Hello Everyone

What a lovely day it has been today. This morning I smiled to see several church folks happily relaxing on the Green, in the sunshine, as they 'manned' the church cake stall and chatted. Thank you to everyone who provided cakes for sale, or who bought goodies to help us raise funds for the church. It was a pleasant morning and it seemed fitting that the church clock struck in the background to complete the country scene. It has been lovely to have the clock up and running again this week, (even if it is nearly 10 minutes slow at the moment). A group of us went up the church tower, with John Pask, last Sunday, to learn how to set the church clock. We are hoping to build a small team of people to call to action when there is a power cut. If you are willing to learn how to set the clock, and to be part of the team, please let me or Dee know. We will have another training session soon.

The church has been busy this week with the usual weekly activities in the Hall, including the fun art activity morning on Wednesday when adults and children alike enjoyed being creative. This was the last session for this Summer holiday, but I am sure we will be offering something similar again. The sessions have been relaxed and enjoyed by all.

Last Sunday, I had the privilege to baptise a young mother and her son at Westoning Church, and similarly at Toddington Church. Both services were very important and heart-warming. It is such a privilege to share someone's journey to faith, and to be able to support them through to baptism. This Sunday, I look forward to baptising another young child, and to welcoming him into the church family.

On Friday, I led a special Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Alan Ede, who will be sadly missed. It was a pleasure to meet with his family and friends and to hear of his love of racing, and of his meticulous care in repairing and restoring racing cars, including cars for Stirling Moss and many other drivers.

Today, thankfully, as I led a wedding at Westoning Church the sun shone, and the temperature was just right, and there was such a sense of joy and support for the wedding couple.

As I look back on the week, I see church community hard at work, sharing together, supportive of each other, keen to welcome and to engage with the village community, sharing time and energy and gifts and talents, so generously. What a blessing it is to serve with such wonderful teams. I count my blessings for the privilege of being a minister. God is good!

Tomorrow morning at 11.00 am, the ladies England football team embark on their landmark moment in time, at the World Cup final, in Sydney. It has been an exciting championship, with our team demonstrating such a sense of unity and cohesion. I am sure our thoughts and prayers will be with them. May they be blessed and successful.

This week's services:

9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church

11.00 am Holy Communion Service, with a baptism, Toddington Church.

6.00 pm Evensong Service, Toddington Church

Services and events this coming week:

Monday 21st August

9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church

Tuesday 22nd August

10.30 am Knitting Group

Wednesday 23rd August

Morning working party in the Churchyard (please come along to assist if you have some time to spare)

Thursday 24th August

Wedding rehearsal, Toddington Church, 7.00 pm

Friday 25th August

10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall

Saturday 26th August

Wedding, 2.30 pm Toddington Church

Wishing you every blessing,

Linda

Rector, Toddington and Chalgrave