Hello EveryoneWe hope you are well and have had a good week? It has been an interesting week for us.We attended the Bishop's Clergy Conference in Derbyshire from Monday to Wednesday, on a theme of Hope. It was a good conference with welcome opportunity to catch up with other clergy colleagues and to hear great theological teaching by Paula Gooder. One thing that soon became apparent was the general weariness in many of our colleagues. Many said how tired they are... and yet, as we got chatting, we were able to share encouragement and anticipation. Lockdown over these past months have been challenging for so many people in so many different ways, as you will all be so very aware. How good it is now to begin to plan to get together with opportunity to meet, at start certain social events. Today has also been a blessing in being able to host a joint (post lockdown) baptism at Harlington and a wedding at Toddington with families re-gathering and celebrating together. How long families have been apart but now we see new journeys beginning with the promise of new life ahead. Part of this new journey is the New Online Alpha course which launches on Monday evening. It is not too late to register. If you would like to explore more about Jesus and the Christian faith in a safe environment, please register to join the course via St Mary Westoning's website or contact Linda, Nigel or Eileen. You will be very welcome. You may wish to dip in to explore one session to see if is for you?On Wednesday 20th October we are holding a Confirmation Service at Toddington Church at 7.30pm. If you would like to find out more about Confirmation or baptism please speak to, or email Linda. The Alpha course first 3 sessions would give you a good opportunity to explore about Jesus in preparation for Confirmation or Baptism. Linda will also be hosting a discussion group at the Rectory, Toddington, if you would prefer to meet in person. Do please get in touch if you are interested.Continuing on the theme of journeys.. the Harlington Art exhibition 'Being' continues for one more afternoon at Harlington Church from 2-4pm tomorrow. Do drop in to see Stanley Greening's impressive pieces, which have evolved from his personal journey of loss. (His 3.3 mile walk will remain for another week).At 4pm there will be a Benefice service at Harlington, attended by Archdeacon Dave, to mark the forming of the new Westoning, Tingrith and Harlington benefice under Nigel's incumbency... another journey! Refreshments available from 3pm.As churches we are all now looking forward to celebrating our Harvest services over the coming weeks, and Nigel and I are also looking forward to offering a focus on Stewardship as we consider the future journeys of our churches. Every week, we move forward. No week is the same. We are so grateful to you all for your support in so many ways. We were also very pleased to receive news that applications to the Diocese for funding to support Messy Church and youth initiatives were successful for Harlington, Toddington and Westoning churches offering £250 each to help fund these activities. Every little helps, and is gratefully received. If by chance you have any thoughts on other areas where we might be able to seek funding to support our youth and family work and general mission, do please have a chat with Linda and Nigel.Our services this week:Chalgrave Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service led by LindaTingrith Church 9.30am Morning Service led by Jon Denman.Harlington Church 9.30am Battle of Britain Service led by Nigel and Chris BrownToddington Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by LindaWestoning Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by Nigel6pm Upper Room online zoom service with a theme of 'Hope': (Meeting ID: 862 3843 0873. Passcode available from Linda or Nigel)Monday Morning Prayer Toddington 9.30amWednesday Morning Service, Harlington 10amThursday Westoning Church, the funeral of Rachel Farmer 11.30am. Please hold Steve, Linda, James and John in your prayers this week.Friday - the funeral of Dawn. Please hold Jess in your prayers this week.This week's events:Tuesday - 10-12 noon Westcaf - WestoningFriday - 1.45pm. Little Stars 0.4yrs and parents/carers at Westoning ChurchFriday - Friday Fellowship 2pm Westoning Village HallFuture events:Next Sunday Churches Together in Harlington host the Prayer weekend from Thursday to Sunday, culminating with a joint church service at the Methodist Church 10am on Sunday 26th September. More information from Tricia, Robert or Nigel.A new Toddler and Baby group (with mums', dads and carers) starts at Wilkinson Hall on Tuesday 28th September 9-10.30am for the first time. At that first session we will decide which is the best day and time to meet again. Messy Church resumes at Wilkinson Hall on Friday 1st October, from after school until 5.30pm. Messy Church will meet on the first Friday of each month and we look forward to welcoming back our families and new members.Monthly Families Breakfast Club will launch at Harlington Church 3rd October 9-10.30am. A fun activity family gathering in the Parish Rooms.Harvest Hurrah and Supper - Harlington Church 1st October, with the Quintet Choir. More information to follow.Harvest Supper for Toddington and Chalgrave Churches 5pm 2nd October in Wilkinson HallHarvest services at Chalgrave, Toddington and Harlington Churches will be on 3rd October. Westoning and Tingrith are on 26th September.We wish you a special week, with fellowship, joy and the knowledge that the Lord walks alongside you and cares for you.God blessLinda and Nigel
11 September 2021Hello EveryoneIt has been a lovely day for the activities taking place today and for the walkers and cyclists out visiting local churches. Thank you so much to everyone who has been out raising funds for the churches on sponsored walks, rides, circuits of the church, sitting in the peace of the church building or helping with coffee mornings, gift days, art exhibitions and more. It has been wonderful to share in conversations and time together. Thank you all for your contributions which are greatly appreciated.Today is also the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attack in America, and it has been very moving listening to the reading of names of loved family members who died. Twenty years ago, two thousand, nine hundred and seventy seven people started their day unsuspectingly, but their lives were so sadly taken, either on that day, or from the effects of injuries incurred. People from 90 countries died, and two thousand, six hundred and six people were killed in the twin towers attack. Many of us will recall the horror of those news reports. Our hearts and our prayers go out to all who died and to their families and loved ones for whom the grief is still so very real and raw. It has been interesting to hear world leaders call for unity as we move forward, and this evening at 9pm many of us may find ourselves united as we tune in to support and cheer on young Emma Raducanu as she plays in the final of the American Open Tennis tournament. Her journey started unsuspectingly in the qualifying rounds and she has played with such gifting and talent, with such a sparkle and joy, sailing through the tournament, improving and learning each day, breaking numerous records. She has very quickly become a young inspirational role model to young and old. (I hear that Channel 4 and Amazon Prime will be screening the match).Each of our life journeys is different, but we can inspire and support each other, sharing the burdens and the joys.. united in the love of Christ.This Sunday's services:Chalgrave 9.30m - Holy Communion - led by LindaHarlington 9.30am - Service of the Word - led by Dr Robert JohnsWestoning 9.30m - Family Service - led by Rebecca and NigelWestoning 11am - Morning Praise - led by Nigel with visiting speaker from 'Compassion'.Toddington 11am - Holy Communion - led by Linda6pm Upper Room online service - Theme 'An Example of Grace'Mid week services and Events:Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer, ToddingtonTuesday - 10-12 noon Westcaf - WestoningTuesday - Youth group meets 5.30-7pm Toddington. More information from RebeccaWednesday - 10am Harlington Morning serviceMonday to Wednesday - Linda and Nigel on Bishop's ConferenceThursday - Toddington PCC 7.30pm Friday - 1.45pm. Little Stars 0.4yrs and parents/carers at Westoning ChurchFriday - Friday Fellowship 2pm Westoning Village HallSaturday: 10-12 noon Church Cake, book and craft stall on Toddington GreenSaturday: 10.30am Baptism at Harlington ChurchSaturday: 3pm Wedding at Toddington ChurchSunday 12-19th Harlington Church 2-4pm - Stanley Greening's Art Exhibition, 'Being' continues. Entry is free. There is also a themed 'Being' 3.5mile walk to follow, which starts at the church, with signposts with QR code links along the way to mark and describe the walk and the journey.Services on Sunday 19th September:Chalgrave 9.30am Morning ServiceTingrith 9.30 Morning PrayerHarlington 9.30 Battle of Britain Service and Benefice Service at 4pmWestoning 11am Holy CommunionToddington 11am Morning ServiceThe Online Alpha Course begins on 20th September. It is not too late to register. Please contact Linda or Nigel for more information or you can register online on Westoning Church website.There will be a Confirmation Service at Toddington Church on Wednesday October 20th at 7.30pm led by Bishop Richard. If you would like to be confirmed, or would like to discuss baptism or confirmation please contact Linda or Nigel.Future dates for your diaries:Messy Church resumes at Wilkinson Hall on Friday 1st October, from after school until 5.30pm. Messy Church will meet on the first Friday of each month and we look forward to welcoming back our families and new members.A new Toddler and Baby group (with mums' dads and carers) starts at Wikinson Hall on Tuesday 28th September and will meet again on 12th October from 9-10.30am. We wish you all a good week. Stay safe and stay well.God blessLinda and Nigel
Hello Everyone. It seems Autumn is quickly approaching - if not already here! I heard an interesting discussion the other day about when Autumn starts.. apparently if we use the meteorological calendar we are already in Autumn as September, October and November are Autumn, but if we adhere to the Astronomical Calendar, 22nd September is the first day of Autumn. Whichever date we follow, we know that schools have returned for their Autumn term. Some older pupils started at the upper school last week, and some other schools begin this week. We wish all students and their parents, teachers and all staff, a good, successful and happy term. On Tuesday evening the Toddington Youth group met for a walk and a picnic and we enjoyed a happy time walking and chatting. We hope to meet again on 14th September, and Rebecca will be in touch with more details.This afternoon Westoning village community met for the Westoning Picnic from 3pm and we hope everyone had a happy, blessed time as they gathered. Tingrith community meet later today for an Auction of Promises as they look to fundraise for the church, combined with a social gathering. Last weekend, Toddington folk gathered for the Scarecrow festival which was a happy time, with a steady flow of people walking the village to view the twelve scarecrows on display, and also meeting up at Wilkinson Hall for coffee, cake and chat. We extend our thanks to all who contributed, helping to raise just over £1,000 for the church. A brilliant result.In the coming week, Westoning folk gather at the Village Hall on Tuesday morning for the first WestCaf since lockdown. How WestCaf has been missed and such social gatherings have been missed and will be welcomed back. On Saturday 11th September all the churches will be involved in some way in the Historic Churches Bike Ride event.. to welcome visitors and to also gather in different ways:Chalgrave Church have a Coffee Morning from 10am to 12 noon. Chalgrave always offers a mouth watering selection of cakes, not to be missed, and this year there will also be a craft stall.Harlington Church are combining the event with their annual Gift Day and there will also be refreshments and activities, plus the very special art exhibition by Stanley Greening. Toddington, Westoning and Tingrith Churches will have facilities available for riders, walkers or drivers to register their visit, or will have people taking part. Please do sponsor those taking part. This is such a good opportunity for us to raise much needed funds for our churches and for the Historic Churches Trust (which is a Trust we turn to regularly for grants). Funds raised on Saturday are split equally between the church raising the money, and the Trust. And so to our services this week: Sunday 5th SeptemberHarlington Church 8am BCP service led by Linda, 9.30am Holy Communion Service led by Nigel.Chalgrave Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service led by LindaTingrith Church 9.30am Morning Prayer led by JonToddington Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by LindaWestoning Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by NigelUpper Room online service 6pm: contact Linda or Nigel for contact details.Mid week w/c 5th SeptemberMonday 6th Morning Prayer, 9.30am at Toddington Church.Tuesday 7th 10-12 noon Westcaf resumes, Westoning Village HallWednesday 8th 10am Harlington Morning ServiceWednesday 8th Westoning PCC 7.30pm in churchThursday 9th Harlington PCC 7.30pm (probably on zoom)Thursday 9th Harlington Church - Quintet Choir gathers to sing again 7.30pmFriday 10th Harlington Church, wedding 1pmFriday 10th Westoning Youth Group Saturday 11th Harlington Church Gift DaySaturday 11th Historic Churches bike, drive or walk fundraising day with:refreshments, activities and Art Exhibition by Stanley Greening at Harlington Church on Saturday 10-4pm with the Art Exhibition continuing through the week 2-4pm daily.Coffee morning at Chalgrave Church 10-12 noonSponsorship forms available at each church from the Church Warden, or from Linda or Nigel. This year we can drive, walk or cycle to as many churches as possible to raise funds. Please sponsor those members of the church/community who are willing to take part.Looking ahead:Sunday 12th September9.30am Chalgrave Church Holy Communion service9.30am Harlington Church - Service of the Word11am Toddington Church - Holy Communion Service 9am Westoning Church - Family service 11am Westoning Church - Holy Communion Service with a speaker from Compassion.Tingrith.. no service.Alpha: An new online Alpha course starts on 20th September and runs each Monday until 29 November. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Jesus and the Christian faith. More information from Linda and Nigel and please register with Eileen or Jon.PrayersWe pray for Dale's speedy recovery and for others known to us who are sick.We hold Rachel Farmer, who died on Thursday, in our hearts and pray for comfort, strength and peace for her family, Steve, Linda, John and James as they grieve.We pray for all who grieve, including Jess.We also pray for those preparing for marriage and for those preparing for baptism.May you have a peaceful week, with special times and blessings.with love in ChristLinda and Nigel
