Hello Everyone As my period as Rector of Toddington and Chalgrave draws to the end of its season, I would like to say an enormous thank you to you all for your friendship, care, love and support during my ministry these past 7 and a half years. It has been such a privilege to serve in these two parishes and to walk with, and alongside, so many of you through life events. There have been times of sadness, and times of joy, times of celebration and times of exhaustion, times of need and times of plenty, times of prayer, times of worship, times of silence and times of joy and laughter. Each experience and conversation has been significant and important. Thank you so much for all you have offered during our time together. There are so many workers in the field, in church and outside church. The churches depend on the kindness and the generosity of time and effort from such a wide range of volunteers: those who ring the bells, or set the clock right, those who manage the church accounts, or who arrange flowers, those who clean the churches and clean the brasses, or those who maintain the grounds with weeding groups or church grass mowers, those who bake cakes or prepare meals, those who arrange fundraising or social events, and those who sing, play the organ, prepare notices, maintain websites and social media sites, or serve in church; those who lead Messy Church, Youth Group, Toddington Community Fridge, or open up the church and church hall day after day. There are those who clean and decorate the hall, hang posters and displays, or those who read in church or prepare intercessions, those who pray or support financially, or assist as friends to maintain the buildings. Whatever the role, however big or small your contribution, it has been invaluable and so appreciated. I pray that you will continue to support the churches during the interregnum and that the process of appointing a new minister will go smoothly and be a validating experience for you. The church building is important, but so are the people of Christ who are the ‘living Church’ in the community. May you continue to shine a light to all you meet.. May Jesus the Light of the World sustain and encourage you when times seem tough and may you never doubt how much God loves you. Thank you to you all for joining me on 16th February for my final Sunday Services. I will never forget them - or you. I am awaiting a link to the filmed 'Songs of Praise' service and hope to be able to release this to anyone who would like to see it (do let me know if you’d like a link) and I have recently received some photos of the farewell events and have attached a few to share with you. If you have any photos which you can share with me, I’d be delighted to see them. Thank you also so much for your wonderful gifts, flowers, and retirement cards. I was so blessed! You have been so kind and thoughtful. I’m still enjoying the flowers and cards, one month on .. see attached photo and I look forward to spending some quiet moments reflecting with notebook and pen in hand, or to trips to the theatre to see some favourite shows. Thank you so much! Looking ahead, do please consider joining the vacancy meeting on 27 March at Wilkinson Hall when the Bishop and Archdeacon will discuss the vacancy process and will invite your thoughts about a future minister. I do find myself reflecting that the role I have held has been a paid 0.5 role, but I have worked nearer full-time. I hope and pray that it will be possible to appoint a replacement minister for more that 0.5 to continue the valuable work which we have shared within the churches, the community and within the schools. At my farewell discussion with Bishop Richard, I was asked what note I would leave on the desk for the minister, following me in, and I replied, "Love them!”. Thank you so much for your warmth of love and care to me during my time as your minister. It has been so very special. As I hand over communication links to members of PCC, can I please check if you are happy for me to pass on your email address so you can continue to be informed of upcoming events and services. If you would prefer that I remove your email address, please let me know, and I will withhold it. God bless you all Linda Rector (for a few more days) Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello EveryoneThis 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 MarchLent 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 BarkerThursday 6th March12.00 noon Hot Ploughman's Lunch, Wilkinson HallFriday 7th March10.30 am Painting for Pleasure Group, Wilkinson Hall2.00 pm World Day of Prayer service - a service presented by representatives from local churches - All WelcomeSaturday 8th March9.30 am Toddington Community Fridge.. All welcome.10.00 am Coffee Morning, Wilkinson HallSunday 9th March9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church - Revd Anne Barker11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church - Revd Anne BarkerFuture events:Thursday 13th March 'Just 10' Course, week 3, at 12 Leighton Road, 6.30pmSunday 16th March9.30 am Holy Communion service, Chalgrave Church - Revd Andy Jefferson from Flitwick parish church11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church - Revd Andy JeffersonChalgrave APCM meeting 10.30 am Chalgrave Church6.00 pm Evensong, Toddington ChurchMonday 17th March 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church2.00 pm Toddington PCC meeting, Wilkinson Hall, 2pmTuesday 18th March 5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson HallDuring 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 blessingLindaRector Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone All too suddenly, my last services are upon us. Tomorrow, I will lead my final service at Chalgrave Church at the 9.30 am Holy Communion Service and next Sunday we zoom suddenly to my final services within Toddington Church and within the benefice with an 11.00 am Benefice Holy Communion Service followed by a Songs of Praise service at 3.00 pm at Toddington Church. How incredibly quickly these services have arrived. I don’t feel reality has yet dawned on me, and although a lot of planning has gone into the logistics of arranging future cover for the churches during the vacancy, my head and my heart have not yet caught up to the reality of stepping aside. As conversations have turned to retirement these past weeks, I know that I, and you, are about to enter a new time.. and the fact of separation is a very real dimension to consider. After over 7 years of building relationships, it will be hard to step away but, although no longer your Rector after 18 March I hope we can remain friends and you will feel able to stay in touch, if you wish. The Church of England ministry etiquette advises me to step aside to give the benefice space to prepare for a new minister to come to pick up the reins and I respect that etiquette, and will keep a low profile, but it is likely that the vacancy may be nine months or more. In between time, Nigel and I will continue to live in Flitwick and will be nearby, and at times will no doubt bump into you in nearby Garden centres or supermarkets, or perhaps at Toddington Community Fridge or at an occasional Pop Up Tea room or coffee morning. We are both there for you, if you need help, and will hold you in our prayers, so please do get in touch if you need any support, especially during the vacancy process. You may be out of sight for a while, but you will not be out of mind, and I pray that the Lord will guide you and protect you and equip you for the days ahead. Thank you for placing your trust in me these past years and for walking alongside me on the journey - in many cases, going the extra mile. Thank you for giving me such a warm welcome and such wonderful support. May God bless you all. Sunday 9th February services 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church Monday 10th February 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church 2.00 pm Seated keep fit with Alison, Wilkinson Hall 6.30 pm Alpha + Group, Rachel and Doug’s Tuesday 11th February 10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall Wednesday 12th February 11.00 am – 2.00 pm Wednesday Winter Warmer Thursday 13th February 2.00 pm Afternoon with Friends, Wilkinson Hall Friday 14 February 10.30 am Painting for Pleasure, Wilkinson Hall Saturday 15 February Toddington Community Fridge, Wilkinson Hall Sunday 16 February Linda’s Last Sunday Services 11.00 am Benefice Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church Benefice lunch 12.45 pm Wilkinson Hall 3.00 pm Songs of Praise, Toddington Church (Please see poster) 4.15 pm Farewell Refreshments in Wilkinson Hall If you would like to attend the Benefice ‘congregation' lunch please can you let Dee, Bridget or Sandy know for catering numbers. Dee 872649 I suspect these dear ladies may also be grateful of offers of cakes (and perhaps help to serve) for the farewell refreshments after the 3.00 pm Songs of Praise service too. It will be so lovely to see you all, and to have chance to say thank you for our time together these past 7 plus years. I will miss you. God bless Linda Rector of Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone This past week has flown by. There has been much good to celebrate like the Chalgrave monthly Pop Up Tea Room with its wonderful array of cakes and refreshments, and Toddington Community Fridge which offered an abundance of foods this morning which were gathered up quickly by visitors with little left by 10.15am (great that foods are used so well and not sent to landfill). On Wednesday, the Toddington Winter Warmer gathering commenced with folks enjoying warming soup and a good natter and this afternoon there was a bargain sale in the Hall. Lots of good opportunities to gather together. This Tuesday we look forward to hosting Youth group in the Hall at 5.45pm, and Messy Church, also in the Hall, on Friday 31st January (postponed from last Friday) when we will consider 'Changes'. Then, all too quickly, we move into February, the month of big 'Change' for me, with my retirement rapidly approaching. February 9th will be my last Sunday leading the usual two regular Holy Communion services at both benefice churches: 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church, 26 January, 2nd February (with a baptism), 9th February 11.00 am Holy Communion Service Toddington Church, 26 January, 2nd February (with baptisms), 9th February. On 16th February I lead my final Sunday Services at Toddington with: 11.00 am Benefice Holy Communion Service (with both church congregations) followed by a benefice lunch. 3.00 pm a Benefice and Community 'Songs of Praise' Service at Toddington Church, with the Quintet Choir, followed by farewell refreshments in Wilkinson Hall. All welcome to the services. I officially retire on 18 March 2025, but lead my last services a month before in February, to allow me time to finalise arrangements and organisation, before I step away. The Bishop will be in touch with the parishes to discuss the vacancy, and the advertisement process to seek a replacement minister. Sadly, this process is often prolonged and it is possible that I will not be replaced for some months, so visiting ministers, and Malcolm, will kindly cover services in between. Please pray for the churches as they weave their way forward through the various obstacles and pray that the replacement process will go smoothly with a good appointment. This week's events: Monday 27th January 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church 2.00 pm Seated exercise with Alison, Wilkinson Hall Tuesday 28th January 10.30 am Knitting group, Wilkinson Hall 5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall Wednesday 29th January 11.00 am Winter Warmer, Wilkinson Hall Friday 31st January 10.30 am Painting for Pleasure Group, Wilkinson Hall 3.30 pm Messy Church, Wilkinson Hall.. Craft and activities for children with adults, with Bible story, and hot tea. (see poster) Next Sunday 2nd February Holy Communion Services with baptisms at Chalgrave (9.30 am) and Toddington (11.00 am) Churches. Recently we have heard the sad news of the deaths of Ida Squires and Fred Thistlethwaite. Ida's funeral will take place at Oakfields Gardens Crematorium, Steppingley on Wednesday 5th February at 11.00 am, and Fred's funeral will be in the Chapel at Luton Crematorium on Tuesday 11th February at 11.00 am. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to their families at this sad time. Wishing you all a happy and healthy good week. Best wishes Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave parishes
