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Andrew Dotchin (tssf) he/him @suffolkvicar.bsky.social · 12h

#SundaySmile ✝️⚓️ What the Bible says about bath time

Biblical babies taking a bath

Jesus - stands on the bath water
Moses - parts the bath water
Noah - fills the bath with pairs of bath toys
Jonah - is inside a toy whale in his bath

maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 8h

Such a privilege to host this - and a real tribute to Ann that so many people came at such short notice. May she rest in peace, and rise in glory. ✝️

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Maidstone Borough Council @maidstonebc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

All Saints Church Maidstone will host a service of remembrance for the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone, on Sunday 4 October at midday. The service is open to those wishing to pay their respects. 📸 © Press Association

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Maidstone Borough Council @maidstonebc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Maidstone Litfest is here! 📚From Oct 1-11, enjoy author talks, workshops, poetry, and more! Perfect for every book lover! Don’t miss out! 📓 Full lineup: www.maidstonelitfest.org/what-s-on-in... #LitFest #MaidstoneLitFest

The back of a crowd of people listening to a speaker. The speaker holds a microphone and banners for Waterstones, Maidstone LitFest & Maidstone Borough Council stand behind them

Graphic advertising Maidstone LitFest. In the middle is written 'stories with heart' is written, and various book covers are displayed underneath

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All Saints Maidstone @allsaintsmaidstone.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We are having our harvest festival this Sunday 4 October. Non-perishable food gifts would be most welcome at this service or at Archbishop Courtenay School on Wednesday 7 October.

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All Saints Maidstone @allsaintsmaidstone.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Why do we have a wooden shovel hanging on one of the pillars at All Saints?

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Slightly dramatic scenes outside @allsaintsmaidstone.bsky.social's cafe this morning, as we discovered half a tree has fallen down, laying waste to trees, bee hives and tombstones. @maidstonebc.bsky.social aware though, and Things, I gather, are In Hand.

Yew tree branches on the ground. You can just see the edge of a broken headstone beneath.

Headstone lying flat on the ground with a yew branch behind it.

Section of a bee hive embedded in the broken end of a branch.

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All Saints Maidstone @allsaintsmaidstone.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Until then, the wedding venue next door is available in a rather fine looking (even if I do say so myself) church.

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Here are the readings and sermon from this morning (prayers to follow, once I have managed to log into my Apple account... 😬): www.stphilipschurchmaidstone.co.uk/readingsands... And our notices: www.stphilipschurchmaidstone.co.uk/whatson

stphilipschurchmaidstone.co.uk

Sunday | All Saints with St Philip, Maidstone and St Stephen's, Tovil

Sunday by Sunday, sermons and readings

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 28/08/2026

Our online calendar has been updated with dozens of new retreats and quiet days this autumn - when can you take your next retreat? Visit promotingretreats.org for inspiration!

A photo of a still lake with mountains in the background, and an inset of a calendar with dates circled

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Association of English Cathedrals @englishcathedrals.co.uk · 21/08/2026

1,700 years ago. St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It stands over the place where Alban, the first British martyr, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1,700 years ago, first as a monastic Abbey and now as a Cathedral.

St Albans cathedral entrance with illuminated pointed arches and double wooden doors reflected on a polished floor at night.

Intricately painted vaulted ceiling with heraldic shields and floral patterns inside St Albans cathedral.

Intricate circular stained glass window with vibrant red, blue, and yellow geometric patterns in a stone frame at St Albans cathedral

Intricately carved stone crucifixion scene with surrounding saints beneath a vaulted ceiling adorned with heraldic shields and floral motifs at St Albans Cathedral

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

You can now find backdated sermons, readings and (occasionally) intercessions on our website: www.stphilipschurchmaidstone.co.uk/readingsands... (It doesn't yet go back very far, though...)

stphilipschurchmaidstone.co.uk

Sunday | All Saints with St Philip, Maidstone and St Stephen's, Tovil

Sunday by Sunday, sermons and readings

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The Church of England @churchofengland.org · 22/08/2026

We'd love to meet you at church this week. Find a local service at AChurchNearYou.com. 📍 St Peter, Edensor

A serene image of St Peter, Edensor with a tall spire, set in a lush green cemetery filled with old gravestones and blooming daffodils. The landscape features rolling hills and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

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The Church of England @churchofengland.org · 21/08/2026

Pray with us. 🙏 Today's prayer is available in plain text and audio formats at cofe.io/TodaysPrayer.

O God, you declare your almighty power
most chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace,
that we, running the way of your commandments,
may receive your gracious promises,
and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

An honour today to send Lisa Williams off on her last journey from All Saints. Makes she rest in peace, and rise in glory.

Picture of All Saints Church from across the river.

This image shows the front cover of a funeral service sheet featuring a photograph of Lisa Williams wearing a light-colored jacket and a blue fascinator, alongside text:
In Loving Memory of
LISA JAYNE WILLIAMS
13th June 1966 24th July 2026
All Saints Church
Friday 21st August 2026 at 11.30am
Followed by burial at Sutton Road Cemetery at 1.15pm

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The Church of England @churchofengland.org · 12/08/2026

Have you visited your local church this summer? ☀️ Find a list of the churches closest to you at AChurchNearYou.com. See you there! 📍 St Mary & St Blaise, Boxgrove 📷 English Heritage/Derek Kendall

The image shows the interior of a church. The scene includes vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate architectural details. The floor has intricate tile patterns, and there are decorative arches and pillars. An altar is positioned at the far end, framed by the stained glass.

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Ennius @enniusredloeb.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is on 15th August BL Harley MS 1810; Menologion and Four Gospels; late 12th century; Eastern Mediterranean (probably Cyprus or Palestine); f.174r @blmedieval.bsky.social

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Too hot? @allsaintsmaidstone.bsky.social is still cooler than most places (without air conditioning)! No cafe in August, but the building is still open for visitors, and we're gathering for worship tomorrow at 10am 🎵🎶. All welcome 🤗. www.stphilipschurchmaidstone.co.uk/whatson

Picture of all saints church from (I think) up river.

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Congratulations to Tamara and Samuel - 14 years engaged and finally married today! It was a real privilege to celebrate with you today. (If you are interested in a church wedding, go to churchofenglandweddings.org.uk to find out more.)

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 05/08/2026

'A big thank you to everyone who made my retreat a reality. Words fail me. I truly appreciate all of you'. Some words from a recent recipient of one of our retreat bursaries. Could we help you too? Find out more on promotingretreats.org/bursary

A close up photo of an older lady holding a pen and writing in a notebook

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Today we lay to rest the Doris Daw, late of this parish. May she rest in peace, and rise in glory. (Image below thanks to @thevcs.bsky.social)

Muiredach's High Cross, 10th or possibly 9th century, Sandstone, 580 cm (height).
"The east face of the high Cross of Muiredach displays one of the earliest Last Judgement scenes in medieval art.

Christ as judge dominates, adopting the ‘Osiris pose’ with two staffs held in a ‘V’ shape before his torso. He stands feet apart in a long garment. Below, the Archangel Michael weighs a soul in a balance, while a small demon pulls down the opposing scale. The saved and damned spread to either side, attended by angels and demons. The final judgement is in process...."
From https://thevcs.org/salvation-and-judgement

(NRSVue) 25 “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, 27 and he has given him authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be astonished at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and will come out: those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation.

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Such a privilege to have the students and their families from Archbishop Courteney School come to mark the conclusion of year 6 and look towards the next chapter of their education. Beautiful to see teachers so proud of their pupils 💫. Best of luck for the future 🙏.

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museumsmith @museumsmith.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Worry not, (not so) little 16th century Dutch fishy ...

Worried looking fish with bulbous head and eyes, head fin and corkscrew tail, with shells and coral around him, from a 16th century grotto design by a Dutch artist.

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The Visual Commentary on Scripture @thevcs.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Traditions developed about Abraham's rejection of the idol worship practised by the inhabitants of his birthplace, the Babylonian city of Ur. This image in our exhibition of the week from the Passover Haggadah provides the earliest extant depiction of this tradition: thevcs.org/abrahams-ear...

ABRAHAM BAR JACOB
Abraham smashing the Idols, from the Passover Haggadah, 1695, Engraving, 315 x 205 cm, Gross Family Collection, The Center for Jewish Art, Tel Aviv; B.66, Courtesy of William Gross, Photography by Ardon Barhama

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Maidstone Borough Council @maidstonebc.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Five Maidstone parks are now flying the Green Flag Award! Huge congrats to the teams at Brenchley Gardens, Clare Park, Cobtree Manor Park, Mote Park, and Whatman Park for their hard work. Read the full story here: news.maidstone.gov.uk/home/news/26...

The stone birdbath at Brenchley Gardens sits among bushes with white flowers blooming and trees are visible in the background

A mix of wildflowers blooming at Whatman Park, a path and trees can be seen in the background

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Still thoroughly enjoying my new community. And I love wedding season 😊❤️💫 (when I have an administrator...). ✝️

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

One of the things about vicaring at Maidstone (All Saints with Pip and Steve) is I keep bumping into @maidstonebc.bsky.social's Mayor! Clearly, we're on the same circuit 🤭.

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Maidstone Borough Council @maidstonebc.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

We have opened a digital Book of Condolence to remember the Rt Honourable Ann Widdecombe, Honorary Freeman of Maidstone Borough. Please visit the link to leave your tribute maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-s... 📸Press Association

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

A blessed breeze for our Afternoon of Fun - such good company and cake 🤗. There are worse ways to raise money for St Philip's kitchen! 🫖🧁🍨

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St Annes Shandon @stanneshandon.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

The Collect for the Sixth Sunday After Trinity Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding:

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Oldmachar Church @oldmacharchurch.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

You bid us rest,
not so that we can simply regroup and replenish.
You bid us rest in You
so that we can be reminded of Your love and Your desire to hold us close.
Amen.
The Church of Scotland

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Forgot to take pictures, but what a lovely fete at Tovil - organised in just a couple of months, I'm told 💫. Alas, the Hound won no prizes 😔🤭.

Picture of a poster:
Tovil Summer Fete & Fun Dog Show
Saturday 11th July
12-4pm

Stalls
Games
Tombola
BBQ & Bar
Ice Cream
Raffle

Fun Dog Show £2 per class exitry

please scan the QR code or email clerk@tovilparish.gov.uk

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

This week we're at St Philip's for our morning service (10am), with Bishop Peter preaching 💫. All welcome 🤗.

Screenshot:
"All Saints with St Philips, Maidstone and St Stephen, Tovil

All Saints Church:

05th July - 10am Parish Eucharist 6.30pm Evensong

19th July - 10am Parish Eucharist

St Philips Church:

12th June - 10am Parish Eucharist

26th July 8am - Holy Communion

St Stephens - Archbishop Courtenay School:

26th July - 10am Principal Service - Service of the Word"

Street map marking St Philip's church, off Waterloo Street, Maidstone.

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Maidstone Borough Council @maidstonebc.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Got old electricals or batteries? ♻️ SUEZ is here to help! Drop off your small items for FREE at the Kent History and Library Centre on Thursday, July 16, from 9:30am-4:30pm! 🗑️🔋 #Recycling

A community pop-up stand with signage and two bins, including a pink bin, set up to collect small electrical items and batteries

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Tomorrow's services are both at All Saints: 10am Eucharist with a Christening, 6.30pm Evensong. All welcome 😁.

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 04/07/2026

What is a retreat? And why might you want to go on one? Find out more - and explore the options of when or where to go with our online calendar - on promotingretreats.org/what-is-retreat

A simple wooden bench overlooking a still lake Under a brooding cloudy sky

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The English Oak Project @thekentacorn.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Time is too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear, Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice, But for those who love, time is Eternity. Henry Van Dyke

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

So lovely to share in John and Shannon's wedding day at All Saints today.

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Really encouraging this evening to hear @maidstonebc.bsky.social discuss community cohesion and trust between communities. Looking forward to doing what we can at @allsaintsmaidstone.bsky.social to further it.

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Maidstone Borough Council @maidstonebc.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Help us keep our community safe this summer! ☀️ Please avoid swimming in open waterways like River Len, Mallards Way Lake, and Mote Park Lake. We've had reports of health issues after swimming, and these areas aren't tested for safety. Share to spread the word!

A close up view of Mote Park Lake, surrounded by green trees and blue sky.

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The Visual Commentary on Scripture @thevcs.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

In this manuscript illumination, Job sits on a bench covered in sores, while his wife looks on sorrowfully. A large beast dominates the left side of the composition, combining the heads of a dragon, a lion, and a snake. Take a closer look in our exhibition of the week: thevcs.org/dissenting-o...

UNKNOWN ARTIST
Job attacked by a monster representing the disease sent by the devil (Job 2:7), c.776–825, Manuscript illumination, 280 x 275 mm, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vatican City; MS Vat. gr. 749 pt.1, fol. 25r, ©️ 2025 Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana

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The Visual Commentary on Scripture @thevcs.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Antoine Camilleri depicts his quiet life working with his hands in his studio as a holy life. In this respect, it is a vocation that fulfils Paul’s charge to the Christians in Thessalonica. Take a closer look in this week's exhibition on 1 #Thessalonians 2:17–4:12: thevcs.org/establishing...

ANTOINE CAMILLERI
The Prayer, 1982, Clay and resin on wood panel; ©️ Antoine Camilleri, courtesy of the artist

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Can anything good come from Maidstone, Nathaniel might have said. The answer's still the same: Come and see 😊. (8am HC @ St Philip's; 10am service of prayers and hymns @ Archbishop Courtney School, Tovil.) ✝️

Medieval church above a river, surrounded by trees

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maidstonevicar.bsky.social @maidstonevicar.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Hot weather for exploring (🥵) but lovely to have the chance to pop into our CofE school this morning to talk about how church and school can flourish 😊.

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