Welcome to the Elham Valley Group of Churches
Welcome!
Hello, I'm the Rev'd Carol Bates and I'm the Rector for a mixed group of churches located across the beautiful Elham Valley.
Our vision is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all by offering different styles of worship, Christian fellowship, pastoral care and community events across our rural communities.
You are always welcome to come and join us!
Revd Carol Bates
The Vicarage
Vicarage Lane
Elham
Canterbury
CT4 6TT
Email: revcarolbates@gmail.com
Mobile: 0777 239 4855
Rev'd Carol's message for november
The Rector’s wonderings…I wonder if you’ve ever passed a quick judgement on someone without knowing the whole story?
We can sometimes unfairly judge others who we know very little about, based on gossip.
Proverbs is a book of wisdom in the Bible and says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” ( Proverbs 18:8). When we listen to gossip, it goes to our “inmost parts.” Gossip sinks its teeth into our hearts, souls, and minds and corrupts us like a fast spreading cancer.
Gossip is always trouble. Gossip obscures the truth. Gossip drives us from God. Gossip ruins reputations. Gossip destroys relationships. Gossip divides churches. Gossip is incredibly destructive.
Rather than tearing people down, we should build them up!
How do we do that? Well, one of the ways we do that is through encouragement.
Proverbs 12:25 says:
“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.”
Don’t weigh down someone’s heart by giving them something to be anxious about through your gossiping. Instead, cheer up someone’s heart by giving them a good word.
Challenge yourself this month in this one way:
Make a pledge to encourage rather than gossip.
Can you imagine how wonderful it would be if all the gossip in our community turned into encouragement?
Ask yourself these questions (attributed to Socrates):
Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
Let that be your guide. Here’s another tip: If in doubt, don’t say it.
Dear Lord, Set a guard over my mouth ; keep watch over the door of my lips. Help me to be an encourager by speaking a good word.” Amen ( Psalm 141:3)
Sunday Services: We have 3 types of services in the Benefice
Early Morning
Early morning services are at 8am or 8.30am. These are quiet services. The Breakfast Service is informal with food, bible discussion and prayer. No singing. Usually under 45 minutes.
Main Services
Our main services are at 9.30am, 10am or 11.15am. These are services with singing, and a variety of accompaniments, such as church organ, band or recorded music. Usually about an hour long.
Evening Services
Evening Services
Evening services are at 5.30pm or 6pm. Evensong is a traditional church service. The Tea Service is informal with food, bible discussion and prayer with no singing. All are under an hour.