As the beautiful sunshine draws to a close on this 11th June day, it leads one to reflect on all that has taken place this week, starting with last Sunday's celebrations across the United Kingdom for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with huge crowds filling the Mall with excited cheering and joy (managing to avoid the rain). Local plans for Street parties were less fortunate, with folks hiding under awnings for protection, or events being rearranged or cancelled. At Toddington we had the bonus of Toddington Band filling the church with wonderful music as they retreated indoors to avoid the rain and a packed church listened to a special repertoire.. with amazing percussion.
June is a season of anticipation for Summer and many families headed off on holiday for a long awaited break during half term but here we are this week, with a slightly calmer week but still lots of planning and activity afoot.
This morning Westoning Church raised over £500 with a plant stall - amazing!
Toddington Friends group have been putting up signs today to advertise the Open Gardens in July and the church is busy preparing for the big Petal and Purl festival on 16-18 September weekend.
Harlington Church has hosted their Poetry Day today for children and adults and tomorrow host a Family Afternoon Tea on the Bury.
Tingrith Choir Whats App has been buzzing this week with celebrations of the success of their special evening last Thursday, and with plans for the next event.
Chalgrave Church folk were so very busy last Friday with the Platinum Jubilee pop up Tea Room, hosting many happy customers.
This week Nigel and I have been busy leading weddings, funerals and baptisms and we think especially of those who have died and those who grieve; of the young families and adults coming forward for baptism and of the couples getting married.
As part of church, there are so many varied things that you all do too as you live out your faith in the community. The Quintet of Churches are very much alive. Thank you!
This Sunday's services:
9.30am Chalgrave Church, Holy Communion - Linda
9.30am Harlington Church, Holy Communion - Nigel and Robert
9.30am Westoning Church, Families Service (with song, story, craft and refreshments) - Rebecca
11am Toddington Church, Holy Communion - Linda
11am Westoning Church, Holy Communion - Nigel
3.30pm Harlington Church, Families Afternoon Tea on the Bury - Rebecca
No Upper Room this week. This will now take place once a month with the next online service being held on 26 June.
This week's services and events:Monday 13th June
9.30am Morning Prayer - Toddington Church
2pm Seated Pilates with Jo - Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
Tuesday 14th June
9.30am Burial of Phyllis' Ashes, Toddington Cemetery
10am Westcaf, Westoning Village Hall
10.30am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
10.45am Royal British Legion Service on the Green to commemorate 40 years anniversary of the Falklands War
1pm Sewing Bees, Westoning Village Hall
5.45pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington (years 4.5 and 6)
7.30pm Toddington PCC meeting with Bishop Richard, Wilkinson Hall
Wednesday 15 June
9.30-11.30am Church Grounds Working Party, Toddington
10am Midweek Morning Service, Harlington Church
Thursday 16 June
2pm Georgian's Group? Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
Friday 17 June
10.30am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
1.15pm Little Stars, Westoning Church
2pm Friday Fellowship, Westoning Village Hall
Saturday 18 June
9.30am Cake stall on Toddington Green.
Sunday 19 June
Harlington and Westoning Churches will host All age services for Father's Day.
Can we please encourage you not to forget Foodbank donations. They are very much in need of our support for those in need. Just one tin each will make a difference.
Please pray for the Ukrainian families as they settle into the local communities, and for the host families. Harlington Village are hosting quite a few families and Toddington and Chalgrave are now also receiving families. Community support will be so important. Central Beds Ukraine facebook group are currently appealing for clothing donations for families at their new Wilstead store, and for dried or tinned food provisions, and/or financial donations to support their transport runs to Ukraine to give practical aid. Please hold the people of Ukraine very much in your prayers... they definitely need our prayers.
Thank you so much for all you do to support so many.
God bless you
Linda and Nigel