Hello Everyone.

It seems Autumn is quickly approaching - if not already here! I heard an interesting discussion the other day about when Autumn starts.. apparently if we use the meteorological calendar we are already in Autumn as September, October and November are Autumn, but if we adhere to the Astronomical Calendar, 22nd September is the first day of Autumn. Whichever date we follow, we know that schools have returned for their Autumn term. Some older pupils started at the upper school last week, and some other schools begin this week. We wish all students and their parents, teachers and all staff, a good, successful and happy term.

On Tuesday evening the Toddington Youth group met for a walk and a picnic and we enjoyed a happy time walking and chatting. We hope to meet again on 14th September, and Rebecca will be in touch with more details.

This afternoon Westoning village community met for the Westoning Picnic from 3pm and we hope everyone had a happy, blessed time as they gathered. Tingrith community meet later today for an Auction of Promises as they look to fundraise for the church, combined with a social gathering.

Last weekend, Toddington folk gathered for the Scarecrow festival which was a happy time, with a steady flow of people walking the village to view the twelve scarecrows on display, and also meeting up at Wilkinson Hall for coffee, cake and chat. We extend our thanks to all who contributed, helping to raise just over £1,000 for the church. A brilliant result.

In the coming week, Westoning folk gather at the Village Hall on Tuesday morning for the first WestCaf since lockdown. How WestCaf has been missed and such social gatherings have been missed and will be welcomed back. On Saturday 11th September all the churches will be involved in some way in the Historic Churches Bike Ride event.. to welcome visitors and to also gather in different ways:

Chalgrave Church have a Coffee Morning from 10am to 12 noon. Chalgrave always offers a mouth watering selection of cakes, not to be missed, and this year there will also be a craft stall.

Harlington Church are combining the event with their annual Gift Day and there will also be refreshments and activities, plus the very special art exhibition by Stanley Greening.

Toddington, Westoning and Tingrith Churches will have facilities available for riders, walkers or drivers to register their visit, or will have people taking part. Please do sponsor those taking part. This is such a good opportunity for us to raise much needed funds for our churches and for the Historic Churches Trust (which is a Trust we turn to regularly for grants). Funds raised on Saturday are split equally between the church raising the money, and the Trust.

And so to our services this week: Sunday 5th September

Harlington Church 8am BCP service led by Linda, 9.30am Holy Communion Service led by Nigel.

Chalgrave Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service led by Linda

Tingrith Church 9.30am Morning Prayer led by Jon

Toddington Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by Linda

Westoning Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by Nigel

Upper Room online service 6pm: contact Linda or Nigel for contact details.

Mid week w/c 5th September

Monday 6th Morning Prayer, 9.30am at Toddington Church.

Tuesday 7th 10-12 noon Westcaf resumes, Westoning Village Hall

Wednesday 8th 10am Harlington Morning Service

Wednesday 8th Westoning PCC 7.30pm in church

Thursday 9th Harlington PCC 7.30pm (probably on zoom)

Thursday 9th Harlington Church - Quintet Choir gathers to sing again 7.30pm

Friday 10th Harlington Church, wedding 1pm

Friday 10th Westoning Youth Group

Saturday 11th Harlington Church Gift Day

Saturday 11th Historic Churches bike, drive or walk fundraising day with:

refreshments, activities and Art Exhibition by Stanley Greening at Harlington Church on Saturday 10-4pm with the Art Exhibition continuing through the week 2-4pm daily.

Coffee morning at Chalgrave Church 10-12 noon

Sponsorship forms available at each church from the Church Warden, or from Linda or Nigel. This year we can drive, walk or cycle to as many churches as possible to raise funds. Please sponsor those members of the church/community who are willing to take part.

Looking ahead:Sunday 12th September

9.30am Chalgrave Church Holy Communion service

9.30am Harlington Church - Service of the Word

11am Toddington Church - Holy Communion Service

9am Westoning Church - Family service

11am Westoning Church - Holy Communion Service with a speaker from Compassion.

Tingrith.. no service.

Alpha: An new online Alpha course starts on 20th September and runs each Monday until 29 November. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Jesus and the Christian faith. More information from Linda and Nigel and please register with Eileen or Jon.

Prayers

We pray for Dale's speedy recovery and for others known to us who are sick.

We hold Rachel Farmer, who died on Thursday, in our hearts and pray for comfort, strength and peace for her family, Steve, Linda, John and James as they grieve.

We pray for all who grieve, including Jess.

We also pray for those preparing for marriage and for those preparing for baptism.

May you have a peaceful week, with special times and blessings.

with love in Christ

Linda and Nigel