Robert MovingDear all, as many of you will be aware my mum, who turned 90 in January, is not well at all. She has now been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia which has taken hold very quickly. A recent scan also confirmed that she has had a stroke. It is therefore with much soul searching and sadness that I have been looking to move 'back up North' so that I can see my mum a bit more frequently and to help my brother and sister with mum's care..On Sunday 28th it was therefore announced that:Bishop Mark of Chester Diocese is pleased to announce that subject to all legal formalities being fulfilled, the Rev’d Robert Thewsey has accepted of the role of full-time incumbent, at Rostherne with Bollington, Over Tabley and Dunham Massey, (St Mark’s), in the Diocese of Chester.Meaning, of course, that Robert is leaving.Roberts last service here before leaving this Benefice will be Sunday 27th October. His licencing date will be 7pm 25th November.Please do keep Margaret, Rebecca and I in your prayers at this time, as we will keep you in ours.With all Gods BlessingsRobertXHarvest FestivalThis year’s Harvest Festival will take place in both Harpsden and Dunsden on Sunday 29th September. Harpsden Church are delighted to announce that they are organising a special Harvest Lunch on Saturday 28th September at 12:30 at Harpsden Hall. There will be no charge for this event as it is being paid for by donation.We do, however, need to know how many people would like to attend so would be grateful if you could let me know, by email, as soon as possible. We have not been able to celebrate this wonderful festival for a few years so this is a glorious opportunity for us all to get together to give thanks for God’s bounty.Please reply to me, Valerie Nicholson, at valerieanicholson@gmail.comDunsden are celebrating with a Harvest Meal after the service on Sunday 29th - please contact Yvonne for more details.Posters will be following soon.Annual Binfield Heath Chapel Arts & Crafts Exhibition 2024'On Eagles' Wings'Thursday 15 - Saturday 17 August 12.00 noon - 6.00pmThe exhibition includes arts and crafts from local artists as well as refreshments. Entry is free and open to all. You are also welcome to the Chapel service at 11.00am on Sunday 18th August on the theme, 'On Eagles' Wings'. Natasha Redina, the designer and maker of the Wilfred Owen window at All Saints, Dunsden, is showcasing a display of materials, including artwork and glass samples that illustrate her design process. Natasha herself is hoping to be there on Saturday to talk to visitors.Binfield Heath Chapel, Dunsden Way, RG9 4LJwww.binfieldheathchapel.org.ukSt. Margaret’s Tuesday Prayer GroupPlease see new locations belowThe 1st Tuesday of every month at 2.30pmjoin us for Holy Communion at Henley Manor, Mill Lane& a short service of Hymns, Praise & WorshipThe 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesdays begin at 2pm & are held at Albert Court, Mill LaneWe meet in the main sitting room – please sign in at ReceptionOn these weeks we begin with readings/reflections before joining together in prayer for the World’s needs, our local community and for those on the Benefice prayer list.Please join us at any of our meetingswhere you will be most welcomeIf you would like us to hold anyone you know in our prayers, please email: jotaylor28@aol.co.ukWith all God’s love and blessingsUganda KnittingPlease see linked documentConcert at Shiplake, 123th October 2024Please see linked document Contacting the clergyPlease try not to telephone any member of the clergy between 09:00 - 09:45 on Monday and Wednesdays as they are either taking Morning Prayer, attending a staff meeting, leading mid week Eucharist or involved with the bible study group.Please also respect that Friday is Revd Robert's day off and consider if your call can wait.Revd Pam and Revd Heather give their time freely to the benefice on a part time basis and they are not always available to answer calls or emails immediately. Zoom meetingsAs we are no longer paying for a subscription, our meetings are now restricted to 40 minutes. The time starts from the moment the first person enters the meeting so, please, do not enter before the set time.Seeking VolunteersThank you to those who have come forward already. There are a number of opportunities available for supporting your church and local community:Churchwarden and Treasurer for Shiplake Church; Sacristans and Chalice Assistants for all churchesIf any of these roles appeal, or you’d just like to know more, please speak to one of the clergy team.Expanding our Pastoral Care TeamWe are planning to expand our Pastoral Care Team and extend an invitation to anyone who feels called to be a visitor to the housebound, taking Home Communion and/or journeying with people who have been bereaved, preparing for marriage or having children Baptised.If this is of interest, please contact Revd Robert for a discussion about what is involved.Training and mentoring will be offered.
18th August - 12th Sunday after Trinity08:00 BCP Communion - Shiplake09:30 Eucharist - Harpsden11:00 Eucharist - DunsdenOT - Proverbs 9.1-6 NT - Ephesians 5.15-20 Gospel - John 6.51-58Monday09:00 Morning Prayer onZoom09:45 Staff MeetingTuesday 14:00 Prayer Group - Harpsden19:30 Bell Ringing PracticeWednesday10:00 Mid week Eucharist - HarpsdenGospel - Matthew 20.1-1611:00 Bible Study - Harpsden14:30 Cuppa and Chat - DunsdenThursdayFriday12:30 Choir Practice - HarpsdenSaturday 25th August - 13th Sunday after Trinity10:00 Eucharist with Wholeness and Healing - DunsdenOT - Joshua 24.1-2a, 14-18 NT - Ephesians 6.10-20 Gospel - John 6.56-69The Church of England Daily Prayers (text and audio) are available here.
