Hello Everyone
I hope your week has gone well. For me, it has been a rather strange week.. battling a virus which has laid me low. I’m not sure where it came from, but I will definitely be glad when it disappears! So, I did not head off to Clergy Conference in Derbyshire to spend time with my clergy colleagues with chance to listen to important talks by visiting speakers and gaining inspiration from the interactions. Instead, I have been hugging the covers most of the week, either asleep or coughing! I certainly wouldn’t wish this on any of you so I will not be at church tomorrow. I will do my coughing in isolation!
It was good to share in the D Day events on the Green last week to remember those who fought so bravely for our freedom and peace. The Ukelele band were in full swing on Saturday and it was moving to join the countrywide lighting of the beacons. Well done to the Royal British Legion for all their preparations and organisation.
This coming weekend we look forward to the Village Fete which is being carefully planned and will offer another special village community opportunity to get together. There are numerous posters and village Facebook notifications being issued about the varied activities which are to include a dog show, Olympic Fancy Dress competition, food stalls, fun, games and so much more. I’m sure there will be a wonderful atmosphere again this year and well done to Melanie and the planning team for all their hard work. Now let’s all pray for sunshine and no rain!
The friendly dragon returns to Church next Saturday, joining in the Village Fete, for a picnic quest, and Wilkinson Hall will host refreshments, the children’s ‘Garden on a Plate’ competition, and other activities. All Welcome. Please look out for more information on Facebook or posters in the coming days.
Thank you to all who came to Derek Stone’s funeral last Monday to say farewell and to support his dear wife Vicky. She has been so grateful for all your kind words of support and sympathy and on behalf of Chalgrave Church, can I also say thank you for any donations given in Derek’s memory, to help fund the upkeep of the church and the organ for future generations to come. The church has been such a special place for both Vicky and Derek these past years.
Sadly, a longstanding faithful member of Toddington Church, Peggy Gladman, died on 10th June, aged 93 years. She lived in Toddington for a lot of her life and died peacefully in her own home in the village, after some years of illness. Her son Keith wishes to pass on the sad news to parishioners and to anyone who knew her. We thank God for Peggy’s life. RIP.
Please continue to pray for a miracle of healing for Harrison Blanchflower and please hold his parents and family in your prayers as they wait anxiously alongside him at hospital.
This Sunday’s Services: Sunday 16th June 2024 (Father’s Day)
9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church - Rev Nigel Washington
11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church - Rev Nigel Washington
6.00 pm Evensong, Toddington Church, Malcolm Curtis
Services and events this week:
Monday 17th June
9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church
Tuesday 18th June
10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall
5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall
Thursday 20th June
2.00 pm St George’s Fellowship, Wilkinson Hall
Friday 21st June
10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall
Saturday 22nd June
Village Fete on the Green. Friendly dragon in church, refreshments in Wilkinson Hall
Sunday 23rd June
9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church
11.00 am Holy Communion, Toddington Church
Friday 28th June
3.30 pm Messy Church
Wishing you all good health and a good week.
Best wishes
Linda
Rev Linda Washington
Rector
Toddington and Chalgrave parishes