Hello everyoneWe wish you and your family good health and happiness and hope this week has been a good week. In a return to cold frosty mornings and some sunshine to brighten the day, after the heavy rain at the beginning of the week, Nigel and I finally summoned up the energy to head to the coast to see the sea.. and at 4.29 pm yesterday we stood on the cliffside at Southbourne looking across to Swanage and the Purbeck Hills and watched the most beautiful sunset shining forth across a clear sky and millpond sea, the reflections and evening light were so beautiful (picture attached). How can we but praise our God for his wonderful creation.This week my thoughts have turned frequently to those who grieve the loss of loved ones, work colleagues and friends and those with family members working within the medical, caring and emergency services for whom we have prayed, anxious for their well being, during this pandemic. My heart goes out to all who mourn but with a special depth of sorrow for those who had to mourn in isolation - without the support of family and friends alongside, or who have faced enormous medical moments alone in hospital. How challenging these past months have been for so many people, in many different ways. It was good to read this week that the latest wave of Omicron may finally have passed the peak. We look forward to moving into a new season. This year, Toddington Church celebrates its 800 years milestone and we are looking forward with hope in our hearts to times of joy as we celebrate this special anniversary. More information to follow. But the first event to mention is Bridget's initiative to walk over 800 miles within 7 months. Aware of the many positive qualities of a walk... not least to walk, share and talk, she invites others to join her, whether for one mile, or more. Please do get in touch if you fancy a walk! (You are of course very welcome to also offer to sponsor her, to help raise funds for our beautiful church).Chalgrave Church is looking forward to joining the community at the next Pop-Up Tea-Room at Tebworth Memorial Hall on Wednesday from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. Last time was so successful it will become a regular monthly feature. (poster attached)Do please let us know of any future church events which you would like us to mention and do check on the church websites, A Church Near You and Facebook pages for updates.This Sunday's services:Harlington Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - NigelChalgrave Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - LindaTingrith Church - No service this weekToddington Church 11.00 am Holy Communion - LindaWestoning Church 11.00 am Holy Communion - NigelThe Upper Room returns online at 6.00 pm. Theme: New Year Resolve. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86914811575?pwd=MVRIL1hnSWw2OHRBZjAwNjhOQTlQZz09Please contact Revd Linda for joining instructionsServices and Events this week:Monday 17th JanuaryMorning Prayer at Toddington Church 9.30 amTuesday 18th JanuaryWestcaf - Westoning Village Hall 10.00 am – 12.00 noonKnitting Group - Wilkinson Hall Toddington 10.30 amSewing Bee Westoning Village Hall 1.00 – 3.00 pmChalgrave PCC meeting 8.00 pm - The RectoryWednesday 19th January10.00 am Morning Service, Harlington ChurchPop-Up Tea Room, 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, Tebworth Memorial Hall (with refreshments and a book stall)TWIG 3.30 – 5.00 pm Westoning Village HallWestoning PCC 7.30 pm at church.Thursday 20th JanuaryFellowship Time 2.00 pm Wilkinson HallToddington PCC 7.30 pm - ZoomFriday 21st JanuaryPainting for Pleasure group 10.30 am Wilkinson HallLittle Stars 1.15 pm Westoning ChurchFriday Fellowship – 2.00 pm, Westoning Village HallThank you all so much for your wonderful support to all the churches in so many different ways. It really is a fantastic team effort.We wish you a good week, with good health and happiness.God blessLinda and Nigel
Hello EveryoneWe hope you have had a reasonable week and are keeping Covid-free. The infection rates in our areas are particularly high at present, so do please keep safe. There will be a supply of lateral flow tests available in the churches, if you need a box.This week I enjoyed going back into St George's Lower school to take an assembly and Nigel and I are beginning to 'Rev' up again but both of us have been feeling exceptionally tired post-Christmas, as I suspect many of you are too. I always find January a difficult month with the lack of sunlight and cold, dark days.. but already we are noticing that the days are getting longer which is so encouraging. As I drove the other morning appreciating the sunshine and sunlight, I praised God for the beautiful scenery in the fields alongside. I also love lighting candles in the fireplace which flicker and glow alongside a log fire - so comforting. I wonder which day you removed your Christmas decorations? Was it by Wednesday last week the twelfth night before Epiphany started on Thursday.. or a long time before? I always cling to the last moment enjoying the twinkling lights in the darkness... but all is now clear, and we move forward further into the new year.Last Sunday we celebrated Epiphany in church and the Wise Men (or the Kings) were placed into the crib as they arrived to visit baby Jesus. This Sunday we continue further into the Epiphany season, on a journey of realisation of Jesus, as he grows into His ministry as the Son of God. We remember this week the baptism of Jesus' by John the Baptism and alongside the people of Israel we too can have expectation in our hearts as we enter this new year, anticipating emergence from Covid and a new year, with new promise. May the Light of Christ lead you on your way!This Sunday's Services are:Chalgrave Church Holy Communion Service 9.30 am - LindaHarlington Church - Family Breakfast club – 9.00 am Parish Rooms - RebeccaHarlington Church - Holy Communion Service 9.30 am - Nigel, with RobertTingrith Church - No service this weekToddington Church - Holy Communion Service 11.00 am - LindaWestoning Church - Holy Communion Service 11.00 am - NigelNo Upper Room this week. We recommence next SundayNext week's services and events:MondayMorning Prayer, Toddington Church, 9.30 amTuesdayKnitting Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington, 10.30 am to 12.00 noonWestcaf, at Westoning Village Hall 10.00 am – 12.00 noonSewing Bees at Westoning Village Hall 1.00 – 3.00 pmWednesdayMorning Service 10.00 am Harlington ChurchThursdayAfternoon with Friends, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington, 2.00 – 4.00 pmFridayArt/painting group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington 2.00 - 4.00 pmLittle Stars, Westoning Church 1.15 - 2.45 pmFriday Fellowship, Westoning Village Hall, 2.00 – 4.00 pmYouth Club, Westoning Village Hall - after school - Link with Rebecca for more information.SaturdayCoffee Morning, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington 10.00 am -12.00 noonSadly, January Messy Church could not take place this month at Toddington, but we very much look forward to getting together again on Friday 4th February, 3.15 to 5.30 pm. I'm very sorry for any disappointment caused.Rebecca will be in touch about future plans for Toddington Youth group. We are looking to meet up in February.Please hold in your prayers those who are sick and those who are isolated or bereaved.We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. Do get in touch with us if you would like a chat, a visit or a prayer.God blessLinda and Nigel
Hello everyoneAnd so we are in Christmas Week. The lights are up, trees are twinkling, schools have finished for their Christmas holiday after a flurry of special events. The other day I was asked to go and speak to the young children about how Christians celebrate Christmas.. so as I am lifting the beautiful knitted Baby Jesus out of the box, resting in his manger there was an excited shout out before me.. there's Santa.. as Santa indeed walked past the window and waved happily, and the children bounced with excitement at the sight. It reminded me of how much I used to love taking the children to see Santa, shopping, enjoying the music playing in the background, decorating the home and sharing time together. Time with children is so special. Although, I did reflect with some sadness that baby Jesus lost out on this occasion.. the sight of a little baby in a manger did not manage to compete with Santa.And so, I have continued to reflect this week on the contrast of the pull of this material world against the simplicity of the first Christmas. Mary and Joseph, were called by God to leave their family and familiar surroundings, to travel a long difficult journey to somewhere remote, with Mary heavily pregnant. Arriving in Bethelehem there were no plush guest rooms or hotels for them, no family saying come in have a warm drink.. welcome. Instead, they found themselves destitute, in need of help, at the point of Mary about to give birth. Rescued by a considerate Inn-Keeper who offered his stable, the only place available - and here in this lowly place Jesus the 'Messiah' was born - a king, born in lowly surroundings, without a crown.. just wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. And then.. the Angel visited the Shepherds in the fields, lowly and outcast by society but called by God to be the first to visit the baby Jesus, to bow down to him, to worship Him and to symbolically offer a lamb. God knelt down and blessed those who seemed unimportant, thought unworthy of by society, and he lifted them up and called them forth to see the most wonderful sight... he 'kissed them on the cheek' and blessed them. Next the wise men or the 'Sages' of their time.. came to visit. They had set off months before, led to find the baby Jesus by a bright star shining in the sky. They brought gifts.. special gifts.. gold, frankincense and myrrh.. gifts of great symbolic importance which heralded Jesus' death at Easter. Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, our Lord, was born in love, swaddled in love, visited in love, ministered to all he met in love and he died out of the most incredible sacrifice of love for us all.This week as my reflections continued I thought about families who are struggling to cope this year, with rising prices, and so many pressures placed on them by expectation and society's demands.. and I (and many of you) gained pleasure in gathering together hampers to give to certain families in need.. extending the hand of love.. keen to 'kiss them on the cheek' to say, you are loved. Let us share this burden together. Thank you to all who helped, to all who contributed. Anything which remains will be sent to the foodbank as need is very high this year.I posted a picture on the church facebook pages this week which says we are all innkeepers.. but will we let Jesus in this year?And so Santa may be a modern representation of Jesus.. the giver, the happy, cheery voice of joy to those he meets, but for me, Jesus is the reason for the season. It is Jesus who we come to worship this Christmas.Here are our services for this Sunday:Chalgrave Church 9.30 am Holy CommunionToddington Church 11.00 am Holy CommunionTingrith Church Nativity Service 3.00 pmHarlington Church 9.30 am Holy Communion ServiceWestoning Church Nativity themed service 11.00 am - please come dressed as a nativity character if you wish.Online zoom Upper Room Service 6.00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88981856814?pwd=SlArT05NMXZ3ckNLSENGTDB1b3Q5Zz09For details of how to join please contact Revd LindaNext week's services:Monday 20th December 9.30 am Morning Prayer Toddington,11.00 am Advent Course at the Rectory, ToddingtonThe Coming Light, Harlington 8.00 pm - a service of readings and carols with the Quintet ChoirWednesday 22nd DecemberA Service of lessons and carols with the Quintet Choir 7.30 pm ToddingtonHarlington Churches Together sing carols outside the parade of shops with the Salvation Army Band 6.30 pmThursday 23rd DecemberFuneral at Chalgrave Church 1.00 pmWedding at Harlington Church 2.00 pmFriday 24th December - Christmas Eve Chalgrave3.00 pm Crib Service 11.15 pm Midnight MassToddington4.30 pm Crib Service10.00 pm Midnight MassHarlington (you are advised to please book places on the church website)Crib Service 4.15 pmMidnight Communion 11.15 pmTingrith8.00 pm Christmas CommunionWestoningCrib services 3.00 pm and 5.30 pm (you are advised to please book places on the church website)10.00 pm Christmas CommunionChristmas Day and Boxing Day servicesChalgrave no services at church. We will join a benefice service at Toddington ChurchToddington - 9.30 am Holy Communion on Christmas Day and 10.00 am Holy Communion on Boxing Day (both are benefice services)Harlington: 10.00 am Christmas day family service (no communion), Boxing Day 9.30 am Holy CommunionWestoning: 10.00 am Christmas Day Communion Service and 11.00 am Boxing Day Holy Communion ServiceTingrith: No services at church. We will join a benefice service at Westoning Church.As we look forward to this week Nigel and I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas. We thank you for all your support, giving in so many different ways, for your enthusiasm, for your love and for being very special church family. May you enjoy a blessed, joyful and healthy Christmas.We send our love to youLinda and Nigel
Hello everyoneSo where did this week go?! Can it really be a week since our last email to you.Sitting here tapping away on a damp mid- afternoon it seems so cold, dark and uninviting outside.. but across the way, lights are twinkling on a neighbour's house which to coin a well-known Christian phrase 'shines in the darkness' and brings hope. I am reminded that this is the season of looking to the light.. to the Light of Jesus, a time during the Advent season to reflect, repent and prepare for the coming of Jesus, who is the light of the world.. and the reason for the Season! Last weekend there was a lot of light at Harlington and Toddington churches. Both churches offered the joy of two Christmas Tree festivals, with twinkling lights and creatively decorated trees (contributed by local organisations), filling the churches with a sense of joy and anticipation. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the wonderful displays, and to all who came, or helped. Each church raised over £500 which was a brilliant result considering the current Covid climate.On Friday Tingrith Church rang out with Christmas music and song at their 'fish n hits' evening, with the community choir singing a wonderful selection of songs. Today Harlington folks gathered outside the shop to sing carols and to raise funds for Keech Hospice, led by Barbara and with special guests Samson the donkey and his friend.The Christmas carol services begin this Sunday at Chalgrave 9.30am Carol Service, followed by Westoning's on Thursday 16th at 7.30pm, Chalgrave's Carols By Candlelight on Saturday 18th at 7pm, Harlington's on Monday 20th at 8pm, and Toddington's on Wednesday 22nd at 7.30pm. Other things to look forward to are Toddington Band playing their Christmas Concert at St George's Church at 2pm this Sunday and next week Nigel and I have been invited to Parkfields and St George's schools to support their Christmas services and assembly, which we are looking forward to. We are also looking forward to Harlington pre-school visiting their Church to hear the Christmas story. With Covid regulations tightening this week, please note that it is now compulsory to wear a mask in church (unless exempt on health grounds), and there will be a booking system in place for some church services (eg Westoning and Harlington Crib services.). At present, Toddington and Chalgrave churches are not proposing to introduce a booking system, but this will be reviewed as more information is received.Please find attached posters with details of the Christmas services at Chalgrave, Toddington, Harlington and Westoning Churches.Please also keep an eye on the church websites, facebook pages, and especially the church 'A Church Near You' pages for any updates.At the moment it is carry on as normal within our churches. We are not proposing to cancel any Christmas Services and sincerely hope we can all gather together safely this Christmas season - albeit with social distancing and masks in place.Do please follow guidelines at each church where we will be requesting the wearing of masks and the use of hand sanitiser before entering the church. Let us look out for each other to keep each other safe.Sunday's services 12th December 2021Chalgrave Carol Service 9.30amHarlington Morning Prayer 9.30amToddington Holy Communion 11amWestoning Holy Communion 11am and 3pm Family serviceTingrith Church - no service this week.The Upper Room 6pm by zoom: Meeting ID: 865 5025 0989 Passcode from Linda or Nigel.Other services and events this week:Sunday 12thToddington Band Christmas concert 2pm in churchMonday 13thMorning Prayer Toddington 9.30amNo mums and tots group this week.. we will restart in the new year. Advent course at the Rectory 11am, ToddingtonSeated Pilates 2pm is not on this week and moves to Monday 20th instead. Toddington7.45pm Alpha Advent online gatheringTuesday 14thFuneral of Dale 10am Westoning ChurchWestcaf 10am Village Hall, WestoningSewing Bee Christmas gathering 1pm Village Hall WestoningToddington Youth Group 5.30pm Wilkinson HallWednesday 15th 10am Morning Service at Harlington ChurchThursday 16th Afternoon with Friends 2pm Wilkinson Hall, Toddington7.30pm service of readings and carols at Westoning ChurchFriday 17th Little Stars 1.15pm Westoning ChurchFriday Fellowship 2pm village Hall, WestoningSaturday 18thChalgrave Carols by Candlelight service 7pmI have spent hours this week setting up Chalgrave church with a card reader and an online donation button on the A Church Near You page. I encourage you all please to consider checking each church's resepective 'A Church Near You' page which has lots of information about the services and a calendar of events. There is also a donation button on each church page (Tingrith's still to be set up) should you find yourself in a position to be able to make a donation online to support your respective church. It is also possible to make regular monthly giving online if you like me, are short of cash nowadays. I am excited to have also set up Chalgrave Church to join with Harlington and Toddington Churches on the "Easyfundraiser' site, so if you haven't quite finished your Christmas Shopping an easy way to help your church to fundraise is to click on 'Easyfundraiser' first before you shop, and then at no extra expense to yourself you can click to raise funds for the church, and continue on to shop with your chosen retailer, who offer the church charity a donation. It is very easy to do.. but makes such a difference to our churches. Toddington has now raised over £550 and Harlington over £1,000. Here is the link to click: https://www.easyfundraising.org.ukIn the lead up to Christmas you can also take part in the Easyfundraiser Advent Calendar challenge.. with opportunity to win a cash prize for your charity or to be entered into the big draw. We sincerely thank you for all your support and help in so many different ways.</spanPlease look after yourselves and keep safe and well.with every good wish Linda and NigelPS: if you need any lateral flow tests, there will be boxes available at each church for you to pick up.
