Hello Everyone
This will probably be one of my last general emails before I ease away on retirement on 18 March but I wanted to say a huge thank you for all your good wishes recently at my final services on 16 February and at Youth Group this evening. I have been so spoilt with the most wonderful 'send off' from the lower school with the children singing so wonderfully at my final assembly, when I was presented with a very special book of memories from the children, plus two stunning bouquets of flowers from staff and children. Then at church on 16th the Quintet Choir sang, led by Nicholas, and the school choir sang at the afternoon 'Songs of Praise' service, with so many of you coming to offer your support, including Bishop Richard and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Gordon Moulds. There was an incredibly beautiful display of flowers decorating the church, and balloons, decorations and farewell refreshments in the Hall, with flowers, gift vouchers, cakes, picture memory displays, messages and retirement cards. What an amazing send off! Thank you all so much for your contributions. It has warmed my heart to read some of your lovely messages. Thank you! I will remember you fondly.
There has been a lot to take in and I am still coming to terms with the reality of what retirement will mean. Nigel and I took a timely holiday in Malta last week which was wonderful. We went to church in the Anglican cathedral in Valletta on the Sunday 23rd and enjoyed exploring the beautiful, historic city during the week. The sun came out which always makes life seem a little brighter and I'm pleased we brought it home with us so you can share it too!
Last Sunday, Nigel covered the Sunday services at Toddington and Chalgrave and I was pleased to support four Toddington confirmation candidates who were confirmed by Bishop Richard at Woburn Church. Please hold them in your prayers.
Moving forward, generally, Rev Anne Barker will cover two Sundays each month, Rev Roger Wood will cover two Sundays at Chalgrave and one at Toddington, and Malcolm Curtis will lead one Sunday service at Toddington, in addition Malcolm will also be available to cover funerals (or Nigel, and me occasionally)
I will be available to meet with couples to discuss wedding and baptism requests, in the first instance, so do please get in touch if you would like to make arrangements.
Dee Curtis will be the point of contact for funeral requests at Toddington Church and Sandy Ryan or Sue Russell will be the points of contact for Chalgrave Church.
Services and Events this week:
Ash Wednesday 5th March
Lent Lunch 12.00 noon at Wilkinson Hall
6.00 pm Ash Wednesday Service with the Imposition of Ashes, at Toddington Church - service led by Rev Anne Barker
Thursday 6th March
12.00 noon Hot Ploughman's Lunch, Wilkinson Hall
Friday 7th March
10.30 am Painting for Pleasure Group, Wilkinson Hall
2.00 pm World Day of Prayer service - a service presented by representatives from local churches - All Welcome
Saturday 8th March
9.30 am Toddington Community Fridge.. All welcome.
10.00 am Coffee Morning, Wilkinson Hall
Sunday 9th March
9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church - Revd Anne Barker
11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church - Revd Anne Barker
Future events:
Thursday 13th March
'Just 10' Course, week 3, at 12 Leighton Road, 6.30pm
Sunday 16th March
9.30 am Holy Communion service, Chalgrave Church - Revd Andy Jefferson from Flitwick parish church
11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church - Revd Andy Jefferson
Chalgrave APCM meeting 10.30 am Chalgrave Church
6.00 pm Evensong, Toddington Church
Monday 17th March
9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church
2.00 pm Toddington PCC meeting, Wilkinson Hall, 2pm
Tuesday 18th March
5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall
During the next two weeks I will hopefully see some of you for a chat as I pop into different events. Do feel free to give me a ring, if you'd like a visit.
Wishing you every blessing
Linda
Rector
Toddington and Chalgrave