Hello Everyone
How lovely it is to feel and see the warm sunshine today. Spring is upon us with lambs in the fields, blossom on the trees, new buds bursting forth and for those of us who experience hay fever.. the pollen is rising too! I hope you have managed some rest and recuperation during the Easter holidays and feel refreshed. Schools return this week for the Summer Terms and we wish the staff, pupils and families a blessed term. (Can we already be two thirds through this Academic year?!).
Nigel and I have been glad of two weeks rest following the Easter services, and now look ahead to all the fun things planned at church. There is a lot ahead: Chalgrave restoration work continues and the Chancel remains full of scaffolding (and lots of dust! – see photograph) but the restoration work completed is so very skilled. Toddington church prepares to mark St George's Day with a Gift week-end of activities for children and families next weekend. Will you be able to find St George's dragon? There will also be a music society concert on Saturday (see poster attached). On Tuesday 23rd, there will be a special St George's Day Afternoon Tea at Wilkinson Hall.... and just in case you haven't had your fill of cake and lovely refreshments, Chalgrave folk host the next Pop Tea Room at Tebworth Memorial Hall on Wednesday 24th. Bishop Richard, the Bishop of Bedford, is coming to visit both Chalgrave Church and Toddington Church on Sunday 28th April and will be leading a Confirmation Service at Toddington in the 11.00 am Toddington morning service. Do come and support the candidates and join the congregation as we celebrate and worship. All are welcome.
This Week's Services and other upcoming events:
Sunday 14th April
11.00 am Joint Chalgrave and Toddington Benefice Holy Communion Service at Toddington Church
Monday 15th April
9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church
2.00 pm Seated Pilates with Alison (in Jo's absence) Wilkinson Hall
Tuesday 16th April
10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall
5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall
Thursday 18th April
2.00 pm Afternoon with Friends in the Wilkinson Hall
6.30 pm Alpha course session 6, Why and How Should I Read the Bible, The Rectory
Friday 19th April
10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall
Saturday 20th April
'Gift Weekend' - Toddington Church and Wilkinson Hall (see poster) 10.00 am – 5.00 pm with a concert in church at 3.00 pm (see poster).
Sunday 21st April
11.00 am Holy Communion service at Toddington Church (probably a Benefice service with Chalgrave church.. tbc)
6.00 pm Evensong Service, Toddington Church
'Gift Weekend' 1.00 – 5.00 pm with activities and refreshments, church and Wilkinson Hall.
Alpha Course: Thursdays 25th April, 2nd May, 9th May 16th May Alpha course, and Saturday 11th May Alpha Holy Spirit Day - all at The Rectory.
Messy Church: Friday 26th April, 24th May, 28th June, 26 July, 3.30 pm Wilkinson Hall
Confirmation Service: 28th April, 11.00 am Toddington Church with Bishop Richard and 9.30 am service at Chalgrave Church
Youth Group: Tuesday 30th April, 7th or 14th May (tbc), 21 May, 11 and 25 June, 2 and 16 July, Wilkinson Hall 5.45pm
Have a good week and thank you so much for all your help and support at all the different events. Thank you also for your prayers and support for Harrison and his family these past weeks. They are so very grateful for our prayers and thank you so much. Please keep praying that young Harrison will make a good recovery and that the family can be all together again soon.
God bless you all
Linda
Rector of Toddington and Chalgrave