Hello Everyone
I hope you have managed to stay comfortable today despite the high temperatures, although anyone who took part in the Beds and Herts Historic Churches fundraising event today has my full admiration. To be out cycling, walking or driving in this heat was a real challenge..it was so hot! Tony, Dee and Malcolm took part on behalf of Toddington Church, and Alison on behalf of Chalgrave church.. so if you have a few pence (or £) to spare, please consider sponsoring them in retrospect to help raise funds for our two churches. The sum raised will be split 50/50 between historic churches trust and the sponsoring church.. which means, we gain both ways in the long run as Historic Churches Trust has been generous to us previously in our applications for financial support on church restoration projects. 'Every little helps' to coin a well known phrase.
This week the schools returned for the new school year, following the summer holidays.. and how ironic that the sun came out and the temperatures rose just as they returned. It was a pleasure to be back in school this week meeting staff and children, including Mr Darlington the new headteacher at St George's LS. As I walked in on Thursday to lead assembly, I was struck by the beautiful display in the corridor of children's work and how quickly the displays in the Hall had been prepared to reflect the values of the school, with Biblical references. The staff all work so hard and there is a clear sense of purpose amongst children and staff; keen to learn and to teach. I wish them every happiness and success this year and look forward to leading another assembly soon.
There was a contented hum of conversation this morning at Toddington Coffee morning as there had been on Thursday at Ploughman's lunch. Youth group met for the first time since the holidays on Tuesday eve and we chatted as we munched pizza, whilst enjoying being back together again. The group meets again on Tuesday 14 and 21st September at 5.45pm at Wilkinson Hall. New members are welcome to come along to join us, especially year 5 children who have just started Parkfields. The first few sessions will give everyone chance to get back together again while we consider the shape of the groups moving forward.
Planning seems key at the start of this new 'academic year' as we return to the full buzz of planning for services and events up to Christmas. Can this be possible so soon.. oh yes, it can! We are currently planning dates for the church Christmas Card, events to include in a village newsletter, and generally getting the diary sorted! With PCC meetings this week for each church we looked forward to upcoming events and here are a few thoughts for your diaries:
Services for Sunday 10th
9.30am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church
11am Holy Communion, Toddington Church
Events for next week:
Monday 11th
9.30am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church
2pm Seated Pilates, with Jo, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
Tuesday 12th
Knitting Group 10.30am, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
Youth Group 5.45pm,Wilkinson Hall, from 9yrs upwards
Wednesday 13th
Church Grounds morning working party (tbc)
Thursday 14th
Afternoon with Friends 2pm, Wilkinson Hall
Friday 15th
Painting for Pleasure 10.30am, Wilkinson Hall
Saturday 16th
Cake stall on the Green 10am
Looking further ahead:
Tuesday 19th Youth Group - Wilkinson Hall, 5.45pm
Thursday 21st Macmillan Afternoon Tea with St George's Fellowship, Wilkinson Hall, 2.30pm
Wednesday 27th Chalgrave Pop Up Tea Room, Tebworth Memorial Hall, 11-1pm
Friday 29th Messy Church, (for lower school children and younger children, with parents and accompanying adults). Wilkinson Hall, 3.30pm
Saturday 30th Harvest Supper 5pm Wilkinson Hall, all welcome but please let Dee or Sandy know for catering numbers.
Sunday 1st October Harvest services at Chalgrave at 9.30am and Toddington at 11am
And even further ahead: (in addition to the regular weekly and monthly events)
Possible Scarecrow festival Saturday 21 October, Toddington
Chalgrave Pop Up Tea Room, Wednesday October 25th, Tebworth Memorial Hall,
Sunday 29 October 3pm Toddington Band Concert, Toddington Church
Chalgrave Church Christmas Fayre, 4th November - more information to follow.
In Loving Memory Services Chalgrave 5th November 9.30am, Toddington Church 3.30pm
Remembrance Day Services, 12 November. details tbc
Chalgrave Pop Up Tea Room, 22 November, Tebworth Memorial Hall 11am
Christmas Tree Festival, Toddington Church 9 and 10 December
Christmas Pop Up Tea Room, Wednesday 13th December 11am, Tebworth Memorial Hall
Scouts Carol Service Toddington Church, 7pm Friday 15 December.
Carols by Candlelight Service Chalgrave Church, Saturday 16 December time tbc.
Toddington Band Christmas concert, Toddington Church Sunday 17 December. time tbc
Parkfields School Christmas Concerts, Toddington Church, Wednesday 20 December.
Other events will be added as they become known
Have a great week everyone.
God bless
Linda
Rector
Toddington and Chalgrave