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