Hello Everyone

We are looking ahead to a busy week-end of events both nationally and locally and it is so lovely to see the sun shining to herald in the weekend.

It will be a chilly wait for anyone in the Queue in London waiting to pay their respects to HM the Queen but stories told of friendships formed and of the incredible moment of entering Westminster Hall to share the vigil make one tingle. How resounding was the sound of the drum beat on Wednesday's procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall with the crowd watching on in deep silence. The week has been full of precisely choreographed military spectacles as the people of the United Kingdom, and the world, have come together to pay their respects to a much valued and deeply loved Queen who served and led her people with such commitment and grace. King Charles and the Royal Family could not have done more to honour their mother, grandmother, aunt - our monarch. My prayers for strength, comfort and peace reach out to them.

Please see below the details of the upcoming services for Westoning Benefice.

God bless Linda,

BENEFICE BULLETIN For Harlington, Tingrith and Westoning

Sunday 18th September

Tingrith 9.30 Morning Prayer

Harlington 9.30 Holy Communion Service reflecting the Queen’s passing led by Ven. Dave Middlebrook - Archdeacon of Bedford

Westoning 11.00 Holy Communion Service reflecting the Queen’s passing led by Ven. Dave Middlebrook - Archdeacon of Bedford

All welcome

6.00pm Upper Room – with the theme of hope, reflecting on the Queen’s passing - informal online zoom service

Monday 19th September Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II can be viewed at The Recreation Club in Westoning (from 10am) which will be opening for anyone wanting to follow the day’s events on their big screen. Refreshments available.

Tuesday 20th 10.00-12.00 Westcaf at Westoning Village Hall. ALL WELCOME to this weekly social gathering offering coffee, tea and a piece of cake and company, all free – time to chat and to meet friends old and new.

1.00-3.30 Craft & Sewing Bee at Westoning Village Hall. Come and join us for the afternoon – bring your current project. All welcome – enquiries Penny Denman – 01525-720695

Wednesday 21st 10.00am Holy Communion at Harlington Church

Straight from school – 5.30 TWIG (Tea with God) - Westoning Village Hall - a free fun filled family after school club. Drink/snacks on arrival and simple meal at the end. Crafts/activities/short talk.Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday 22nd 1.15-2.45. Little Stars – Toddler Group in Westoning Church. For pre-school children and babies with parents/carers. All welcome, fun with crafts, play dough, songs, toys, snacks and refreshments.

2.00-4.00 Friday Fellowship at Westoning Village Hall. Come and join us for the afternoon. Speakers, craft, games and a cuppa and company. Any queries – Joyce Corless 01525 - 752747

Sunday 25th September

Harlington 9.30 Holy Communion Service at St Marys Church

and at 10.00 a Joint Churches Together in Harlington Service at the Methodist Church to mark the end of Churches Together Prayer weekend

Wedding at 2pm

Tingrith 5.00pm Harvest Festival Service followed by Harvest Supper

You may be interested to also visit the Petal and Purl Festival at St George's Church, Toddington, a wonderful display of flower arrangements depicting 800 years with knitting displays of church scenes. Open from 1-5pm.

This Quintet choir will be singing at Toddington Church at Linda's Licensing service as Rector at 6pm tomorrow. All Welcome to this service and also to a special service at 7.15pm to Commemorate and honour HM Queen Elizabeth on the eve of her state funeral. The National one minute silence will be observed at 8pm.

Future date: 1st October

Men’s Breakfast at Westoning with Bishop of St Albans;

Harvest Supper at Harlington

and Macmillan Coffee Morning – more details next week.