Hello Everyone
What a wonderfully sunny, dry week we have had with temperatures soaring into 30 degrees. Phew! Summer has finally arrived for a run of consecutive days. The Olympics are in full swing and there have been many amazing achievements with athletes, swimmers, runners, cyclists, gymnasts etc producing incredible displays of achievement, determination and skill - a culmination of years of testing and dedicated application. To take part in the Olympics is a massive achievement in itself, and is such an inspiration to us all. There have been so many sights of 'don't give up' - 'you never know what you can achieve unless you try'. And how they have tried! Anything is possible.
By contrast, there has been much sad news on our screens this week. We pray for those who live in fear, for those injured and for those who have lost their homes, their lives, loved ones, and their hope. Let us all unite this week to pray for peace and for the Lord to pour his light and comfort into those dark places.
This week at church there has been much to be grateful for:
The Saturday Toddington Community Fridge is proving popular with more people visiting last Saturday, and this Saturday, we have been promised a bumper delivery of fresh food and store cupboard foods which would otherwise waste. Do come along to Wilkinson Hall between 9.30-11am to choose 3 kg of food to take home. It is all free. I thank Cllr Andy Snape, and the Flitwick Community Fridge volunteers who collect, sort, and deliver, so much for their generosity of time and effort. They really do so much to make this a successful project. It is a great initiative. Do pop along to the Hall to see for yourselves. Mid-week you can visit the Rufus Centre, Flitwick, to gather up new fresh items. The fridge there is restocked daily and their new 'shop' will soon be open.
Youth Group gathered on Tuesday evening at the Rectory for some fun and food. Thank you to Kate, Doug and Bridget for guiding us through the activities, quiz and fun. The evening went very quickly and was enjoyed by all. We are hoping to meet again during the holidays – date tbc. The Bible Course group also met Tuesday evening and had a fruitful discussion.
Toddington Ploughman's Lunch went well on Thursday with lovely main course food and puddings. Chalgrave Church cleaning volunteers were in full force in the afternoon polishing, sweeping and cleaning. We have such a wonderful team of helpers and volunteers. I know that many church folk also help at Singing Cafe on Thursdays, at Friday Lunches and with Toddington Help. Thank you all so much! You are all very special!
If you would like to help at Chalgrave church as part of a working party to tidy up the church grounds, or to join the church cleaning group please let me or Sandy know. Similarly, Dee, would be grateful of offers to help keep Toddington Church grounds and church tidy. Foodbank weekly donations are much needed, please. Dee keeps an up-to-date list in church of key requested food items needed and donations can be left in church or at 22 Leighton Road. Thank you so much for your continued generosity.
Events going forward:
Saturdays
Toddington Community Fridge, Wilkinson Hall, 9.30-11am. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st August
Coffee Morning 10am Wilkinson Hall, 10th August
Sunday Services
9.30am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August
11am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August
6pm Evensong, Toddington Church, 18th August
Mondays
9.30am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church, 5th, 12th, 19th August (Not on 26th - Bank Holiday)
2pm Seated Pilates, Wilkinson Hall, 12th August (not 26th – Bank Holiday)
Tuesdays
10.30am Knitting Group Wilkinson Hall
Wednesdays
Arty Crafty fun days for children (accompanied by an adult please) Wilkinson Hall from 10am on 7th, 21st and 28th August. (please provide an apron or a shirt for protection..or come dressed to get messy. You may also like to bring a picnic lunch)
Thursdays
Time with Friends, Wilkinson Hall 2pm 8 August
St George’s Fellowship, Wilkinson Hall, 2pm 15 August
Chalgrave Church Cleaning 1pm 15 August
David Ward’s funeral North Herts Crematorium, 1pm 15 August
Bible Study Course wk 3, The Rectory, 7pm 15 August
Fridays
Painting for Pleasure, 10.30am, Wilkinson Hall 9th, 16th 23rd and 30th August
Scarecrow Festival: Sunday 25th August and Monday 26th August. More details to follow.
NB No Messy Church in August and no Pop Up Tea Room in August.
Wishing you all a restful time. I am not planning to send a letter next week but will keep in touch with any important news.
With best wishes
Linda
Rector
Toddington and Chalgrave
07715603557