† Eastwell Church: A Journey Through Time And Memory

St Mary's Church is a former Church of England parish church that is now in ruins. It is located in the grounds of Eastwell Park in the hamlet of Eastwell, Kent. It is a scheduled monument that is designated as a Grade II listed structure in the National Heritage List for England.

I prefer to visit specific locations to experience serenity and tranquillity, as I am a loner. It permits me to deviate from my exceedingly hectic agenda, allowing me to attain moments of peace and reflection amidst my busy life. It is undoubtedly a challenge to hold two jobs or careers; however, I approach each position with enthusiasm and dedication.

During my childhood growing up in Nine Acres, Ashford, Kent, my closest companion, Keith Wilson, was years ahead of his time and was the same age as me. Keith relocated from Ashford with his family at the age of 12 to Kings Lynn, Norfolk, where he continues to reside. Despite this, he imparted a wealth of life lessons to me through his experiences before he left.

His passion as a child was to introduce me to fossils extracted from a local clay quarry. Additionally, he showed me Wye Crown and Eastwell Church (as well as introducing me to boxing ran by Lenny Russell where I first met Bill O’Sullivan). Keith introduced me to both when I was eight years old. Keith and I both had a strong interest in the history of Eastwell Church, and we frequently went there on the weekends. I do not recall a single month since I was eight years old that I have not revisited. I am now 65 years old.

I frequent Eastwell Church during periods of anxiety or concern. I traverse the area. Sit down somewhere on the premises. Reminiscing, contemplating. At times, my thoughts are filled with joy, while at others, they are filled with sorrow. I have experienced emotional stress on three distinct occasions in the past three years, all caused by the plight of my wife, Sandra, who was in critical care three times, fighting for her life. Eastwell Church was able to assist me in overcoming the challenge on each occasion. Each time I reached my lowest point, I felt a sense of divine intervention, to the point where I began to question the continuation of my existence.

Life can be challenging, and I frequently reflect on the rapid passage of 65 years.

I will be returning to Eastwell Church in the near future. I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of milder weather, when I will be able to take flasks of hot water for tea, coffee with fresh milk, and biscuits to offer individuals who, like me, wander around Eastwell Church. I derive pleasure from conversing with these individuals. I briefly immerse myself in their unfamiliar world and find that we share a great deal in common.

This weekend, may you seize the chance to unwind and savour the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.

(Photo above shows Eastwell Church, which I took sometime ago).

† A Prayer for Healing and Peace

Divine Source of All Creation,

As the sun rises on this blessed Sunday, we gather our hearts, united in purpose, seeking Your presence and guidance. We acknowledge the beauty of this day, filled with the promise of new beginnings and the warmth of love that binds us together. With humble spirits, we express our gratitude for the countless blessings You bestow upon us—our families, our friends, the beauty of nature, and the gift of life itself. Thank You for the breath that fills our lungs, for the love that surrounds us, and for the grace that sustains us through our trials.

Today, we come before You with a heavy heart, burdened by the chaos and suffering that plague our world. We witness the turmoil of wars, the cries of the oppressed, and the anguish of communities torn apart by violence. And as we reflect on these realities, we ask with sincerity and hope for healing—healing for the wounded souls, healing for the broken hearts, and healing for a world in desperate need of Your love and guidance.

We pray for an end to wars and conflicts, dear Lord. May peace reign where there is strife, and may understanding and compassion flourish in every heart. We beseech You to soften the hearts of those who bear arms, to turn their eyes away from violence and towards the embrace of peace. Inspire leaders, decision-makers, and individuals alike to seek resolution through dialogue, empathy, and kindness rather than through aggression and hostility.

As we lift our voices in prayer, we extend our love and compassion not only to those who are suffering but also to those who are perpetrating harm. Help us to remember that every person is a reflection of Your divine image, deserving of love, understanding, and the opportunity for redemption. Let us not turn our backs on those ensnared in darkness; instead, may we be vessels of light, guiding them back to the path of love and peace.
Comfort those who are grieving the loss of loved ones in battle, those who long for stability in their lives, and those who feel lost amidst the chaos. Wrap them in Your infinite love, reminding them that they are never alone and that hope can rise even from the ashes of despair. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, offering comfort, support, and understanding to all who cross our paths.

Today, as we pause and reflect, we seek Your wisdom to guide us in our daily lives. Let us be courageous in our intention to promote love and understanding in our communities. May our words and actions be infused with grace so that we may foster connections that transcend barriers and build bridges of compassion.

We hold steadfast in our belief that healing is possible, not just for individuals, but for the world at large. We trust in Your divine plan, knowing that with every prayer offered and every act of kindness performed, we draw closer to a reality where love prevails over hate, understanding over ignorance, and peace over war.

In steadfast faith, we present our intentions to You, our Lord, trusting that Your love will guide us, Your strength will empower us, and Your light will illuminate our way. May we walk forward together in unity and hope, ever mindful of the love that binds us all.

Amen.

—Rev Fr. Joe Ellis

† The Hand Of Heaven Or Random Happenstance..?

I have been following an archbishop who resides in Canada on social media for the past four years. Today, while at Costa Coffee in M20 Folkestone Services, Kent, England, I was studying theology on my iPad while wearing headphones. There is nothing uncommon about this; it is a routine that I perform on a regular basis while sipping on a medium glass of flavoured hot milk (a single shot, whole milk latte).

An hour prior to commencing my theology studies, I was perusing posts by the Archbishop in question, Joel Dooley on Instagram.

I perceived a shadowy presence in Costa, and upon rising, I was taken aback by the sight before me. The archbishop in question was standing in front of me and wished to extend a greeting as a fellow member of the clergy as he passed during his journey to Paris. I exclaimed, "My God, Bishop Dooley," to his surprise. He was taken aback by my knowledge of his identity prior to his ability to articulate it.

We exchanged pleasantries, and I elaborated on my acquaintance with him. I extended an invitation to him and his companion to come for lunch and coffee. We devoted a significant amount of time to prayer and conversation. I presented the archbishop with the cross that I was wearing, and he reciprocated.

The entire experience today profoundly affected me. I was incredibly touched by it.
How did I follow Archbishop Dooley, who lives in Canada, and how did we cross paths in England, both wearing clergy collars?

Was the event a divine intervention or a mere coincidence?

† Blog

The blog has been updated as of the 22 December 2025, ‘Spiritual Celebrations or Affluent Gatherings: Finding Christmas Joy’ which can be accessed by clicking the blog tab on the menu or here

🎼 Pearl Wedding Anniversary

Although my wife Sandra and I have been together for 36 years, we recently (16 December 2-2025) commemorate our 30th Pearl Wedding Anniversary.

I have composed a song titled Through the Ups and Downs as one of the gifts for my wife; please click here to listen to it if you are interested. Song lyrics are also visible on the page as well as the music (score) sheet.

† Buy Me A Coffee

Please consider buying me a coffee. This will assist me with my plan to distribute Aldi gift cards to those in need. Click here to visit my Buy Me A Coffee page.

† Overcoming Busy Schedules: My Commitment To Helping Those In Need

Although I have a busy schedule, I still make time to help others.

My wife, Sandra, and two of my friends are now recovering from cancer. All three are clear of it. I have always supported all three constantly, not just via prayers but hands-on, and will continue to support them in the future.

During times of darkness, one realises how fleeting life truly is, and I frequently ponder the reasons behind the pervasive turbulence in the world. We all have life, so why not lead it in an enjoyable way and avoid conflict and violence..?

Kindness is one of my greatest passions. Helping others, especially those in most need. The hand of compassion is a powerful act. Please consider doing the same.

🎼 Don't Come Around Here

My new release, "Don’t Come Around Here," is now available online, where you can hear the song, view the lyrics, and see the music sheet alongside the press release by clicking the songs tab above.