Hello Everyone I hope life is treating you well. The weather temperature will apparently dip rapidly this weekend, and we are forecast cold temperatures for next week with some possible arctic blasts, so do stay warm and look after yourselves. Last weekend was rather special with the different Remembrance Services on Toddington Green, at Chalgrave Church, and at Tebworth Memorial Hall, followed on Monday by Remembrance services on Toddington Green, at the Lower School and at Parkfields Middle School. It is good and fitting to remember, and to give thanks for all who served in the forces, during the various wars, that we might have peace… and ‘We Will Remember Them!’ On Wednesday evening, Nigel and I saw ‘Operation Mincemeat’ in London, a show telling how one important incident changed the course of war. I was a fitting show to see at this Remembrance time, and the acting, music, scene changes and dancing were incredible. No wonder it has received 5* reviews. On Wednesday, I vacated the Rectory, in Leighton Road. It has been a wonderful base for my ministry within Toddington and Chalgrave these past years, and is such a beautiful house, but it has become too expensive for me to run. So, in future, our home in Flitwick will be regarded by the diocese as a replacement Rectory, and the diocesan parsonages advisor will meet with representatives from the two churches to decide on the best course of action for the Rectory. Can I please suggest that any local mail for me, be posted through Dee’s door at 22 Leighton Road, in the interim. There is so much happening on the world stage at present as Donald Trump prepares to take up Presidential office, and the world, including Ukraine, holds its breath. It was also a sad day to learn of Archbishop Welby’s decision to resign from his position as Archbishop of Canterbury following the findings of the Makin Report. My heart goes out to all who suffered. This week, Dee, with a team of helpers, and youth group, prepared Shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Charity to transport across the world to children in Malawi who would not otherwise receive a gift of their own this Christmas. Thank you all who contributed in any way. In the church calendar, we now move away from Harvest and Remembrance towards the season of Advent, which heralds in Christmas. There will be a flurry of Christmas Services and activities in December, and on 30th November, we have the lighting up of Toddington for Christmas event with craft and food stalls, music and entertainment. As the evenings get darker, the twinkling Christmas lights bring cheer and encouragement. The lights always remind me of Jesus, the Light of the World, shining forth in the darkness. The post Alpha group have been meeting these past months as a fellowship group, but it is time to move on to another course, and we are keen for others to join if they would like to.. so please come along on Thursday evening to meet up socially as we share food: Thursday 21 November 2024 - 6:00pm. Alpha Plus group - meeting at the home of Doug & Rachel (12 Leighton Rd Toddington) for a bring & share meal and informal fellowship. This is an ideal time for anyone interested in joining the group before we look to start a follow-on course. Please, if you can, let us know if you’d like to come. All welcome. I have attached posters for Messy Church, for this Friday, The Christmas Tree Festival 7th and 8th December (please let Dee know if you would like to enter a tree this year), the Christmas Concert by The Choir of All Saints, Leighton Buzzard on 14th December, and we will also have Toddington Band playing Christmas music on Sunday 22nd December. This Sunday’s Services: 9.30 am Chalgrave Church, Holy Communion Service – Linda 11.00 am Toddington Church, Holy Communion Service – Linda 6.00 pm Evensong Service, Toddington Church – Linda Other services and events this week: Monday 18th November 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church Tuesday 19th 10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall Thursday 21st 2.00 pm St George’s Fellowship, Wilkinson Hall 6.00 pm Bring and Share Fellowship Meal at Rachel and Doug Hook’s, 12 Leighton Road. Friday 22nd 10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall 3.30 pm Messy Church, Wilkinson Hall, ‘ Getting Ready for Christmas’ crafts, Bible story, and finishing with a hot tea Saturday 23rd 9.30 am Toddington Community Fridge, Wilkinson Hall Royal British Legion AGM at social club 12.00 noon. Sunday 24th November 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave, Rev Anne Barker 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington, Rev Anne Barker Wishing you all every blessing Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone Tomorrow, on Remembrance Sunday there will be a benefice, Holy Communion Service at Toddington church (without hymns) at 9.30am. Then we head across to the Green to join the main Toddington Remembrance Service. Folks have been asked to gather on the Green from 10.30 am, in preparation for the service which begins about 10.45 am. At Chalgrave Church there is a short remembrance service in the church grounds by the war memorial at 2.00 pm, and the main Tebworth/Wingfield Remembrance Service is at 3.00 pm at Tebworth Memorial Hall. As we take time to Remember, this week-end, you may also like to pop into Toddington Church tomorrow, or during the week, to look at the beautiful Remembrance displays, or to add your own poppy to the display, which have been organised and prepared by Bridget, Dee, Art Group, Church folk, Pippa from the Royal British Legion and by members of the community who have knitted, painted or created poppies. I find it very beautiful and moving when I enter the church. There is also a Tree of light, where you can add a prayer or a memory. The first photo is of the display at Chalgrave Church. Thank you to everyone for your sensitive generosity to create such beautiful memorials to all who fought in the wars that we might have freedom today. The churches have been busy this week with Toddington Fridge buzzing this morning, Toddington Coffee Morning being a centre of conversation, cuppa and cake, and Tebworth Hall looking so beautiful for the Christmas Craft Fair today. Thank you so much to all involved for providing such wonderful opportunities to gather together. Looking ahead at Toddington we will are now collecting items to fill Samaritans Purse Shoeboxes for children who would otherwise not receive a gift (collection box in church) and plans are underway for the Christmas Tree Festival on 7th and 8th December. Please speak to Dee if you would like to enter a decorated tree. Wishing you every blessing this weekend, and beyond. Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone How quickly the weeks roll by. This week is half -term for the schools and I wish everyone a really good rest after such a busy start to this Academic year. Nigel and I ‘eased’ back into ministry on Monday after a lovely break. It was good to breathe some sea air and to have chance to worship in a few different churches... to listen and to receive, rather than to prepare. We visited York, for a few days first and enjoyed attending a couple of Evensong services at the Minster.. resting back to listen to the special choirs, and then we headed home via Lincoln, and went to Evensong at the Cathedral. We enjoyed the ambiance and the music and also the sense of prayer which has been laid down by faithful folk over so many years. We headed south for the rest of the holiday and I enjoyed going to Sunday morning services at a local church, with a choir supporting the singing, and a thought provoking sermon both weeks. It is good to be able to listen and mull over the Bible passages, without having to be the one preparing a sermon! But the holiday is over, and we are now back in full swing. The week has been busy with a school assembly and Pop Up Tea Room at Chalgrave on Wednesday – with lots of folk and wonderful refreshments, then we had a wonderful Messy Church yesterday with about 30 children (and their parents), enjoying making crafts about ‘Light’ after a story introduction by Malcolm, with the children finishing with a hot tea and cake. On Thursday, Toddington Church hosted the funeral of Catherine Stringer. The village turned out in force to pay their respects to a special lady who had served them for 36 years at the Social Club and who was much loved. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to Matey, Rachael, Robert, Matty and Caroline, and the family. Today, Toddington Community Fridge was well attended again, with a wonderful selection of foods provided from Tesco, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer and contributions by others too. Thank you so much for your support. As we look ahead to next week and future events, I suspect the weeks will continue to be busy! Next Sunday, 3rd November, we hold In Loving Memory Services at both Chalgrave Church (2pm) and Toddington Church (4pm) to remember loved ones who have died. If you would like to remember your special loved ones who are not with us any more (regardless of where they lived), do please either add their names to the list in church, or email me their names and so I can read them out in the ILM service. I would encourage you to attend please, so you can light a candle in their memory. It’s not the same if I read out a list of names and there is no-one there to remember them personally. The following Sunday will be Remembrance Sunday (10th November). After a 9.30am Benefice Service at Toddington Church, we will move out to the Green to join the Royal British Legion village act of Remembrance. At Chalgrave Church we will have a 2pm short Service of Remembrance in the church grounds, at the memorial cross, followed by a 3pm Remembrance Service at Chalgrave Memorial Hall. On Tuesday, Youth Group will be meeting at 5.45pm at Wilkinson Hall. The group is for children 9+ and is open to all children, and it would be great to see some of our previous Messy Church older children coming along, if they can. All Welcome. Do please tell your friends that it is on. Sunday Services 27 October (Bible Sunday) 9.30am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church 11am Holy Communion, Toddington Church Monday 28th 9.30am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church 2pm Pilates, Wilkinson Hall Tuesday 29th 10.30am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall 5.45pm Youth Group (please come dressed for a walk) Wednesday 30th Church working party, Toddington Church TBC by Dee Thursday 31st Bible Study Group (Post Alpha), Rachel and Doug’s house 7pm Friday 1st Nov 10.30am Painting for Pleasure Group, Wilkinson Hall Saturday 2nd Nov 9.30am Toddington Community Fridge, Wilkinson Hall Sunday 3rd Nov 11am Benefice Holy Communion Service Toddington Church 2pm In Loving Memory Service, Chalgrave Church 4pm In Loving Memory Service, Toddington Church Other events: Tuesday 5th November, 3pm Toddington PCC, Wilkinson Hall Thursday 7th November Ploughman’s Lunch, Wilkinson Hall Saturday 9th November, 11-4pm Chalgrave Christmas Craft Fayre, Chalgrave Memorial Hall – see photo above 9.30am Saturday 9th November, Toddington Community Fridge 10am Saturday 9th November, Coffee Morning, Wilkinson Hall Sunday 10th November, 9.30am Benefice Holy Communion, Toddington Church 10.40am Remembrance parade and service on Toddington Green 2pm Remembrance Service, Chalgrave churchyard 3pm Remembrance Service, Chalgrave Memorial Hall. Do get in touch with any concerns or requests for prayer. With love and best wishes Linda Rev Linda Washington Rector Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone How wonderful it has been to see autumnal sunshine today. I hope it lasts for a while without further rain! The leaves are changing on the trees to a beautiful autumnal hue; apples, tomatoes, fruit and vegetables are cropping at the moment, and it will be so wonderful tomorrow to admire the beautiful decorations in church, at our harvest services at All Saints Church Chalgrave, and St George of England Church, Toddington and it will be special to gather for a benefice Harvest Lunch at 12.3 0pm at Wilkinson Hall. Do please let Dee know if you’d like to come. Both churches have been decorated beautifully by lovely helpers. Fresh produce is very welcome tomorrow as part of our thanksgiving to God for His provision and for the Harvest. (Who remembers the old days when we all prepared a shoebox of produce to lay at the altar as our own personal thanks to God?). Nowadays, we also collect tinned and packet longer life foods to distribute to Dunstable Foodbank, which supports families in need in our area. The need is increasing with these colder mornings and the Foodbank shelves are getting emptier, so they are grateful for any contributions please. I understand that tinned pies, meat, fish etc are particularly important this time of year to provide a meal for a family. Fresh produce will also be distributed to a good cause. Thank you so much for anything that you can contribute. It really is appreciated. The ‘Toddington Community Fridge’ continues each Saturday morning at Wilkinson Hall, from 9.30 am to 11.00 am and all are welcome to visit to collect up to 3kg of food per household. It is a sustainability initiative, geared to avoid food waste. Thanks to ‘Flitwick Community Fridge’ and volunteers, the ‘Toddington Community Fridge’ will continue on Saturday mornings going forward, for the foreseeable future. The food we receive comes from local stores in the Flitwick and Ampthill area eg Tesco and Waitrose and is collected by volunteers at Flitwick and transported to us by truck at 9am on a Saturday morning, courtesy of Cllr Andy Snape, Lynn from Tesco, and other volunteers. Whilst we appreciate people may wish to arrive early to ‘get in the queue” we won’t open until 9.30am as we need time to set up and prepare. We have seen some amazing provision over the past weeks. Sadly, today’s supplies were lower than usual, but we are grateful for what we receive and as this is a sustainability initiative some weeks will offer more than others. Thank you for your understanding today. As part of the initiative, volunteers at Toddington have completed food safety and hygiene certificates (cost £12 per person). We are grateful for any cash donations which have been given on a Saturday morning as these will help us cover our training costs and the ongoing cost of transporting the food up to Toddington. Thank you. For information, Flitwick Community Fridge is open daily Monday to Friday at the food hub, Rufus Centre with revised times from Monday 7th October: from 9.30 - 11.30 am and 2.30 - 5.30 pm and Saturdays 9.30 - 11.30am. You can check what is in the fridge each day on Facebook at ‘Flitwick Community Fridge’. Hopefully, the list of dates offered in my last email carried you forth, so you haven’t missed any events. I’ve lots of dates in today’s email for your calendars as I am taking 2 weeks leave from Monday afternoon and probably won’t issue another general email until I return. Do let me know if I’ve missed anything below or of any updates, and I will check my emails while away in case there is anything urgent. Sunday Services tomorrow, 6th October 9.30 am Harvest Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am, Harvest Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church 12.30pm Harvest Benefice Lunch, Wilkinson Hall Services and Events this week Monday 7th October 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church, weekly 1.00 pm Funeral of Kathleen Ward, Oakfield Gardens Crematorium, Steppingley. Tuesday 8th October 10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall, weekly Thursday 10th October 2.00 pm Afternoon with Friends Friday 11th October 10.30am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall Saturday 12th October 9.30 – 11.00 am Toddington Community Fridge, Wilkinson Hall 10.00 am Coffee Morning, Wilkinson Hall Sunday 13th October No Service at Chalgrave Church, 11.00 am Benefice, Holy Communion Service at Toddington Church - led by Rev Roger Wood Sunday 20th October 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church, led by Rev Anne Barker 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church, led by Rev Anne Barker 6.00 pm Evensong, led by Malcolm Curtis Additional Upcoming Events: Mondays 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church, weekly Seated Pilates, Wilkinson Hall, 14 and 28th October, 11 and 25 November, 2.00 pm Tuesdays Knitting group, 10.3 0am each Tuesday, Wikinson Hall Youth Group: 15th and 29th October, Wilkinson Hall, 5.45pm to 7.15pm Wednesdays Pop Up Tea Room, Tebworth Memorial Hall, 23 October, 27 November, and 18 December, 11-1.00 pm Weekly church grounds or cleaning working parties.. please speak to Dee Thursdays St George’s Fellowship, Wilkinson Hall 17 October, 21 November, 2.00 pm Ploughman’s Meal, 7 November, 12.00 noon, Wilkinson Hall Afternoon With Friends, 14 November, Wilkinson Hall, 2.00 pm Church Cleaning Parties, Chalgrave Church .. please speak to Sandy. Fridays Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall, 10.30 am, weekly Messy Church, Wilkinson Hall, 25 October and 22 November, 3.30 - 5.30 pm Beetle Drive, Wilkinson Hall, 7.30 pm (organised by the Friends of St Georges’s) Saturdays Toddington Community Fridge, Wilkinson Hall, 9.30 – 11.00 am Coffee Morning, Wilkinson Hall, 9 November 10.00 am Chalgrave Christmas Craft Fayre, Tebworth Memorial Hall, 9. November 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Christmas Tree Festival: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December Toddington Church Sundays 9.30am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion, Toddington Church 6.00 pm Evensong 17 November In Loving Memory Services, November 3 – times tbc Remembrance Sunday 10 November Toddington 9.30 am Holy Communion Remembrance Services on Toddington Green from 10.45 am Remembrance Service at Chalgrave Church, 2.00 pm Remembrance Service at Tebworth Memorial Hall, 3.00 pm 15 December, visiting speaker Gram Seed, special informal service 2.00 pm, Toddington Church With every good wish Linda Rev Linda Washington Rector of Toddington and Chalgrave
