summary of key things from the PCC meeting on 14th May 2024.
We welcomed our new members, Heather and Heinrich.
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The annual review from St. Matthew’s School was received, and noted that it had achieved the Platinum award for OPAL (Outdoor play and learning). Congratulations from all at the church
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The church’s social activities continue to gather momentum with around 50 at the Desert Island discs night.
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The church weekend away had been very successful with a very insightful speaker, Peter Graystone, and again a superb location, DeVere Hotel East Horsley.
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Lyn Taylor was reappointed as PCC secretary; thank you Lyn for all your hard work.
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The council have begun to consider what should happen with regards to a CYP worker when Michael Novotny leaves this year.
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The council noted the predicted reduction in income for the church in 2024 and agreed that this should be shared with the church, and a light touch, generosity in giving campaign run in June to encourage the congregation to consider their giving.
Regarding our vacancy.
The two representatives from St. Matthew’s Church who’ll sit on the interview panel were agreed by the PCC. Thanks to Carol Cameron and Dave Hill who’ll be our reps, along with Sue O’Hagan who’ll be our reserve; on standby in case either Carol or Dave can’t attend.
Our church Patron is The Crown, and their representative, Mrs Helen Dimmock, will be visiting our parish along with St. Matthew’s School and St. George’s and St. Paul’s on 21st May, to familiarise herself in readiness for the interviews.
The deadline for application to the post of team Rector, St. Matthew’s vicar, is Friday 24th May. Applicants will be sifted to identify a short list who’ll then be interviewed on 21st June.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to see me after a service or get in touch by phone or email.
Let us continue to pray for the vacancy using the prayer that we’ve adopted for this time.
God our Father.
You have welcomed each one of us in Jesus and called us to be His Body in this place.
Send us Your Holy Spirit, at this time of uncertainty and change, to fill us with vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer that we may be true to our calling to bring new life to this community.
And guide with Your heavenly wisdom, those who are to choose a new incumbent for this parish, that the one who we receive may be a wise and gentle shepherd of Your people; ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and to lead us by example in loving obedience to Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dave Farris Lay Chair St. Matthew’s PCC
St Matthew's Church PCC and vacancy update No. 6 April 2024
The adverts for the vacancy are now expected to published in The Church time paper and web site, and the Southwark diocese website, this coming week. On May 21st We'll be welcoming our Patron, The Crown's, representative, here for them to get an understanding of our parish, the other churches in the team and St. Matthew's School. They'll join members of the PCC for lunch. A short list meeting will be held on June 5th where the applicants will be assessed and those appropriate for interview will be selected.
On Saturday 15th June those shortlisted, and their families, will be invited to visit us and see the parish. Interviews will take place the following Friday.
Let us continue to pray for the vacancy using the prayer that we’ve adopted for this time.
God our Father.
You have welcomed each one of us in Jesus and called us to be His Body in this place.
Send us Your Holy Spirit, at this time of uncertainty and change, to fill us with vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer that we may be true to our calling to bring new life to this community.
And guide with Your heavenly wisdom, those who are to choose a new incumbent for this parish, that the one who we receive may be a wise and gentle shepherd of Your people; ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and to lead us by example in loving obedience to Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dave Farris Lay Chair St. Matthew’s PCC
Desert Island Discs
On Saturday 27th April 4 church castaways were deserted on a 'desert island' and invited to share their musical memories with our host Ian. Michael, Carol, Mike and Wendy entertained us with the songs that brought back times in their lives that had strong meanings to them, and then selected their luxury item to be cast away with., ranging from an F1 race car to a water bottle. As a sign of our appreciation they each received a pineapple; that's why their holding a pineapple.
We're wondering who'll be cast away next time.
Our Young People transformed our Good Friday Cross on Easter Day
St Matthew's church PCC and vacancy update No. 5 March 2024
On 19th March 2024 the PCC agreed the annual report and accounts for 2023 and these will be available prior to our APCM and meeting of Parishioners on 28th April.
Our church wardens were delighted to report that all items of repair to the church fabric that needed to be done within one year of our latest quinquennial report have been completed, and that our church architect will be assessing the remaining works in a visit in April. At the same time he’ll be reviewing the floor area at the rear of the church to offer advice as to how to proceed with that.
Regarding our vacancy.
Thank you to all of you who have provided inputs from both our parish profile and the person psec.
We are getting very close to finalising these with the help of the diocese, so that they are ready for the next stage.
We now have a timetable for the steps towards interviews.
Adverts are due to be placed in The Church Times, and be on line from the beginning of May for four weeks.
On 21st May we’ll be hosting the Archdeacon and our patron, The Crown’s representative – Helen Dimmock, on a visit to become acquainted with the three churches, visit St. Matthew’s school, and have a lunch with any PCC members who are available.
Shortlisting of applicants will happen in early June, followed by a parish visit for those short list candidates on 15th June.
Interviews will take place on 21st June.
The interview panel will require two people from our congregation, one each from St. George’s and St. Paul’s, along with the Crown’s representative, the Bishop and Archdeacon.
There’s one more piece of information that we’ve now got to show to prospective candidates and that’s a 90 second promo video of St. Matthew’s.
(Click
here to play)
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to see me after a service or get in touch by phone or email.
Let us continue to pray for the vacancy using the prayer that we’ve adopted for this time.
God our Father.
You have welcomed each one of us in Jesus and called us to be His Body in this place.
Send us Your Holy Spirit, at this time of uncertainty and change, to fill us with vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer that we may be true to our calling to bring new life to this community.
And guide with Your heavenly wisdom, those who are to choose a new incumbent for this parish, that the one who we receive may be a wise and gentle shepherd of Your people; ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and to lead us by example in loving obedience to Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dave Farris Lay Chair St. Matthew’s PCC
Mothering Sunday 2024
On 10th March we celebrated Mothering Sunday and distributed daffodils to the congregation for them to give to their mothers' or someone who has mothered them. We then invited anyone who wished to to place a daffodil from their bunch into vases on the altar in memory of someone who they have lost.
St Matthew's church PCC and vacancy update No. 4 Feb 2024
At our recent PCC the church budget for 2024 was agreed, and sadly this year, with increasing church running costs static congregation giving, it has meant that a deficit is forecast. It is hoped that a 'generosity in giving' approach during early summer will have a positive effect on the finances.
This year we have 6 all age social activities in place. Please do try and join in.
It is great to report that the first draft of the Parish Profile document, used to inform potential candidates to the Rector post about us and our wider community, has gone through it's first draft and is now being edited with the PCC's feedback. A massive thank you to all who contributed and Ian for creating this first draft. We've now begun to create the role and person specification document, and many of you have taken a form to offer their thoughts on 'what' the incumbent would do and 'how' they would do it. Please use this link
( NOW CLOSED) to access the form, download and complete it. Forms returned after 25th February may not be included. We have 2 congregation members with extensive HR experience who'll be using the diocesan guidelines, the Parish profile document and your inputs to create a draft document for the PCC, Patron and Bishop to review.
There is still no agreed vacancy timeline with the diocese, however we are continuing to move forward with the creation of the appropriate paperwork in readiness to advertise the post.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to see me after a service or get in touch by phone or email.
Let us continue to pray for the vacancy using the prayer that we’ve adopted for this time.
God our Father.
You have welcomed each one of us in Jesus and called us to be His Body in this place.
Send us Your Holy Spirit, at this time of uncertainty and change, to fill us with vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer that we may be true to our calling to bring new life to this community.
And guide with Your heavenly wisdom, those who are to choose a new incumbent for this parish, that the one who we receive may be a wise and gentle shepherd of Your people; ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and to lead us by example in loving obedience to Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dave Farris Lay Chair St. Matthew’s PCC
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
On Sunday 21st January, we celebrated Week of Christian Unity with Christ Church Surbiton and Surbiton New Life Baptist Church by organising for younger members of our congregation to visit one another's churches to offer messages of Christian greeting. We started with children from the other two churches joining us for the beginning of our service at St. Matthew's, after which we walked up to Christ Church and then onwards to the Baptist Church. We were all struck by the warmth of the welcome at all three churches, and we didn't need much encouragement from the children to realise how much we share in common and how little divides us. The young people had a good time and enjoyed the opportunity to speak about their faith in public. We hope to have a three-church picnic and pray-together in Fishponds in the summer.
Joint THiS Service
Please note that on Sunday 11th February there will be NO services at St Matthew's however we encourage you to join us at the Joint
THiS service, St Paul's church 280 Hook Road, Hook, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1PF
St Matthew’s church PCC and vacancy update No. 3. 3rd December 2023.
Good morning. This is the third update regarding the vacancy here at St. Matthew’s and a brief update from the PCC meeting held on 21st November.
The profile is being put together by a team led by Ian Davies. Thank you if you’ve offered your help, but we still need a graphic designer. Can you help please?
We’ve decided that we’re going to ask you all to either take photos on your phones, or send us photos you’ve already got. Anything to do with St. Matthew’s. Please send or give them to me. We’ll then choose which ones to put into the final Parish Profile.
Thank you if you were on of the 80 people who completed a ‘talents’ card the other Sunday. These too will now have an input to the profile. We are aiming to have the first text draft of the document by mid-January, and start the creation of a new Rector ‘person profile’ towards the end of January. Just as before you’ll all be invited to be part of that.
Thank you for your prayers. Please do continue to use the prayer for our vacancy on the cards you’ve been given.
Each member of the PCC has been given a leaflet from CPAS entitled ‘Growing through a Vacancy’. In it are 15 practical steps to a healthy church vacancy. Step 3 says ‘spread the load’. Thank you if you’ve already stepped up and helped with keeping St. Matthew’s running. If you haven’t yet, please think of what you could do and see the wardens to offer your help. Step 12 says ‘Communicate, communicate, communicate’. And that’s what I’m aiming to do with these updates I’m sharing with you. If you think I can do more then tell me. Step 15 says ‘Pray’. Let’s remember to keep all those involved in managing the vacancy at St. Matthew’s in our prayers. I have a couple of spare copies of the leaflet. If you’d like one please see me after the service.
At our PCC we agreed the budget for St. Matthew’s for 2024, and I’m sorry to say that next year we’re predicted to make a loss. This is not the situation that we would want our new incumbent to come to, but the facts are that our congregational giving has declined, whereas the costs to run St. Matthew’s have unsurprisingly increased. The PCC have agreed that in the spring of 2024 the church will have a brief and gentle campaign to encourage us all to consider our giving and if possible increase it, with the aim of lifting the church from a loss making position.
The PCC also noted that since Covid there had been very few social events here at St. Matthew’s. So the question to everyone is “what would you like to do, here in church or at another venue, and how could we get the church’s social life restarted?” Come and have a word with me after the service to let me know.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to see me afterwards or get in touch by phone or email.
Let us continue to pray for the vacancy using the prayer that we’ve adopted for this time.
God our Father.
You have welcomed each one of us in Jesus and called us to be His Body in this place.
Send us Your Holy Spirit, at this time of uncertainty and change, to fill us with vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer that we may be true to our calling to bring new life to this community.
And guide with Your heavenly wisdom, those who are to choose a new incumbent for this parish, that the one who we receive may be a wise and gentle shepherd of Your people; ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and to lead us by example in loving obedience to Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dave Farris Lay Chair St. Matthew’s PCC
St Matthew’s church vacancy update No. 2. 12th November 2023.
Good morning. This is the second update regarding the vacancy here at St. Matthew’s.
On Saturday 4th November the PCC met for an extra meeting to start the process of creating the parish profile document.
This 20 or so page document will be what prospective candidates read on our web site, and that will tell them about us and the wider parish.
To create this profile we’ll need as many people across our church and wider parish to have an input.
We started with the PCC, as your elected representatives, and they worked on an audit of the parish, aided by a diagram,
(click here to see the document) as we try to understand who and what we are now both as St. Matthew’s church and within the wider parish.
The then looked at our strengths, weaknesses, the opportunities and the threats to the church and the community
(click here to see the document).
All of their deliberations are being gathered in, and if you’re wanting to, you can contribute to.
Please have a word with me afterwards and I can email you, or give you paper copies of the documents the PCC used to gather their thoughts. Or click on the links above.
The profile is being put together by a team. Ian Davies is our editor and point of contact.
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We’ll need someone who can take the content and put it into a reader friendly design. We’ve several examples of profiles from other churches that we can use as a template. If you have those IT design skills please let Ian or I know.
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We’ll want to include photographs of us as church, so if you’re handy with a camera and would like to get involved please let Ian or myself know
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The document needs to stand out so we’ll need a graphic artist/desktop publisher to give the final profile modernity and attractiveness
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And we’d love to include a short video of our church. It you could create and edit a 2 minute made from interviews and church service or activity clips, again please let us know.The profile will also include inputs from St. George’s and St. Paul’s churches and they’re working on those already.
It is the PCC’s hope that we will have a draft of the completed profile by mid-February 2024, ready for sign off at the end of February. Then we should be in a position to place an advert soon after Easter.
If you have any questions or if anything is worrying you regarding the vacancy, please see me after the service and I’ll happily chat with you.
Meantime let us continue to pray for the vacancy using the prayer that we’ve adopted for this time.
God our Father.
You have welcomed each one of us in Jesus and called us to be His Body in this place.
Send us Your Holy Spirit, at this time of uncertainty and change, to fill us with vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer that we may be true to our calling to bring new life to this community.
And guide with Your heavenly wisdom, those who are to choose a new incumbent for this parish, that the one who we receive may be a wise and gentle shepherd of Your people; ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and to lead us by example in loving obedience to Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dave Farris Lay Chair St. Matthew’s PCC
A service of Thanking and remembering.
On Sunday 5th November St. Matthew's held its service of Thanking and Remembering. A time to reflect, remember and give thanks for those who we continue to love but no longer see.
St Matthew’s Church vacancy update No. 1. 22nd October 2023.
Good morning. I’m Dave Farris, the Lay Chair of St. Matthew’s PCC, and this is the first of several updates that will be shared with the church during the time of vacancy here at St. Matthew’s.
Last Tuesday evening the PCC met with the Venerable John Kidde, Archdeacon of Wandsworth. During our time together John explained elements of the vacancy process; what the roles of our church and the other churches in the Benefice, St. Paul’s and St. George’s would be, and his role as Archdeacon.
The start button to filling the vacancy is pressed when Helen is licensed at her new church, St John’s Churt, on 2nd November. From then, working with you and the other parishes in the Benefice, we will create a parish profile and a person spec that prospective candidates can view.
When the time comes to interview prospective candidates our interview panel will consists of 2 people from St. Matthew’s; representatives from St. George’s and St. Paul’s churches; a representative from our patron, which for this occasion is the Crown (when the Benefice was established it allowed for the patronal responsibility to be rotated between CPAS and the Crown); our Bishop or his representative.
Our PCC members are being kept fully informed of what happening, receiving many emails and documents during the past few days. Thank you, every one of you, for the extra work that you’ll be doing over and above what you’d expected when you joined the PCC. Please stand up if you’re a PCC member. If you have any questions please ask anyone of us.
We now know the steps of our journey to the appointment of a new team Rector and vicar who will be the same person, however we don’t know the time that journey will take.
So please pray regularly for the members of our PCC; those who’ll take responsibility for creating our parish profile, and for myself and our wardens as we manage our daily lives as well as the vacancy process.
Let us pray.
God our Father.
You have welcomed each one of us in Jesus and called us to be His Body in this place.
Send us Your Holy Spirit, at this time of uncertainty and change, to fill us with vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer that we may be true to our calling to bring new life to this community.
And guide with Your heavenly wisdom, those who are to choose a new incumbent for this parish, that the one who we receive may be a wise and gentle shepherd of Your people.; ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and to lead us by example in loving obedience to Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dave Farris
Lay Chair St. Matthew’s PCC
Away Day
St. Matthews held our Awayday for adults and children on 15th October 2023. Our outstanding Guest Speaker Mary Hawes, until recently the National Children and Youth Adviser for the Church of England, gave us lots to think and talk about on the topic of the whole church growing together across all the generations. As well as Mary’s entertaining talks, we had time for worship, entertainment, eating, and interaction with each other. A fine time was had by all and we now look forward to our Away Weekend in May 2024.
Mon 2nd Oct
Yesterday Helen took her last service at St Mathew's as the incumbent Vicar and there was a huge turnout to wish her and Simon all the very best for their next adventure.
St Matthew’s is currently in vacancy (without a full time Vicar). However we are fortunate to have both Rev William Allberry and Rev Carolyn Lucas helping out and if you make yourself known to either of them at a Sunday service they will be happy to talk with you more or please contact the Parish Office by email admin@stmatthewskt6.org or Tel: Tel: 020 8390 5121 (Usual hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 0900-1300hrs)
https://www.stmatthewskt6.org/Groups/327657/Contact_Us.aspx
Thurs 28 Sept
Yesterday we said a fond farewell to our friends at Balance CIO as the last Community Cafe was held at St Matthew's. We want to thank John, Alex, Charlie and Josh and all those who have supported the partnership by being customers or helping out in different ways.
Mark Curzon has done a great job as a liaison person from the church side.
A final opportunity for a photo call and thanks again guys!
Tues 19 Sept
For more details see
HERE
Tues 12 Sept
In our mini-sermon series thinking about
Past, present and future - God's faithfulness - Yesterday, Today and For ever we looked last Sunday at the practice of theological reflection. There was homework too if anyone wanted to try it for themselves!
Tuesday 22 Aug
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Edge as our new Director of Music. Here is what he tells us about himself.
I’ve loved church music since being a chorister in my local church (also dedicated to St Matthew!) and becoming organist there at the age of 12.
I went on to study Music at Kingston University, was Organist at HM Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, Director of Music at St James Church in New Malden and Director of 'RCSM Voices' (directing
choirs at different UK cathedrals once a month). I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East (UAE), and am currently building a software company
in partnership with my brother. I’m married to Catherine with four children (three now adults living elsewhere). I enjoy many types of music and am very excited to be working at St Matthew’s - guiding our music to inspire and enhance our spiritual life and experience.
Mon 14 Aug
Having spent some time looking together at the Kingdom parables in Matthew 13, the challenge was issued recently to finish the sentence . .
The Kingdom of God is like . . . and these were the responses . . .
. . the sun shining on your face bringing warmth joy and nourishment and anyone
can take a step from the shade into the full sun if they choose.
. . a constantly changing and evolving tapestry of different experiences beyond
our current knowledge
. . a warm hug from a loved one or trusted friend which makes you feel safe and
secure whatever else is happening around you.
. . a well tended garden bringing peace and joy to the minds and hearts.
. . a beautiful picture painted with skill and love. You’re drawn to it, returning
whenever you can and seeing it afresh each time, noticing new details and
subtleties. You tell your friends they must come and see it too.
. . a delicious dish the recipe passed down through your family. The aroma
compels you to come closer. You can’t wait to taste it. You savour every
mouthful – the blend of herbs and spices revive your palette. It’s nutritious and
sustaining. You come back for seconds.
. . a piece of music composed centuries ago but appreciated by each
generation. The melody begins gently, other parts join in, a gradual crescendo.
The bass a rhythmic heartbeat. Melodies interweave, dissonances resolve as
the music retreats and you’re left with the emotion.
Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Wed 9 Aug
We are now taking bookings for the new Bereavement Journey Course - see below for more details.
Loss needs to be processed for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Unresolved grief can also affect our attitudes, relationships and attainment. The Bereavement Journey® is a place to talk - 7 Sessions of films and discussion for anyone, whether grieving a death now, or wanting to explore a previous bereavement that may be unresolved. This course is for bereaved adults to do their own grief work. It is supported by a Guest Manual and facilitated by volunteers.
Topics include:
• Attachment, separation and loss
• The pain and responses of grief
• Anger and guilt
• Coping with others’ reactions
• Delayed and suppressed grief
• Adjusting to change
• Moving forward healthily
Faith is reserved for the final, 7th session on Faith Questions in Bereavement, which is optional, making the course suitable for anyone of any faith or none.
The Bereavement Journey is being offered by churches and Christian organisations across the UK and the world. Ideally Guests attend a course in their local area.
For other bereavement support services and information visit AtaLoss.org.
Course Dates: Tuesday 19 September to Tuesday 31 October.
Time: 2- 4.30pm
Hosted by: Susan Kang - please contact her to book on 07745 795395 or susan.kang10@gmail.com
Tues 25 July
Don't forget our Motto Verse and Home Group Celebration this evening at 7 for 7.30pm!
Mon 3 July
Thanks to the amazing girls and staff from Surbiton High School who worked so hard last Friday. They gave a huge boost to our efforts to unlock some of the heritage of the building by uncovering more of the original ceramic tiling at the back to the church. It was hard work but they rose to the challenge brilliantly helping to put the 'Soul into our community'.
Fri 30 June
With Simon Hancock leaving to go (not unreasonably) with wife Helen, there is now the opportunity for a new Director Music to be employed. Please click
HERE for the job specification and details of how to apply.
Thurs 29 June
Last Sunday Rev Helen Hancock announced that she and her husband, Simon (currently Director of Music) would be leaving St Matthew's. This is an extract from what she said:
After over 10 ½ years at St Matthew’s, I have this week accepted the post of Resident Minister at St John’s Churt & Rushmoor in Guildford Diocese. It is a part-time post so will allow me more time to get involved in other things and the luxury of at least two consecutive days off every week! I will be resigning as Team Rector with effect from early October.
This has been a really hard decision for both Simon and me and we leave with heavy hearts but also excited about a fresh chapter of ministry with new opportunities and challenges.
Our thanks to everyone in the three churches for your love, support, commitment and hard work over the years - it will be incredibly hard to say goodbye and we thank God for the many blessings he has showered on us through you all.
I feel confident that with Luke, Carolyn and Nicholas in the Team aided by William Allberry all three churches in THiS Team will, together, go from strength to strength under God’s leading and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Please keep us in your prayers in the coming weeks (as we will you) and if you have any questions do get in touch.
Wed 21 June
Since we are finding it hard to live-stream all our services, our 9am service this week will not be available online - apologies. If you had hoped to watch - please tell us so we know there is the demand! You can still tune in for our 10.45 service!
It is one of the highlights of the year - our School Welcome Sunday - when we welcome new to St Matthew's School Reception children and parents to our service. This year we will also be having the School Choir come and sing for us. Do come along or join online on YouTube
HERE
Tues 6 June
We have just started our new sermon series asking what, as Christians, our distinct response should be to the pain of the world. It can be tempting to exist in a bubble of comfort but we need to be prepared to burst the bubble and confront and challenge. We are going to be hearing from those who have direct experience on the climate crisis, modern day slavery and children's wellbeing.
Tues 16 May
Christian Aid Week
Please give generously at
HERE
Thurs 11 May
We had a wonderful Coronation celebration last weekend - many thanks to all those who contributed in any way
Wed 10 May
If you want to read The Bridge, click
HERE or copies available at the back of church
Sun 30 April
At our APCM today we spent some time thinking about the practices of the Early Church - teaching, fellowship, prayer and sharing good in common ( Acts 2. 42 - end). We then thought about the Five Marks of Mission - Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform and Treasure.
Then we mapped what we are currently doing at St Matthew's onto the Five Marks of Mission. This is what is looks like:
We also asked the whole congregation how they might be able to assist wit
h some of the tasks and filling certain roles in church life.
Here are the role descriptions and here is the list of roles:
PCC Secretary
Treasurer
Finance Committee member
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Pathfinder Leader
Creche Leader
Hospitality Lead
cornerHOUSE Trustee
School Governor
vmix operators
Website administrator
Prayer Ministry Team
Musicians
Gardeners
Pray-er
Please let Helen or one of the wardens know if you might be able to help or get in touch with the person indicated to find out more.
Mon 17 April
Everyone welcome to the piano Trio concert this Sunday given by Trio Lavolta at 4.30pm followed by refreshments.
Wed 13 April
Our
Hope Explored course starts the week after next. Everyone is encouraged to come along to share in the course as we explore the resurrection of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel.
We are running three parallel sessions which each run for just three weeks:
(1) on Zoom on Tuesday nights (18, 25 April and 2 May at 8pm), MEETING ID: 521 380 444 PASSWORD: public
or you can also access the meeting using this shortcut:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/521380444?pwd=dEFTdGYwSzBUaDF1NmNuN20xZjlNUT09
(2) in person at St Paul's from Wednesday 19 April (and 26 April and 3 May) at 2pm and
(3) on Thursday nights at 8pm in person at St. Matthew's Church from 20 April plus 27 April and 4 May
If you want to join a course, please email Helen on teamrector@stmatthewskt6.org
Tues 11 April
Thanks to those who contributed in anyway to our worship and activities over the Easter weekend. We shared in some powerful services of worship and sharing food together, as well as a very productive Easter Eve Spring Clean when we had over 40 people doing all sorts of useful things around the building.
Here is just one image from the weekend - the brazier at our Sunrise Service with a few members of the congregation:
Mon 3 April
The Southwark Diocesan newspaper for April
THE BRIDGE
Wed 22 March
Our Easter service information in a more easy to read format.
Monday 3 - Wednesday 5 April at 9pm Compline on Zoom details:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83806975326?pwd=ZDA1ejZzRkUrZ3B6UTFtdFlsRU5aZz09
Meeting ID: 838 0697 5326
Passcode: 332313
Maundy Thursday Thursday 6 April
Holy Communion Service on Zoom at 8pm
Good Friday Friday 7 April
Time for reflection in church 12noon - 2pm - come and go as you please.
Service with Passiontide Music 2 - 3pm.
Easter Sunday 9 April
Sunrise Holy Communion service at 6am followed by breakfast
All Age Holy Communion services at 10am followed by Easter Egg hunt
Also many thanks to Wendy Dobing again for the wonderful artwork which she has created to celebrate our Easter services.
Tues 14 March
We are tentatively making some plans to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
You are all invited to come and share watching the Coronation Service itself on Saturday 6 May in church and hopefully on Sunday 7 May we will join St Matthew's Residents' Association in a Street Party. If anyone is able to help towards organising either of these events, please speak to Helen.
To get you in the mood - enjoy this Coronation March written by our very own Simon Hancock and soon to be published in a volume of Coronation Organ Music. Listen to 'Changing of the Guard'
HERE
Sun 5 March
Please find the March edition of Southwark Diocese's '
The Bridge'
Sat 25 Feb
If you haven't already got the booklet to go alongside our Lent Sermon Series based around the Richard Foster book 'Celebration of Discipline' you can down load it
HERE.
Ash Wednesday 22 Feb
'Remember that you are but dust and to dust you shall return.
Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ'
The words spoken as people will be 'ashed' at our Ash Wednesday Service today at 11am - a;l welcome
Wed 15 Feb
We are now getting geared up to run the next Bereavement Journey Course which starts on 18 April. Find more details of the Course
here and our other Bereavement Friendly Church events.
Wed 8 Feb
For news from Southwark Diocese including a report of the consecration of our new Bishop of Kingston click on
The Bridge
Thurs 2 Feb
We are delighted to welcome our new Parish Administrator, Steve Blevins. He is a local resident who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role. Steve will be in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9.00 - 13.00. Do say hello if you're in!
Tues 3 Jan
Happy New Year . . . and
Martin Gainsborough will be consecrated Bishop of Kingston on 2nd February at Canterbury Cathedral a prayer for him that we all might pray in the coming days:
Heavenly Father, our Shepherd and Guide
We thank you for the appointment of your servant, Martin Gainsborough, as bishop designate of Kingston.
May your Holy Spirit give him your gifts of wisdom and strength, gentleness and compassion,
as he prepares to take up his role as our pastor and teacher.
May he be a shepherd after your own heart, who will love you, walk with Jesus and be filled with the Spirit.
May he be a leader of vision and a teacher of your truth, Christ centred and outward focussed.
As Bishop designate Martin gets ready to make his home among us, may we welcome him joyfully into our Diocesan community, and together bear witness to Christ and the building up of your kingdom.
We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ, Amen
Wed 14 Dec
Take a look
HERE for the Diocesan newspaper 'The Bridge' for December
Tues 13 Dec
Here is a great article about inviting someone to an event at church this Christmas - why not have a read and then take a deep breath and do it!
PRAY . . PREPARE . . PETITION
Mon 5 Dec
Our vicar Rev Helen Hancock writes:
'It's great to be back from my Sabbatical - to see familiar faces and even to have a song written about our return! Coming back brings home to me (I was trying not to think about it while I was away!) just how many people made my being away possible - so many stepping up to do unfamiliar tasks and supporting each other and a few really going above and beyond. I am so grateful to everyone who has been a part of the wonderful time I have had through prayer and not getting in contact(!) and encouraging and helping others. Thank you, thank you!
If you want to know what I got up to there is a small display in church!
Tue 29 Nov
Aren't our new Christmas flyers fabulous.
A huge thank you, yet again, to our friend, Wendy Dobing, for her brilliantly festive artwork and boundless patience! We are very grateful!
Mon 28 Nov
There is an email scam currently in operation asking people to purchase vouchers on someone else's behalf.
Please be assured that we would never email asking you to buy something for us or ask you to send one of us money.
It is a very clever scam because it encourages a dialogue with the sender. It is easy to think that you are in conversation with someone you know because the scam email address mimics a real address. The content of the emails also can mimic a genuine conversation.
All our email addresses follow this pattern 'name@stmatthewskt6.org', we do not use any email addresses that are like this 'name.stmatthewskt6@gmail.com' or variations of that.
If at any point, you think you have received a scam email you can forward it to this address: report@phishing.gov.uk
The following websites have information about dealing with and reporting scams:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/
Fri 18 Nov
1st Tolworth Scouts are holding their November Fayre tomorrow. Why not pop in for half an hour for a bit of pre-Christmas fun - they'll have traditional fayre activities with fun games, bric-a-brac, tombola, books, raffle, craft activities and a cake stall.
Thurs 10 Nov
Join us on Sunday for our Remembrance Day services
Wed 9 Nov
If you would like to read the Southwark Diocese newspaper The Bridge please click
HERE
Thurs 3 Nov
Join us for our
Service of Remembering and Thanking on Sunday 6 Nov at 5pm.
If you would like a candle lit to remember a loved one, just pop their details in the box at the back of church and their name will be read out and a candle lit in their memory during the service from 5pm.
Refreshments served 4-4.45pm
All welcome
Tues 27 Sept
Join us this Sunday to celebrate Harvest, with Holy Communion at 9am and our All-Age Service with Children's Groups at 10.45am
At these services you are invited to do either or both of the following:
-
make a donation to the Harvest Appeal for Christian Aid
-
bring non-perishable food for Kingston Foodbank (urgently required items are shown below).
Please give as generously as you can in these difficult times.
With thanks
Kingston Foodbank urgently need the following please
;
TINNED MEAT - LONG LIFE MILK - COFFEE - RICE - BISCUITS - SQUASH - INSTANT MASH - TINNED VEGETABLES - JAM - POT NOODLES - OILS - KETCHUP AND MAYONAISE - SANITARY TOWELS - TOILET PAPER - WASHING UP LIQUID - HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS - WASHING MACHINE TABLETS.
Monetary donations can be made via these links:
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/harvest-appeal
https://kingston.foodbank.org.uk/
Mon 12 Sept
Sat 10 Sept
National Period of Mourning for Her Majesty the Queen
The church will be open each day for private prayer and reflection.
There is a Book of Condolence if you would like to sign it.
There are online versions available on the links below
https://www.royal.uk/
https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-her-majesty-queen
Fri 9 Sept
It is with great sadness that we share this prayer from the Church of England.
Wed 10 Aug
Starting at the end of September, we are again going to be running 'The Bereavement Journey' a six week free course for those who are bereaved. Previous attendees speak of finding the DVDs and time for discussion and sharing so helpful. To find out more click
HERE
Thurs 28 July
Now that our bug hotel (thanks to Surbiton High Girls for its construction) is becoming established we hope we will be getting all sorts of visitors over the summer holidays - with varying numbers of legs!
Thurs 21 July
Fabulous to have St Matthew's School in today for their wonderful and emotional leavers' service for Y6. They celebrated all their favourite memories and sang beautifully.
Good luck to all Y6s as they leave their Primary Schools - we hope you have a fun summer.
Tues 19 July
If you would like to read the Southwark Diocese newspaper The Bridge please click
HERE
Thurs 14 July
When it's so hot outside, it's still lovely and cool in church. Another great reason to join us for our services on Sunday - 9am and 10.45.
Tues 5 July
Saturday was another great day in the life of THiS Team as Rev Nicholas Lebey was priested at All Saints Kingston. He is a great blessing to St George's and the whole team - congratulations Nicholas!
Fri 1 July
We're looking forward to our Welcome Sunday Service, this Sunday at 10.45am. A special service to welcome all those who are starting in Reception, at St Matthew's School, this September, to our Welcome Sunday Service.
Wed 22 June
Thanks to all involved in giving Jen a great send off on Sunday. Now she is away on retreat before her Ordination on Saturday - please be praying for her. A flavour of the party - a bittersweet occasion.
Thurs 16 June
A big shout out for this Sunday to all the Dads, Grandads, and father figures out there.
Thurs 9 June
Our Jubilee and Pentecost flowers are still looking fabulous!
Wed 1 June
As we approach the long Jubilee weekend a couple of things - do look out for St Matthew's Schools Eco event appearing in the Southwark Diocese monthly online newspaper - The Bridge -
HERE
And remember that everyone is welcome to the St Matthew's Residents' Association Street Party starting with a short Jubilee service in church at 12.15 this Sunday - please bring your own food and drink!
Sun 29 May
As we get ready to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Wed 18 May
Christian Aid Week - 15-21 May
Once again the clergy and church communities of Kingston are coming together to raise funds for Christian Aid. This year we are tackling the Jerusalema Challenge because we want to dance all over poverty and injustice.
This will include a 'Jerusalema Flash Mob' in Kingston Town Centre on
Saturday 21 May, at 1pm. Do join us in Clarence Street, Kingston.
If you would like to see St Matthew's Jerusalema YouTube video or donate click
Kingston Churches Christian Aid Week 2022
(If you want to join the flash mob - here's a link to
learn the steps or watch a
compilation of the dance)
Thurs 12 May (2)
Such a brilliant morning - huge thanks to Hollyfield, Tolworth Girls', Southborough, Shrewsbury House and St Matthew's Primary Schools and to our panellists Sir Ed Davey MP, Elliot Newton and Alison Holt from RBK and Jack Edwards from Southwark Diocese. So many good ideas and so much passion from our young people - it was inspiring to hear their commitment to our planet!
Hollyfield School encouraged us all to sign up for next week's Big Plastic Count - for more details take a look
HERE and a short explanatory video
here
Thurs 12 May
Lots of energy and excitement in Church today, as we eagerly await the start of our first
Eco-Schools event. Local schools have been invited to a panel event with local MP, Sir Ed Davey; and representatives from Kingston Council and the Church of England.
The event will bring together young people from different schools in the local area – primary and secondary, state and independent – to share experiences and ideas. We hope that it will allow schools to showcase what they are already doing in terms of eco-initiatives, and to be inspired and hopefully to create new partnerships.
Mon 9 May
What a great AwayWeekend it was - and here we all are!
Also if you are interested in reading the Diocesan newspaper The Bridge do click
HERE
Thurs 5 May
We are looking forward to going away for our Away Weekend. We will be thinking about our motto verse and how to be 'Easter People'
It's a lovely opportunity to have a good time together.
Tues 4 May
Our brothers and sisters at Kingsgate Church in Kingston are asking for our support for this very worthwhile project - is it something you could help with?
T
he Bridge is a telephone befriending service for 18-65 year olds set up by KingsGate Church in Kingston Upon Thames. This project was initially set up during the COVID-19 pandemic to reach out to people who were finding the lack of socialisation challenging and were experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
We are continuing to offer this service to support those who are struggling with isolation and low mental health needs.
Our desire is that although KingsGate have set up The Bridge, this is a service that any church in the borough can partner with and that we link clients to a befriender who attends a church local to them. In that way, if the client wants more contact than telephone befriending, there is a link to a church near them.
The basic process is as follows:
· Volunteers from churches within the borough have references checked and are provided with training
· Volunteers commit to a minimum of 6 weeks (1 call to client per week, max 1 hr)
· Service users are referred to The Bridge via local charities and organisations
· A volunteer is assigned to a service user and contacts the service user by phone
· Volunteer phones the service user for a chat once a week for six weeks
· After 6 weeks there is a review to determine if the client wants to continue, if the chats are helping them, if there are other services or community activities they can be pointed towards and if the volunteer is happy to continue.
Full details of process, training, supervision and safeguarding will be explained to volunteers in training.
Our partner charities and organisations are aware that the volunteers running this service are members of churches and therefore their faith may play a part in the conversations. Equally these telephone conversations are not preaching opportunities for volunteers. They are a space for volunteers to help and demonstrate love for people who are struggling, to minister to Jesus by ministering to those he cares about and to talk about Jesus and pray with the client where they indicate they would like that.
If you would like to volunteer for this service, or to attend an introductory training meeting to find out more, please get in touch with us at thebridge@kingsgatechurch.org.uk
Wed 27 April
It was good to be able to share in the Scout family's celebration of St George's Day with a service for 1st Tolworth (St Matthew's) last Sunday. As Beavers, Cubs and Scouts renewed their promises, we thought about the importance of commitment and remembered the Abraham Lincoln saying that 'Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality'.
Tues 5 April
With most of our congregation back in church and the Notice Sheet available at services and online
HERE we are not focusing on keeping our Keeping in touch page so up to date. We will post occasional items but this will not be so regular as before.
If you want to check out what is happening across the Diocese do look at the Bridge newspaper online
HERE
Fri 26 March
Our friend Wendy has designed us another beautiful Easter Services leaflet, it has the details of all our
Easter Services.
Fri 25 March
It is our Annual Parishioner's Meeting followed by our Annual Parochial Church Meeting at 10.00am on Sunday 3 April. Our Annual Report and Accounts 2012 can be accessed
HERE.
Eco-tip, please read it online and only print it if you absolutely have to.
Mon 28 Feb
Just a reminder that the Electoral Roll is open for application. The notice posted in church can be seen
here and the application form is available
here. Just drop your completed form into the box at the back of church by Wednesday 16 March.
Thurs 24 Feb
As we heard the terrible news this morning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine we hold the people in our prayers:
Sat 5 Feb
Great PCC Morning today with the three THiS Team PCCs joining together to think through Mission and Children and families work across the three churches.
Also if you are interested in reading Southwark Diocese Newspaper 'The Bridge' click
HERE
Wed 26 Jan
So, we launched the Motto Verse last Sunday and once again we are indebted to Wendy Dobing for her wonderful design and the photograph which she took a few months ago between Surbiton and Kingston; so a wonderfully local scene to embed the Motto Verse in our everyday lives. Copies for your fridge, desk, car or elsewhere are available from church.
Send Helen a picture of the most inventive place in which you display it or a story about how it has started a good conversation!
ALSO don't forget our Quiz Night at the cornerHOUSE Douglas Road on Sat 12 Feb - teams of 4 on socially distanced tables - come as a Team or join one on the night. Be there from 6.45pm ready for a prompt start at 7pm. Paying bar and bring your own nibbles. Ideally contact Dave Farris to let him know you are coming either in church or at dave.farris@talk21.com or 07540 702400. Donations for Kingston Action on Homelessness on the night.
Sat 15 Jan
A couple of things:
We are having trouble with our streaming software connecting to Facebook you may have to watch tomorrow's services on YouTube. Apologies for any inconvenience - we will try to fix it for next week.
This coming Tuesday the
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins. If you would like to follow the daily readings and resource please click
HERE and this is what the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland say about it on their website:
The story of the Magi visiting the Holy Family in Bethlehem is one very familiar to us. The Magi have sometimes been seen as a symbol of the world’s diversity – different religions and cultures – that comes to pay homage to the Christ-child. The story might therefore represent the unity of all created that God desires.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2022 has been prepared by the churches of the Middle East, the history of which was, and still is, characterised by conflict and strife, tainted with blood and darkened by injustice and oppression. The Christians of the Middle East offer these resources conscious that the world shares many of the travails and much of the difficulties that it experiences, and yearns for a light to lead the way to the Saviour who is the light that overcomes darkness.
Serving the Gospel today requires a commitment to the human being, especially the poorest, the weakest and those marginalised. It requires from the churches transparency and accountability in dealing with the world, and with each other. This means churches need to cooperate to provide relief to the afflicted, to welcome the displaced, to relieve the burdened, and to build a just and honest society. This is a call for churches to work together so that young people can build a good future according to God’s heart, a future in which all human beings can experience life, peace, justice, and love.
And finally the prayer which hopefully all the churches across Surbiton will be using next Sunday as a sign of our unity:
Gracious God,
When we only know one way and we think we must return to it,
when we think that all roads are blocked, and we fall into despair,
we always find you there, creating a new unexpected path before us.
If we search our maps and find no route,
nonetheless we always find you,
who leads us by a yet more excellent way,
trusting that you will always lead us back to you and forward in unity together. Amen.
Thurs 6 Jan
As part of our commitment to the maintenance of our church building as the work is being done to repair the stone work we are also having replaced the stone crosses which were lost many years ago. We hope to have them in church one Sunday for people to see close up before they are reinstated but here is a closer look at them - such craftsmanship!
Wed 5 Jan
This coming Sunday at both our services you will have the opportunity to join in the Covenant Prayer. Taken from the Methodist Church, the words are weighty and deserve prayerful attention both in advance and afterwards.
Here they are:
I am no longer my own but yours.
Your will, not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me,
in all that I do and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me and when there is none;
when I am troubled and when I am at peace,
your will be done.
When I am valued and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking;
when I have all things and when I have nothing.
I willingly offer all that I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose.
Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.
May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven,
Amen.
Tues 4 January 2022
A rather belated Happy New Year to all.
Just to say that we are suspending refreshments once again at least for Sunday 9 January.
Please take a Lateral Flow Test before attending a service, and do not attend if you have symptoms of Covid-19.
Masks must be worn in church, unless an exemption applies.
Thank you!
Many thanks
Tues 21 Dec
Thanks to everyone who came along to our Carols By Candlelight services on Sunday - there was a wonderful atmosphere . . .
Mon 13 Dec
We are very grateful to the Allchurches Trust who have made a award of £1,500 towards the cost of our current stone renovation work. This is the second grant which we have received from Allchurches Trust in the past three years and we are encouraged by their continuing support for our maintenance of the church building.
As an update to the current work, we had hoped that the work would be completed in mid January. Unfortunately once proper inspection could take place with the scaffolding in place, much more stone work was found to be in need of replacement which will extend the works by about 6 weeks (and increase the cost accordingly!)
Mon 6 Dec
Healthwatch Kingston want to better understand the needs of people who are affected by bereavement. This survey is designed to be inclusive of all kinds of loss, including expected or sudden deaths, miscarriages or death of children and young people. It is relevant to anyone affected by a bereavement or supporting someone through grief – before and during the pandemic. You can share your views
HERE.
and if you want to find St Matthew's in The Bridge, the local Diocesan newspaper, and find out more of what is happening in Southwark Diocese then click
HERE
Wed 1 Dec
Once again our Choir will lead the cornerHOUSE community in singing everyone's favourite carols.
The cornerHOUSE Community Arts Centre is at 116 Douglas Road KT6 7She
Welcoming mulled wine and mince pies beforehand (and possibly after!)
Carol sheets provided
This as a relaxed, family-friendly, event and parents are welcome to come and go to fit in with their children’s bedtimes etc.
Admission and refreshments are free.
There will be a retiring collection for St Matthew’s nominated charity.
Free booking through cornerHOUSE tickets
HERE or walk-in on the night ( subject to capacity limits.)
Sun 29 Nov
Wed 24 Nov
STOP PRESS! Mary and Joseph have decided to stay in Airbnbs this year so will not need hospitality in the Parish. Thank you to those who offered - they will be back next year!
Fri 19 Nov
As you may have seen from the opening banner on the website we are delighted to have won the 2021 Nayler Award for Excellence in Church Maintenance. The awards are organised by the
National Churches Trust and supported by
The Pilgrim Trust.
You can find out more about the award
HERE
Of course this is very much a team award. So many volunteers work so hard in many different ways to keep our beautiful church in a good state of repair. We are also blessed with some great partnerships including Nick Bethune our architect from
West Scott Architects,
the builders currently engaged with Phase Two of our Stonework replacement project,
Universal Stone and our electrician Ian Middleton.
We would like to receive this award in memory of Paul Atkins, a former Churchwarden who died earlier this year. He was a maintenance man
par excellence with a power tool for everything and limitless skill and patience dedicated to the maintenance of our church building.
Photo credit: Andy Sillitt
Wed 17 Nov
Yes it's almost Advent so once again Mary, Joseph and Bonkey the Donkey will be travelling around the parish hopefully staying each night in a different home. This year again we are running it virtually.
The Holy Family can stay in your home by using figures from your nativity set, dressing dolls or colouring templates you will be able to find here soon. Arrange a short virtual meet-up via Zoom or by phone to receive the Holy Family and then one as you pass them on to their next hosts. Feel free to meet in person if you are both happy to! It’s a great way to meet others from Church and reflect on the travels of Mary and Joseph during Advent.
Please sign up now for a date
HERE
Please contact Jen if you have any questions - jen.houghton@hotmail.com or 07792 242 710.
Mon 15 Nov
Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness have just produced their Annual Report - it makes inspiring reading
HERE
Thurs 11 Nov
Balance CIO, our partner in our Community Cafe, has produced its Autumn newsletter. Take a look
HERE to find out more about the great work they do. You should recognise some familiar faces!
Wed 10 Nov
In time for Remembrance Day tomorrow we have uploaded our WW1 Exhibition boards onto the website
HERE
Thurs 4 Nov
If you miss being able to pick up a copy of the Diocesan newspaper '
The Bridge' you can look at it online
HERE and if you have never heard of it, even more reason to take a look!
Tues 26 Oct
Apologies for this late post - there is still much important action and praying to be done . . .
There is estimated to be over 100,000 victims of slavery in the UK today
Here are a few of the signs you may see of victims of slavery today, a worker may:
Show signs of physical or psychological abuse and untreated injuries
Look malnourished or unkempt, or appear withdrawn and neglected
Seem under the control or influence of others
Wear the same clothes every day
Wear no safety equipment even if their work requires it
Be collected and dropped off on a regular basis early in the morning or late at night. In a crowded minibus with other workers
Reluctant to seek help and avoid eye contact
Appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers
Who to do if you suspect someone is a victim of slavery?
If there is an emergency and someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you would like to report any non-emergency suspicious activity in your local area then call your local police on 101 or go to your local police station.
Call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
If you need advice or support on a modern slavery issue then you can call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. It operates 24 hour a day, 365 days a year.
Always remember that if you are offered a service – car wash, nail bar, building work that seems to be too good to be true it almost certainly is and someone is suffering!
For more information see the websites of
Stop the Traffik or
The Clewer Initiative
Fri 1 Oct
Sleep Out to Help Out
On Friday 15 October, young people from St Matthew's, St George's, and St Paul's Churches will be sleeping overnight in Church to raise money for Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH). Please show your support by sponsoring them here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Fuel-KCAH
Or donations can be given to Jen Houghton.
Sun 26 Sept
This morning in our joint service at 10am celebrating St Matthew's Weekend and Harvest we are inviting everyone to offer to do something to serve the church. We have all been given gifts and abilities - even if we don't think they are very important - and together they can run a church. Pretty much every job is covered and there are lots!
We want everyone to feel involved in this so if you are watching online
HERE is the form - please download, complete and send it to us. Sorry there is no clever online poll to complete but an old-fashioned piece of paper! Alternatively you could take look at the form and then just email us through the contact page of the website
HERE with your offering.
THANK YOU!
Mon 13 Sept
For those who would like to read and think through some more around the issues raised in our current sermon series on 'Reaping a rich harvest in Ruth' there is a useful toolkit on the Church of England's website which you can find
HERE. It us particularly aimed at the Afghan refugee crisis but has some much wider resources as well.
Thurs 10 Sept
Feels like a new term has begun and there is certainly lots of activity here!
Click
HERE to find out about our Heritage Open Day this coming Saturday
Be ready to celebrate our St Matthew's Weekend with the following:
Get your tickets for another-not-too-far-AwayDay, following the great success or our first AwayDay back in 2018.
And finally we are beginning The Bereavement Journey Course on Tues 28 Sept - details below.
Tues 27 July
To find out more about re-planting the new garden - please click
HERE
Sun 25 July
Service Times
Following the PCC meeting last week it has now been decided that from 5 September we shall return to our old service pattern with slightly changed timings.
The traditional service with choir and organ will start at 9am. This slightly earlier start time will accommodate the second service (with band and children’s groups) starting at 10.45am.
These new service times will trial through the autumn although we confirm that the order of the services will not change.
Apologies to those who would have preferred a different time – taking into account the preferences of everyone was not possible.
Remembering, Reflecting and Recovering
Also
Here are the
Pandemic Experience Sheets we looked at in the service this morning so you can follow the links
For yourself
For the Family
For Young People
And finally the link to the FREE App which was mentioned - you can download
HERE from the Google story or
HERE from the Apple Store.
This is what the makers say about it:
We're delighted to bring you the new Sanctuary app, featuring Together Again, a game to kickstart conversations about wellbeing and faith.
Throughout lockdown, checking on each others’ wellbeing has been an important part of life together. Together Again continues this conversation as we move into a new season, generating questions to help us explore the challenges of the year, as well as the lighter moments.
"What activity restores your soul or brings you joy?"
"Name one thing you don't want to forget from last year.''
Whether it's two friends on a walk, a family sharing a meal, or a group gathered around a campfire—meaningful connections can happen anywhere.
As recent changes and the easing of restrictions start to impact us, these questions are designed to help us connect with each other and pace our recovery. Discover a simple way to keep the wellbeing conversation alive in our faith communities and beyond with Together Again.
In the app you'll find:
Together Again, a conversation-starting game
Links to emergency mental health support
Access to a suite of free Sanctuary resources to support faith and mental health
Ways to take the conversation further with The Sanctuary Course
If you'd like to meet up on a Wednesday in August to discuss this please let Helen know either day time or evening.
Thurs 22 July
After discussion at PCC in which there was an incredibly wide set of views (expressed generously and sensitively) and the guidance from the central church (which you can read for yourself
HERE if you are interested and have half an hour! ) we have decided that
this Sunday, 25 July, we will seek to observe all the same rules as last Sunday!!
This will be a relief to some and a cause of frustration for others.
Over the coming weeks during August we will gradually look to ease certain of the restrictions but we intend for the next few weeks at least (and subject to prevailing conditions)
-
to continue the social distancing in the pews,
-
once singing begins in church to do so with masks on
-
to allow masks to be removed while seated, if individuals wish
-
to continue track and trace
Obviously we do not have legal backing to enforce any of this but we hope that people attending will comply.
If you have any questions or comments please do get in touch with Helen, Mike or Jackie
Sat 10 July
If you would like to look at the Diocesan newspaper The Bridge for this month - please click
HERE
Sun 4 July
If you feel strongly about being able to be allowed to sing in church once again, you may want to sign the petition
HERE.
If 10,000 signatures are received, the government commit to responding to the petition.
ALSO
Thank you to all those (over 30) who contributed to our Maintenance Morning in so many different ways yesterday. If you missed out we will be compiling a list of jobs which still need doing and it would be great if some of these could be tackled in August - more details to follow or ask Jackie and Mike.
ALSO a BIG thank you to the girls from Surbiton High School who came and did some great work on Friday to add to the efforts of our maintenance weekend. They showed such hard work, creativity and commitment we are very grateful to them all.
Sat 26 June
And here is the link to the Facebook page on which our bell ringers feature for the anniversary celebrations (see below).
https://www.facebook.com/groups/135681541720946/?multi_permalinks=228609069094859¬if_id=1624723534008624¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif
Enjoy!
22 June
Bell-ringing event at St Matthew’s on Saturday 26 June at 12.00 noon
As you may know, St Matthew’s Church has an unusual set of bells which includes what is known as
an Ellacombe Chime. This is an arrangement whereby bells (hemispherical ones in our case) can be
played by one bell-ringer using a series of ropes looking
a bit like a harp, and is named after a Reverend
Ellacombe who invented the system in 1821. It is said
that he devised the mechanism so that all the bells
could be rung by one trusted person without involving
a band of unruly and perhaps drunken ringers!
As this is the 200 th anniversary of the reverend
gentleman’s invention, all churches which have a
working set of Ellacombe chimes have been invited to
take part in a ‘celebration ring’ this Saturday (26 th June)
at 12 noon. We are intending to be one of only 78
churches in the UK taking part in this, as Ellacombe
systems are now relatively rare, especially ones that work well and are in regular use. Our bells were fully refurbished during the tower restoration two years ago.
Bells throughout the world will be ringing on Saturday, starting in New Zealand. They will be heard in each of the major time zones, played at noon local time in each location. They will make their way to Surbiton, then across the Americas, finishing in Vancouver, Canada, 17 hours after they first started.
The Ellacombe system allows the ringer to play tunes, and you may have heard carols and hymns being played before some of our services last Christmas and Easter.
We hope you will enjoy hearing the bells on
this special occasion. We will have a team of
ringers in the tower so that no one person
gets exhausted! Do look in to the church on
Saturday between 12.00 and 1pm, if you
would like. We can tell you a little bit more
about the bells, and will have a replica
practice frame at the back of the church
which will allow you to try your hand. We
also have cameras in the tower which will
allow you to see the action from ground
level!
21 June
Captain Nicholas Lebey (Church Army) is being ordained in Southwark Cathedral this coming Saturday at 11am and will be the new pioneer curate at St George's. If you would like to watch the service
HERE is the link