Hello Everyone
I hope your week has gone well, with some memorable moments to sustain you. I enjoyed tagging along with the school children's trip on Tuesday to Conger Lane.. although it was a shame that it was raining.. but it didn't dampen the children's enthusiasm. The restoration work at Toddington Church has been moving on well and I was fascinated to view the beauty of the original stonework on the inner South West wall with the old render removed. Both Dee and I said separately to Mick the builder that we would prefer it not to be re-rendered as it is such an impressive example of original stone craftmanship - but it will need to be. (Photos attached). Chalgrave Church has received emergency permission to begin sorting arrangements for the next stage of repairs.
February feels like a transitional stage in the year. It is a time to emerge, a time to rest, a time to prepare, and a time to get active. We are just back from a quick walk in the park and stopped to listen to the birds singing in the trees.. such a welcome sound.. a European robin singing so beautifully from on high, calling out so effectively to all around. In the garden the snow drops, crocus, narcissi are coming in flower with buds and blossom quickly emerging on certain shrubs and the garden is already calling us quite loudly to come and attend to several tasks. Spring time has a strange sense of a call that it is also a time to clear out and declutter with the 'Spring Clean' but that will have to wait a while. The schools are already half way through this academic year with half term holidays this week, and this week we entered the church season of Lent with Ash Wednesday following swiftly after Shrove Tuesday. I wonder if you had a pancake or two and what was your favourite filling? The children in nursery at school were excitedly telling me how they had made and eaten pancakes.
Are you entering into Lent giving up something or taking up something? It is good to follow a daily Bible Reading or a Lent study and there are various apps or opportunities for this. The Church of England is offering daily Lent Reflections: Journey through Lent with our #WatchAndPray daily email reflections. Sign up at cofe.io/LentReflections.
There is also The Bible Society's Lent Encounter 2024 – The shadow of the cross. Where is Jesus in the Old Testament? Sign up now and dive into God’s word to trace his salvation plan through salvation history.
Or, perhaps you might like to join us on the Alpha course from 29th February to learn more about Jesus? You will be most welcome.
Sunday's Services 18th February 2023
9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church
11.00 am Holy Communion, Toddington Church
6.00 pm Evensong, Toddington Church - Malcolm to lead
Upcoming Services and events:
Mon 19th February
Morning Prayer 9.30 am Toddington Church
Tuesday 20th February
Knitting Group 10.30 am – 12.30pm Wilkinson Hall
Wed 21st February
Lent Lunch 12.00 noon – 1.00 pm. Wilkinson Hall
Fri 23rd February
Painting for Pleasure 10.30 am, Wilkinson Hall
Messy Church 3.30pm - 5.30 pm Wilkinson Hall (see poster)
Sun 25th February
9.30 am Holy Communion Service Chalgrave Church
11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church
Mon 26th February
Morning Prayer 9.30 am Toddington Church
Tues 27th February
Knitting Group 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Wilkinson Hall
Toddington PCC 2.00 pm Wilkinson Hall
Youth Group Yr 5 upwards 5.45 pm – 7.15 pm Wilkinson Hall
Wed 28th February
11.00 am – 1.00 pm Chalgrave Pop Up Tea Room, Tebworth Memorial Hall
Lent Lunch 12.00 noon – 1.00 pm. Wilkinson Hall
Thurs 29th February
The Alpha Course begins, 6.30 pm The Rectory (more information from Rev Linda). Please register your name with Linda for catering numbers. (see poster)
Friday 1st March World Day of Prayer Service 2.00 pm Harlington Church This year's service with the theme: 'I beg you, bear with one another in love' has been prepared by the women of Palestine
Thursday 7th March Hot Ploughmans Lunch 12.00 noon – 1.30 pm Wilkinson Hall
Have a good week.
With every blessing
Linda
Rector
Toddington and Chalgrave