Hello EveryoneHow joyous is the sunshine which is bathing us all in warmth and light this weekend.. even if the lawns and gardens are taking off apace. We hope you are well and have had a good week.Nigel and I attended a meeting with the Harlington Help Ukraine support group last week and learned more about their efforts to host Ukrainian refugees. Families are now starting to arrive in Harlington after the lengthy visa application process. If anyone is interested to learn more about the possibility of hosting a refugee or family, please do link with Linda or Nigel and we can organise an information evening to help the process, drawing on Harlington experience. Some Westoning and Toddington parishioners are interested to support/host and there may be others? It will be helpful to also establish a support network where families (English and Ukraine) can link to help each other so do please get in touch with us if you have any interest to offer support.This Sunday's services are as follows:9.30 am Holy Communion Service at Chalgrave9.30 am Morning Prayer Service at Tingrith9.30 am Churches Together Christian Aid Service at Harlington11.00 am Holy Communion Service at Toddington11.00 am Holy Communion Service with a Baptism, Westoning 6.00 pm Upper Room Christian Aid Zoom Service. Access Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82599962414?pwd=HITXAInTIyGedLkV0KgyrmMwgA07gV.1For details of how to join contact Revd LindaOther Services and Events this week:Monday 16 May9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington1.30 pm Jillian Martin Memorial Service, WestoningTuesday 17 May10.00 am – 12.00 noon Westcaf Westoning Village Hall10.30 am – 12.00 noon Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington1.00 – 3.00 pm Sewing Bee, Westoning Village HallWednesday 18th May9.30 – 11.00 am Toddington Church Clean10.00 am Harlington Morning Service3.30 pm TWIG Time with God, Westoning Village HallThursday 19th May2.00 pm St George's Fellowship, Wilkinson Hall, ToddingtonFriday 20th May10.30 am - 12.30 pm Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington1.15 - 2.45 pm Little Stars, Westoning Church2.00 – 4.00 pm Friday Fellowship, Westoning Village Hall NB: The Music Hall evening event planned for Toddington has been postponed to later in the year.Saturday 21st MayCake Stall on Toddington Green 9.30 amWedding of Maria and Mark 2.00 pm Harlington ChurchFuture Dates for your diaries: June 11th: Harlington Church Poetry Day - more information to followPlatinum Jubilee week-end 2-5 June Toddington and Chalgrave Thursday 2nd June 7.30 pm: The Lighting of the Village Beacon by the Royal British Legion, BBQ by Toddington Scouts, and Ukie Tunes Ukulele band, Toddington GreenFriday 3rd June 10.30 am, Toddington Church - Civic Service to give thanks for the Platinum Jubilee of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II1.00 – 6.00 pm, Chalgrave Memorial Hall, Village Jubilee Party with live music, pop up tea room, fun and games.NB: NO Messy Church on Friday 3rdSaturday 4th June - Entertainment at the Recreation GroundSunday 5th June 9.30 am Service at Chalgrave Church and 11.00 am Service at Toddington Church, followed by afternoon Village Street parties.Plus more village planned Jubilee activities.Looking ahead with more diary dates:Youth Group, 5.30 – 7.00 pm Toddington, 7 June and 5 July (older group) and 14 June and 12 July Youth Group (younger group)Tuesday 14 June: Royal British Legion service on Toddington GreenWednesday 22 June, an eveningConfirmation Service at Westoning Church. If you would like to find out more about being confirmed please speak to Nigel or Linda2-3 July - Open Gardens in Toddington - organised by the Friends of St George's Church17-18 September - Petal and Purl festival, Toddington Church (as part of 800 years celebrations)25 September - Harvest Festival Services, Chalgrave and Toddington ChurchesSending you our love and prayers. Enjoy the sunshine!Linda and Nigel
Hello EveryoneA beautiful sunny day like this Saturday, on a Bank Holiday weekend, lifts the spirits and fills the heart with warmth and joy, which is so appreciated, especially when we look in the face of the broader world picture. This afternoon, after a busy week of events, St George's Church, Toddington had a wonderful afternoon celebrating its 800 years anniversary, blessed to have Bishop Richard, the Quintet Choir, and so many people attending keen to share the moment and the memories and a follow-on cup of tea and piece of cake. How a sunny intervention can make all the difference and we think particularly of those who are struggling at the moment. As Christians we carry God's light and it's meant to be shared. Like a torch on a dark night it is at its best when switched on. Let's get switched on, resourced by the love of God.There's plenty to switch on to in the parishes at the moment.Services this Sunday 1st May8am BCP Communion, Harlington - Nigel9am Families Breakfast Club, Harlington - Rebecca9.30am Holy Communion, Harlington - Nigel/Robert9.30am Holy Communion, Chalgrave - Linda9.30am Tingrith Morning Prayer - Phil11am Holy Communion - Linda11am Holy Communion, Westoning - Nigel/Steve6pm Upper Room via zoom 'The Lord is My Shepherd' Rebecca: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85351965388?pwd=Slk0Zk1vcHhoemwrOHUvOXdtSE9EQT09Meeting ID: 853 5196 5388. Passcode: 382530Services and events this weekBank Holiday Monday - no servicesTuesdayWestcaf at Westoning Village hall 10-12 noon.Sewing Bee at Westoning Village Hall 1-3pmThe Knitting Group at Wilkinson Hall 10.30-12 noon5.30pm Youth Group,Wednesday10am Harlington Morning service12 noonMark Edwards' funeral, Toddington7pm Toddington APCMThursdayPloughman's Lunch, Toddington 12 noon until 1.30pmFridayPainting for pleasure group 10.30pm Wilkinson Hall.Messy Church, 3.15pm Wilkinson Hall, ToddingtonLittle Stars,1.15-2.45 at Westoning ChurchFriday Fellowship, 2-4pm at Westoning Village hallSunday 8th May Toddington Town Band a Spring Themed Concert at Harlington Church, 3pmHave a good week.Best wishesLinda and Nigel
Hello EveryoneEaster Week can be calmer, after the intensity of Easter Day and the events of Holy Week. There is a chance to consider the enormity of what has just happened, the hope that has entered the world and what shape it takes. How we need that hope at the moment. Our prayers continue for world peace and practically we reach out offering love, the very nature of God. We hope the past week has been good for you. We are now challenged to personally consider the implications of the resurrection as the story of Jesus continues. This Sunday's gospel focuses on Thomas and his desire for the physical evidence of the resurrection. His questioning can help our thought processes as we move forward with faith. Following the calm of Easter Week, this week at Toddington Church steps up the pace as we begin a full week of activity with various events to commemorate St George, and the special 800 years anniversary year of St George's Church. We end the week with a special celebration service on Saturday 30th April with Bishop Richard and an evening concert at 7.30 pm. Different events during the week include an 'Art Attack' for children on Friday, a talk on the life and times of St George on Wednesday and a country walk on Thursday. The week commences this Saturday with a coffee morning, and a Ceildih supper and dance at 7.30 pm. Services on Sunday 24th AprilChalgrave Church 9.30 am Holy Communion LindaHarlington Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - Nigel and RobertToddington Church 11.00 am Holy Communion - LindaWestoning Church 11.00 am All Age Service (on screen) 'Removing Thomas' Doubt.' Story, songs, activity and refreshment.The Upper Room via zoom at 6.00 pm 'Easter and Beyond.' Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84669731354?pwd=cmdiOVFpNkpPdFI3bk02OHNlRXYzdz09For details of joining please contact Revd LindaEvents from Saturday 23rd April 2022 (the start of St George of England activity week)Saturday 23rd April (St George's Day) 10.00 am - 12.00 noon Coffee Morning - Wilkinson Hall7.30 -10.30 pm Ceildih supper and dance, Wilkinson Hall (tickets from Dee or Punch Opticians) Monday 25th AprilMorning Prayer, Toddington Church, 9.30 amFuneral of Jill Martin at N Herts crematorium at 10.00 am - NigelCTTC Meeting 10.30 am Wilkinson Hall Funeral of Geoffrey Bassett at Westoning Church at 1.00 pm – NigelTuesday 26th AprilWestcaf (free coffee, cake and good company)10.00 am – 12.00 noon at Westoning VHSewing Bee 1.00 – 3.00 pm at Westoning VHKnitting Group 10.30 am – 12.00 noon Wilkinson HallToddington/Chalgrave PCC Safeguarding training session 6.00 pm The RectoryWestoning Church AGM postponed until 22nd May at 12.30 pmWednesday 27th AprilHarlington Morning Service 10.00 amPop Up Tea Room Tebworth Memorial Hall 11.00 am – 1.00 pmTalk about the life and times of St George by Janet, Wilkinson Hall 3.00 pmTingrith Church AGM in church at 4.00 pmHarlington Church AGM in church at 7.30 pmThursday 28th AprilLodge Farm 4 mile Morning Walk. Start 10.00 am Wilkinson Hall, and finish back at the Hall for coffee. Friday 29th AprilPainting for Pleasure Group, 10-12 noon, Wilkinson HallFuneral of Linda Tweedie at Westoning Church at 12 noon - Nigel'Art Attack' for children of all ages, Toddington Church 3.15 – 5.30 pm. Come and celebrate St George's 800 year history - and paint some dragons too!Saturday 30th April800 Years Celebration Service for St George's Church, 3.00 pm with Bishop Richard.Musical Concert at Toddington Church at 7.30 pm with music from 'Quintet of Six'.Sending you our very best wishesLinda and Nigel
16th April 2022Hello Everyone, What a glorious Easter weekend this has been, where the sunshine has filled us with a sense of momentum and some optimism as Spring shows itself in full glory. Holy Week has been marked by a faithful following of the journey of Christ into Jerusalem and Linda and I attended a packed St Albans Abbey for the Maundy Thursday Chrism Service when the oils for anointing are blessed and ministers renewed their vows. The singing was tremendous and the whole occasion very uplifting. We held our own services for Maundy Thursday in our churches to mark Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. These were more intimate and still so special. Then Good Friday plunged us into the reality of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. With the altars stripped, the starkness and enormity of what Jesus did for each one of us hit home. Now we are on the cusp of Easter Day and the celebration of the Resurrection, a reason for real hope, a reason for true momentum. Services will reflect the joy of this Easter season Easter Day Services7.00 am Westoning Church, Dawn Service followed by Breakfast. All welcome- Nigel 9.30 am Chalgrave Church, Holy Communion - Linda 9.30 am Harlington Church, Holy Communion - Nigel and Robert9.30 am Tingrith Church, Morning Praise - Jon. 11.00 am Toddington Church, Holy Communion - Linda 11.00 am Westoning Church, Holy Communion - Nigel Other services and events this weekMonday 18th April - Bank HolidayTuesday 19th AprilWestcaf 10.00 am – 12.00 noon Westoning Village Hall Knitting Group, 10.30 am – 12.00 noon Wilkinson Hall, Toddington Sewing Bees 1.00 pm Westoning Village Hall Wednesday 20th April Harlington Morning Service at 10.00 am? (might not meet this week) Thursday 21st AprilFellowship with Friends 2.00 pm Wilkinson HallFriday 22nd AprilPainting for Pleasure Group Wilkinson Hall, 10.30 am – 12.00 noonSaturday 23rd April Coffee Morning 10.00 am – 12.00 noon, Wilkinson HallCelebrate St George's Day - 7.30 pm Ceilidh Dance and Supper (but bring own drinks), Wilkinson Hall. Tickets £12 (or £30 for families) from Punch Opticians or Dee on 01525 872649A couple of dates for your diaries: Children's Art Attack, Toddington Church, 3.30 - 5.30pm Friday 29th April with Stanley Greening.800 yrs Celebration Service with Bishop Richard, Toddington Church 30th April, 3pm.Wishing you all a very Happy Easter, and sending our love and prayersLinda and Nigel
