Hello Everyone

The sun is shining and we are forecast the hottest day of the year so far, this weekend, which will be lovely. Nigel and I spent a few days by the sea last week and loved the sea breeze and the views... so refreshing after the busyness of the King's Coronation events and other important commitments. It is good to have time to be still, to give thanks and to reflect. Life can get so busy sometimes.

It has been a delight this week to have the new notice board installed at Toddington Church, thank you to all involved in the planning and the financing of the new display board. It has been a long time since we first mentioned it, but thanks to some focused chasing by Bridget, the company installed it on Thursday. Do please give it a glance when you walk by to see updates and information about news and events.

At Chalgrave Church we rather sadly have a restoration project ahead to repair a damaged beam in the Chancel. At present the beam is held up by scaffolding and support, until the restoration work is completed. Please pray for the church and its people during this time. Certain social and fundraising events have had to be postponed until we can meet more freely but our regular services continue.

This week, both churches hold their annual Parochial Church meetings to look back over the past year, giving opportunity to report and value all the hard work by a whole range of faithful volunteers who give up so much time, and love to make sure these beautiful churches are kept in good condition and remain available for the generations to come. Please do pop by to the respective meetings, as representatives of the parishes we serve, to offer your support and appreciation of their efforts.

Looking ahead to this week's services and events:

Sunday 21st May

9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church - Linda and Nigel...followed by the APCM Annual Parochial Church Meeting at 10.30am

11.00 am Morning Praise Service, Toddington Church - Malcolm to lead

6.00 pm Evensong Service, Toddington Church - Malcolm to lead

Monday 22nd May

9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church

2.00 pm Seated Pilates, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington

Tuesday 23rd May

9.00 – 11.00 am (approx) Lower School visit to Toddington Church

10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington

5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington

Wednesday 24th May

11.00 am – 1.00 pm Pop Up Tea Room, refreshments by Chalgrave Church, Tebworth Memorial Hall

10.00 am – 12.00 noon, outdoor churchyard working party, Toddington Church. All help welcome. Please speak to Dee for more information.

7.00 pm Toddington APCM Annual Parochial Church Meeting, in church. All Welcome.

Thursday 25th May

rest day!

Friday 26th May

10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington

3.30 pm Messy Church, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington

Saturday 27th May

7.00 pm Garden Party in aid of the Friends of Toddington Church, at Rachel's 21 High Street. Tickets £10 from Rachel, Fran or Dee.

Looking ahead

Sunday 28th May

9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church

11.00 am Holy Communion, Toddington Church

Monday Bank Holiday 29th May (and Half Term Week for schools)

No Morning Prayer

Thursday 1st June

12.00 noon Ploughman's Lunch, Wilkinson Hall

2.30 pm Toddington PCC meeting, at the Rectory

Friends of Toddington Parish Church, Open Gardens and a plant stall on 1st and 2nd of July - new gardens and plants wanted please. Enquiries to Fran, Sue or Dee.

Enjoy the sunshine and have a good week!

Best wishes

Linda

Rector, Toddington and Chalgrave