Hello everyone
We wish you and your family good health and happiness and hope this week has been a good week.
In a return to cold frosty mornings and some sunshine to brighten the day, after the heavy rain at the beginning of the week, Nigel and I finally summoned up the energy to head to the coast to see the sea.. and at 4.29 pm yesterday we stood on the cliffside at Southbourne looking across to Swanage and the Purbeck Hills and watched the most beautiful sunset shining forth across a clear sky and millpond sea, the reflections and evening light were so beautiful (picture attached). How can we but praise our God for his wonderful creation.
This week my thoughts have turned frequently to those who grieve the loss of loved ones, work colleagues and friends and those with family members working within the medical, caring and emergency services for whom we have prayed, anxious for their well being, during this pandemic. My heart goes out to all who mourn but with a special depth of sorrow for those who had to mourn in isolation - without the support of family and friends alongside, or who have faced enormous medical moments alone in hospital. How challenging these past months have been for so many people, in many different ways. It was good to read this week that the latest wave of Omicron may finally have passed the peak. We look forward to moving into a new season.
This year, Toddington Church celebrates its 800 years milestone and we are looking forward with hope in our hearts to times of joy as we celebrate this special anniversary. More information to follow. But the first event to mention is Bridget's initiative to walk over 800 miles within 7 months. Aware of the many positive qualities of a walk... not least to walk, share and talk, she invites others to join her, whether for one mile, or more. Please do get in touch if you fancy a walk! (You are of course very welcome to also offer to sponsor her, to help raise funds for our beautiful church).
Chalgrave Church is looking forward to joining the community at the next Pop-Up Tea-Room at Tebworth Memorial Hall on Wednesday from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. Last time was so successful it will become a regular monthly feature. (poster attached)
Do please let us know of any future church events which you would like us to mention and do check on the church websites, A Church Near You and Facebook pages for updates.
This Sunday's services:
Harlington Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - Nigel
Chalgrave Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - Linda
Tingrith Church - No service this week
Toddington Church 11.00 am Holy Communion - Linda
Westoning Church 11.00 am Holy Communion - Nigel
The Upper Room returns online at 6.00 pm. Theme: New Year Resolve. Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86914811575?pwd=MVRIL1hnSWw2OHRBZjAwNjhOQTlQZz09
Please contact Revd Linda for joining instructions
Services and Events this week:
Monday 17th January
Morning Prayer at Toddington Church 9.30 am
Tuesday 18th January
Westcaf - Westoning Village Hall 10.00 am – 12.00 noon
Knitting Group - Wilkinson Hall Toddington 10.30 am
Sewing Bee Westoning Village Hall 1.00 – 3.00 pm
Chalgrave PCC meeting 8.00 pm - The Rectory
Wednesday 19th January
10.00 am Morning Service, Harlington Church
Pop-Up Tea Room, 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, Tebworth Memorial Hall (with refreshments and a book stall)
TWIG 3.30 – 5.00 pm Westoning Village Hall
Westoning PCC 7.30 pm at church.
Thursday 20th January
Fellowship Time 2.00 pm Wilkinson Hall
Toddington PCC 7.30 pm - Zoom
Friday 21st January
Painting for Pleasure group 10.30 am Wilkinson Hall
Little Stars 1.15 pm Westoning Church
Friday Fellowship – 2.00 pm, Westoning Village Hall
Thank you all so much for your wonderful support to all the churches in so many different ways. It really is a fantastic team effort.
We wish you a good week, with good health and happiness.
God bless
Linda and Nigel