St Mary and St Gabriel

Sharing the love of God

Letter from Harriet, the Rector – 25^th February 2021

Letter from Harriet, the Rector Dear friends, Doesn't it feel warmer this week - spring really is on the way! This week I have received a number of enquiries about Baptism - what a joy! Not only do people feel that they can begin to plan again, but Lent was the time in the early church when people would be prepared for Baptism which then took place at Easter to coincide with the great feast of the Resurrection. Nowadays we baptise throughout the year, but it is a lovely time for all of us to reflect on what we have received in baptism and as we prepare to welcome new Christians into the community of faith. This week, in the Lent group, we watched a video over zoom of our two new bishops talking.  Something both of them commented on was the fact that even though they are bishops, and have a particular role within the church, it is their baptism that is the key to their Christian faith and identity - that is what marks all of us and forms us.  Last week, we heard that after his baptism, Jesus was sent out into the desert. This week we will hear his words to the disciples, "take up your cross and follow me".  I wonder what that invitation means to you? A quick round up of what's planned for this season of Lent.... Lent Course on Zoom - Mondays at 7pm  Our study will be based on the Gospels for the Sundays in Lent and we will use the Diocesan resource for this year - Cracked Wide Open.  Together, over Zoom, we will watch and discuss the series of Lent videos that have been made by our 3 bishops.  Please do let me know if you would like to join - for some weeks or all.  No prior knowledge necessary.  The videos are really engaging and I hope will be a springboard for lots of thought and discussion. Weekly Evening Prayer on Zoom - Tuesdays at 5pm.   If you would like to join, please let me know and I will send you a Zoom invite. Virtual Prayer Walk - Thursdays at 9.30am.   A short virtual walk interspersed with prayers and meditations - this will be broadcast live on the church Facebook page - just tune in to join.  You'll also be able to watch afterwards at any time. Virtual Lent Lunch on Zoom on Fridays at 12.30pm - from 26th February I'm afraid you'll have to bring your own soup (!), but I hope it will be a good way for us to have a get together, albeit through a computer screen, and at the same time raise some funds for two local Christian charities: Family Support Work, and the Mothers' Union "Away from it all" caravan.  The first one will be on Friday 26th February.   Please let Harriet know if you would like to join and receive a zoom invite.  If you would like to donate to the two charities, please would you drop your donation off in an envelope labelled "Lent Lunch" to the Rectory or to Anthony (Treasurer) at church on a Sunday morning.  We will aim to collect all donations by Easter. A Journey through Lent for children & families Starting 25th February at 3pm!  Harriet will live-stream this service on the Facebook page but it will also be available to watch afterwards - do spread the word to families you know! The Friends of Harting are organising a "Deliverance Supper" - home cooked food delivered to your door on Saturday 13th March - pre-book by 9th March.  Please see the click here for more details.   I hope you all have a good weekend and week ahead.  May God's blessing be with you. with every blessing, Harriet

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Welcome to our website. Please browse the pages to learn about us. Should you require further Information, do not hesitate to contact us by letter, telephone, or email.

The Parish Church of St Mary & St Gabriel, in the West Sussex village of South Harting, is part of the United Benefice of Harting with Elsted and Treyford cum Didling (in the Diocese of Chichester).

For nearly 800 years, our Church has witnessed to the love of God. Over that period, people have gathered Sunday by Sunday for worship and to share in the Eucharist (Holy Communion). They have come here to be baptised, married, and finally to be buried. 

The Church building is widely recognised as one of the finest in England, and we are pleased to welcome many visitors, especially during the Summer months. South Harting is on a popular cycling route, and is very close to the glorious South Downs Way. Our Summer cream teas (Sundays 2.30pm to 4.30pm) attract villagers and travellers alike.

Of course, although our building is very important to us, the essence of our Church consists of the people who belong to it. We seek to follow Christ, and to share God's love with our local community. Aside from our Sunday services, we hold regular courses (especially during Lent and Advent) where people can learn more about the Christian Faith, and dare to ask questions. We like to think of ourselves as very open minded. Authentic Christian Faith is not about blind belief, but about growing in faith and love and service.

We enjoy an excellent relationship with the local Congregational Church. The Rector and the Congregational Ministers work closely together, and meet together most weeks to share news and to pray.

If you are able to visit us, or to join in any of our activities, you will be most welcome. 

Last updated - 25/02/2021

Email webmaster: pjhaymanathome@btinternet.com

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We are delighted to welcome our new Rector, The Reverend Harriet Neale-Stevens. 

Harriet joined us on the 24th September when she was formally Inducted as Incumbunt of Harting with Elsted and Treyford cum Didling at a service led by the Bishop of Horsham. 

We extend to Harriet and her young family a huge welcome and hope they will be very happy here in their new home.

We have support from our Benefice Deacon Emma D'Aeth, together with Roger Williamson (Honorary Priest) and our Lay Reader Patricia Grigsby. The Deanery also supports our weddings and funerals.

Please refer any church matters to the Churchwardens, Hatti and Sarah – click here for the contact page. Information about services will be updated regularly. 

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy Statement

As members of the PCCs of Harting and Elsted with Treyford cum Didling we are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of all our members.

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

We are committed to implementing all safeguarding policies and practice guidance issued by the House of Bishops

We will carefully select and train all those who work or volunteer in positions of trust.  We will use the Disclosure and Barring Service, amongst other tools, to check the background of each person.

We will respond, without delay, to every concern made that a person for whom we are responsible may have been harmed. 

We will co-operate fully with statutory agencies during any investigation concerning a member of the church community.

We will seek to ensure that anyone for whom we have pastoral responsibility who has suffered abuse is offered support that meets their needs.

We will respond appropriately to those who have committed sexual offences who wish to join our fellowship, following House of Bishop's guidance and the advice of the Safeguarding Team.

We will review this policy annually and as part of this process will ensure that all our procedures, particularly in relation to the Disclosure and Barring Service, are up to date.

Our Safeguarding Representative is Jane Thwaites

Address: Pond Cottage, Elsted, West Sussex, GU29 0LA

Telephone: 07444299054 or 01730 82565

Email: jane.thwaites@btinternet.com