Weekly news and services for the Benefice of Benenden & Sandhurst, Kent.Sunday Services: Sunday 30th August8 am Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Sandhurst 10am Holy Communion St George's, Benenden
Daily Scripture:‘Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word’ (Acts 8 v 4)Daily Reflection:In our reading “those who were scattered” were not named - we do not know who they were individually, but they went out proclaiming the word, not knowing if their words would have any influence as they moved from place to place. We are not always aware of the time or place of the many influences that have shaped our lives, it is sometimes only after the event that we are able to discern this influence, if at all. And those who proclaim the word may not be aware themselves of the impact they may have had - a small word of encouragement, a kind gesture or act of kindness - to the giver it may be insignificant, but to the receiver it could change the way that they view their day or their life!!Lyn Hayes, ALM
Daily Scripture‘As for me, O Lord, I will cry to you; early in the morning my prayer shall come before you.Lord, why have you rejected my soul? Why have you hidden your face from me?’ (Psalm 88:15&16)Daily ReflectionOnce more the Psalmist is being completely open and honest with God. This time though it is not abounding joy that he expresses to God, but that he has hit rock bottom, and even feels rejected by God. (Which does not happen…. but that’s how he feels.) We do not always have to put on a positive and cheerful face – especially with God; it is a good thing to tell God exactly how we are feeling. And yet, despite how he is feeling about life and even about God, the psalmist still prays to God. If you are not in the habit, start it today – bring all your feelings to God in prayer – “Cry out to God”. Sharing how we truly feel is a first step to healing.Revd David
Daily Scripture:the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says,“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?Did not my hand make all these things?” (Acts 7.48-50)Daily Reflection:‘What kind of house will you build?’ We have inherited so many wonderful buildings, from humble chapels to vast cathedrals; we have a hugely valuable legacy of historic parish churches; we each have our own special sacred places. But none of them house God, they can never be more than somewhere not for him but for us, where we may experience the presence of the God who is with us at all times and in all places. St Paul wrote ‘you are God’s temple and the Holy Spirit dwells in you’. What kind of temple am I building?David Harmsworth
