SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING (ALL-SOULS) Sunday 2nd November at 3pm at St Mary’s Church in Leigh. This is a quiet service of reflection at which we give thanks for the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us. It will be an opportunity to honour those whose lives have deeply touched our own and remember times shared together. The service will be led by Dr. Sally Musson and if you, and/or any of your family members, would like to join us you would be more than welcome. Refreshments will be served after the service in the Genner Rooms. To help us gauge numbers it would be helpful if you could contact Helen Scott to let her know if you plan to attend. 01732 833808/07963 093660 or helen.hobhouse@btinternet.com If you are unable to attend but would like us to light a candle in a loved one’s memory, please do just let Helen know.
October marks 3 years since St Mary’s had a vicar and 3 months since we had a youth minister. In John 21:15-17 Christ told Peter three times to feed his sheep. So how do we try to feed the congregation in Leigh? You might be surprised how many activities there are in and around the church - See details elsewhere in the magazine or contact Gill Bennie Our church is not just the congregation sitting in the pews on Sunday morning. There are many different ways that people connect with God and we try to support everyone whatever your relationship with the Holy Spirit. In September, the PCC met and amongst other matters discussed were Safeguarding and how to encourage views from everyone in the village on what we do; Training for Forest Church and leading services; Progressing faculty approvals for repairs to the tower and modifying the gutter and what services we will put on this Christmas. We also decided to support Hildenborough Food Bank, Gambia Projects Overseas and keep a reserve for emergency appeals. In other news, The diocese has finished improvements to Leigh vicarage and it is now available “To Let” through Savills. While the income won’t come to the PCC we would like to see the building fully used again, so if you know of anyone, perhaps on a business transfer, do spread the word. On Sunday 2nd November, we have an All Souls Service in the afternoon at 3pm. Dr Sally Musson takes this service for us and it is an opportunity to remember family members or friends who have died. f you have anyone whose name you would like added to this list please let Gill Bennie or Linda Boyd have details. We remember both those whose names we have but also the wider community. Candles are lit on the altar by those attending if they wish or by us on their behalf. We have hymns and prayers and it is an opportunity for quiet reflection. We serve teas afterwards for those who wish to stay. Also on the 9th November we will be having our traditional Remembrance service and parade with the Royal British Legion, Scouts & Guides. So do come along at 10am on the 9th but if you are not planning to come, remember that the High street will be shut from 9.30am-10am and again from approx 10.50am -11.15am. Both these services along with those at Christmas are annual events that form the cornerstone of our village life. The PCC are determined to keep the church going for everyone in our village and the wider parish whether you come every Sunday once a year or only to celebrate christenings, weddings and memorials. We look forward to seeing many of you there. any thanks Richard and Linda
