This weekend’s Bible readings:

Isaiah 53:4-12 (p 740) and Mark 10:35-45 (p 1015)

Harvest collections:

£1,348 was collected across the benefice towards the minibus for the Place of Grace in Bangkok. Thank you to all who contributed.

Parking for Sarah’s memorial service:

We are expecting a large number of people for the service next weekend. Burr’s Meadow will be open for parking.

Help needed, please:

The cleaning teams at St Mary's are much depleted and in need of more help. Although historically this is done on a Friday and sometimes a Thursday, any help at all on any day/time or at any energy level would be hugely appreciated. If you think you can help in any way please contact Sue by email [email protected] or by phone 07754 072148, or speak to Sue or Marion at church. Thank you.

Recent events:

Lunchtime concerts:

Thank you to all who helped with or supported the lunchtime concert series this year. Thank you, too, to The A10 Strings and The Rib Singers, who performed for us. A total of £500 was raised.

Events coming up:

Midweek Music, Wednesday, 12.30 pm:

On Wednesday 23rd October at St Mary's, Cate is singing 'Songs from the musicals' from 12.30pm, accompanied by Michael on the piano. This promises to be a really enjoyable programme so do come along and enjoy.

As usual, refreshments will be served from 11.30am. Entry is free and any donations are shared between the three churches in the Benefice. Everyone is very welcome.

Pop-up shop next Sunday:

The pop up shop will be in evidence at the 10.30am service on Sunday 27th October. The Real Advent Calendar with fairtrade chocolate will be available - do come and buy yours as next month will be too late!

Bookstall next Sunday:

The monthly bookstall will also be at the service next Sunday, with a selection of Christmas stories and puzzles as well as the usual stock. Come and browse as you plan for present buying!

Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal:

The date is approaching when the shoeboxes will be collected. The boxes go to various parts of the world, to children who would otherwise receive no Christmas gifts. Last year’s boxes went to Ukraine. If you would like to be involved, you can: wrap and fill a whole shoebox (ask Lizzy for a list of what is and isn’t allowed); donate things which Lizzy will pack; contribute money which Lizzy will use to buy things to go in the shoeboxes. For more information, please speak to Lizzy or email her: [email protected].

Services for the next few weeks:

Midweek services each week:

Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) & Bible study, St Catherine's

Wednesdays, 9.30am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary's

Sunday services:

20th October 8.00am Holy communion, St Mary's

10.30am Holy communion, All Saints

27th October 10.30am All age worship, St Mary's

6.00pm Choral Evensong, St Mary's

3rd November 8.00am Holy communion, St Mary's

10.30am Morning worship, All Saints

10th November 9.30am Morning worship followed by Act of Remembrance at Dane End memorial, All Saints

10.45am Remembrance service, St Mary's

3.00pm Act of Remembrance, St Catherine's

17th November 8.00am Holy communion, St Mary's

10.30am Holy communion, All Saints

24th November 10.30am All age worship, St Mary's