On 28th March 2026, we were privileged to be able to go in person to the wonderful Service of Welcome for our new Archbishop. People from all across the diocese were there and we were all worshipping together.

On 29th March 2026, we went to a wonderful Palm Sunday service with Bishop Rose and 4 out of the 5 churches of Sheppey Group Ministry were all worshipping together and united in our faith.

Where was the 5th I hear you ask. They, sadly, quite simply do not want to be a part of the wider journey of serving Jesus. They claim they cannot get to the other churches; but the rest of us managed it and the day before representatives from across the whole diocese managed it. They claim the age of their congregation is a barrier as it makes them unable to go anywhere else. Yet on 29th March 2026 we had all ages with us, as we did on the day before, young and old and all in-between. They claim there is insufficient transport and that only one of their number has a car. This is untrue! I counted up how many cars are accessible to that congregation and they could have all car shared and still have space for extra people. There were some who do not drive or do not have a car with us on Palm Sunday but whom were able to attend through sharing with others. The day before also people shared their cars and travelled together. An essential part of our journey, in fact, is to do just that – to travel together, supporting each other.

Sadly, this missing church of which I speak feels like it has lost its way and instead of following Jesus, who is the true and only way, it feels like they are growing more and more like a cult, worshipping one of their own instead of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Brothers and Sisters, pray for them, do not let them mar the wonderful time and opportunity of united worship as we ground ourselves in the Lord and give thanks for His grace and salvation. Be strong in our Lord and follow only Him, who is the true way, the true truth and the true light.