<div>Hello Everyone</div><div>We hope you are all well and enjoying the warmer weather and have had chance to get outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the countryside and the gardens. The sun seems to have been a little withdrawn this week but the rain has helped the gardens to thrive with flowers and greenery in abundance, which bodes well for Toddington's Open Gardens next week-end. </div><div>As I reflect back to this time last year, Nigel and I were so grateful to be out on country walks discovering new sights and shared with others in posting beautiful images of plants and scenes on social media to encourage each other. This year's focus in posts that we see listed, has changed to day trips, meals out, holidays and new opportunities as folks emerge from lockdown. Next week we will be approaching the next stage of the Roadmap.. another stage of release.</div><div>It has been wonderful today to lead two weddings for couples whose weddings had to be postponed more than twice because of Covid-lockdowns. At last, on this special day, they have been united in marriage and able to celebrate with family and friends (albeit with limited numbers, social distancing and masks in presence). What a lot of anxiety and disruption wedding couples have faced, but how joyful everyone was today to be able to share in heir joy and celebration. </div><div>On Thursday, Nigel and I were encouraged by the local Covid testing centre, to collect large boxes of Lateral flow tests to hand to our congregations. The centre staff are concerned that folks don't realise that they should be lateral flow testing twice a week to keep everyone safe. We were informed that many people think because they are double vaccinated that they will not have the virus, whereas there are regular cases being picked up at the testing centre of double vaccinated people who test positive (and this is borne out by the Public Health England national figures). And so, please pick up a box of lateral flow tests tomorrow if you don't have a set. The test only takes 30 minutes and can be a wonderful assurance that all is well before you mix with others. </div><div>We will be working to make sure than when you attend church you will be safe.</div><div>Services and events this week:</div><div>Sunday services:</div><div>9.30am Chalgrave Church Holy Communion led by Linda with Steve preaching.</div><div>9.30am Harlington Church, Service of the Word led by Dr Robert Johns</div><div>11am Toddington Church, Holy Communion led by Linda with Steve preaching</div><div>9.30am Westoning Church, Families Service led by Rebecca and Nigel</div><div>11am Westoning Church, Holy Communion Service led by Jon and Nigel</div><div>6pm Upper Room Service via Zoom - continuing with focus on Prayer with talk by Peter Greig on 'Adoration"</div>

Meeting ID: 860 2655 8489<font size="2">. </font> Please contact Nigel or Linda for the Passcode

<div>This week's services and events</div><div>12th. Morning Prayer, Monday 9.30am am Toddington</div><div>14th Morning Service, Wednesday 10am Harlington</div><div>15th and 16th Funeral services at Toddington</div><div>16th Friday, Westoning, Little Stars 1.15-2.45pm</div><div>16th Tingrith PCC </div><div>17th and 18th Saturday and Sunday Friends of St George's, Toddington, Open Gardens (Saturday 11-5pm and Sunday </div><div>1-6pm). Tickets and refreshments available from Wilkinson Hall, next to the church </div><div>We look forward to seeing you soon. Have a good week.</div><div>God bless</div><div>Linda and Nigel</div>