Hello EveryoneAnother week has passed.. and don't they fly quickly by! It is the season of Harvest.. and last week Tingrith and Westoning Churches celebrated their Harvest Festivals and this week Harlington, Toddington and Chalgrave churches will celebrate theirs. We send a big thank you to all who have helped to decorate the churches, and to those who have made donations of harvest produce to give thanks to God our creator. The produce received will be forwarded to the foodbank or to other projects to help those who need support. We look forward to Toddington and Chalgrave harvest supper this evening, and also offer our thanks to Nicholas and the Quintet Choir for providing such wonderful music and song yesterday at Harlington Harvest Hurrah.This week has been a busy week for new launches and re-starting groups. Toddington launched its Mum's and Tot's group (which will meet fortnightly at Wilkinson Hall on Mondays from 9-10.30am from this coming Monday) and on Friday, we were also delighted to welcome back our Messy Church families. (We will meet on the first Friday of each month). Friday lunches also met for the first time for many months.... The smiles and happiness were tangible. It is so good to gather again.At Harlington, the first Family Breakfast (Messy Church style gathering) meets for breakfast, craft and songs, at 9am in the Parish Rooms, led by Rebecca.Westoning TWIG (Messy Church style group) re-started this week too, and there was much happiness again as folks had time to get together again. Friday Fellowship and the Sewing Bees group also meet weekly. We look forward to further gatherings being announced in the future.This Sunday's services:Tingrith 9.30 Morning Worship Service led by Jon Westoning 11 am Holy Communion Service led by NigelHarlington 8am BCP Communion led by NigelHarlington Families Breakfast Club 9am led by Rebecca (Parish Rooms)Harlington Harvest Festival Communion Service 9.30am led by Nigel and RobertChalgrave 9.30am Harvest Communion Service led by LindaToddington 11am Harvest Communion Service led by LindaOnline Upper Room Service 6pm zoom link: to be sent our separately.Services and events this week:Toddington Mum's and Little People group Wilkinson Hall 9-10.30amMonday Morning Prayer, 9.30am Tuesday 10.30-12.30 Knitting Group Wilkinson Hall (knitters are welcome to join)WestoningTuesday Westcaf at Westoning Village Hall 10-12Tuesday Sewing Bee at 1pm60 Minutes with God Wednesday at 8pm Contact Jane SteerFriday Little Stars 1.15 Westoning ChurchFriday Fellowship 2pm Westoning Village HallHarlington10am Wednesday Morning Service Next week's services for Sunday 10th OctoberNo service at TingrithHarlington 9.30am Service of the Word, Harlington led by RobertWestoning 11am Service of the Word, Westoning led by RobertChalgrave 9.30am Morning Service led by Rev Kausal DavidToddington 11am Morning Service led by Rev Kausal DavidUpper Room online service.. information to be sent later.We wish you a happy healthy week.God blessLinda
Dear AllJust a short introduction this week to register our thanks to all who work so hard, in so many different ways. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at some of the services and events this week... if you (and we) have fuel to get there!Services on Sunday:9.30am Chalgrave Church, Holy Communion Service led by Linda9.30am Harlington Church, Holy Communion Service led by Nigel10am Harlington Churches Together Service at the Methodist Church to conclude the Prayer Weekend.11am Toddington Church, Holy Communion Service led by Linda11am Westoning Church, Harvest Festival (on-screen service) with a short Holy Communion - led by Nigel5.30pm Tingrith Church, Harvest Service led by Nigel and Linda, followed by Harvest Supper at 6pm.NB: No Upper Room Service this week due to Harvest commitments. The next Upper Room Service will be on Sunday 3rd October at 6pm.Services and events w/c Monday 27th SeptemberMonday, 27 September, Toddington Church, 9.30am Morning PrayerMonday, 27 September, online Alpha Course week 2. New people are still welcome to join the course. Please contact Linda or Nigel for more information and the access link. Please register via Westoning Website. The course starts at 7.45pm, and runs for about 75 minutes.Tuesday 28 September, 9am to 10.30am launch of New Mums and Tots group at Wilkinson Hall, Toddington. We look forward to meeting with you. On week one, we will also chat about which day is best for meeting in future. More information from Linda, Dee or Rebecca.Tuesday 28 September, Sewing Bee club, 1pm Westoning Village HallTuesday 28 September, TWIG restarts at Westoning Village Hall, straight from school until 5.30pm. More information from Rebecca or Nigel Tuesday 28 September Chalgrave PCC at 18.30pmWednesday 29 September, Harlington Church 10am Morning Service.Thursday, 30 September, Open the Book assembly. ToddingtonThursday, 30 September, The funeral of Mr J Windsor - please pray for the bereaved family. Friday, 1st October, Messy Church, Toddington restarts - meeting straight after school until 5.30pm.Friday 1st October Harvest Hurrah an hour of songs, readings, refreshments (finger buffet) and good company - wonderful to welcome back Nicholas and the Quintet Choir, Harlington Church at 7.30pm. Free entry.Friday 1st October: Toddington Friday lunches return to the Village Hall. More information from Rachel.Friday 1st October, Little Stars mums and tots group, Westoning Church 1.15pmFriday 1st October: Westoning 2pm Friday Fellowship. More information from Joyce.Saturday 2nd October, Toddington and Chalgrave Harvest Supper, Wilkinson Hall 5pmSaturday 2nd October, Baptism service at Toddington Church, 11amSaturday 2nd October, Men's Breakfast at The Chequers, Westoning, 8.45am. Please contact Nigel or Phil (01525 862357) for more information, or to reserve a place.There is a new Pilates class running at Wilkinson Hall at 6pm on Thursdays.The Toddington Knitting Club plan to meet at Wilkinson Hall on Tuesdays. (more information from Dee)Please let Linda know if you would be interested to join a cuppa and chat group at the rectory, or a Walk and Talk group at Toddington, or a morning BCP Holy Communion mid-week service at Toddington. Please also link with Linda if you would be interested to be confirmed (or baptised) at a service of Confirmation at Toddington church 7.30pm 20 October.Sunday's services 3rd OctoberHarlington8am BCP Holy Communion Service 9am Families Breakfast Club - the Parish Room, Harlington. All families welcome to come for breakfast, crafts, songs and togetherness. Please contact Rebecca or Nigel for more information.9.30am Harvest Communion Service - led by NigelChalgrave: 9.30am Harvest Communion Service - led by Linda. Please contact Sandy if you are able to help with decorating the church in the week before.Toddington: 11am Harvest Communion Service - led by Linda. Please contact Dee if you are able to help with decorating the church.Each church will be collecting gift offerings of tins and packets for foodbanks, or fresh produce for the Noah Homeless project in Luton. Your donations will be very gratefully received. Thank you!Tingrith 9.30am Morning Prayer serviceWestoning 11am Holy Communion ServiceThe Upper Room online service at 6pmAs events re-start we look forward to the opportunity to meet with you in new places socially. We wish you a good week and look forward to seeing you soon.God blessLinda and Nigel
Hello EveryoneWe hope you are well and have had a good week? It has been an interesting week for us.We attended the Bishop's Clergy Conference in Derbyshire from Monday to Wednesday, on a theme of Hope. It was a good conference with welcome opportunity to catch up with other clergy colleagues and to hear great theological teaching by Paula Gooder. One thing that soon became apparent was the general weariness in many of our colleagues. Many said how tired they are... and yet, as we got chatting, we were able to share encouragement and anticipation. Lockdown over these past months have been challenging for so many people in so many different ways, as you will all be so very aware. How good it is now to begin to plan to get together with opportunity to meet, at start certain social events. Today has also been a blessing in being able to host a joint (post lockdown) baptism at Harlington and a wedding at Toddington with families re-gathering and celebrating together. How long families have been apart but now we see new journeys beginning with the promise of new life ahead. Part of this new journey is the New Online Alpha course which launches on Monday evening. It is not too late to register. If you would like to explore more about Jesus and the Christian faith in a safe environment, please register to join the course via St Mary Westoning's website or contact Linda, Nigel or Eileen. You will be very welcome. You may wish to dip in to explore one session to see if is for you?On Wednesday 20th October we are holding a Confirmation Service at Toddington Church at 7.30pm. If you would like to find out more about Confirmation or baptism please speak to, or email Linda. The Alpha course first 3 sessions would give you a good opportunity to explore about Jesus in preparation for Confirmation or Baptism. Linda will also be hosting a discussion group at the Rectory, Toddington, if you would prefer to meet in person. Do please get in touch if you are interested.Continuing on the theme of journeys.. the Harlington Art exhibition 'Being' continues for one more afternoon at Harlington Church from 2-4pm tomorrow. Do drop in to see Stanley Greening's impressive pieces, which have evolved from his personal journey of loss. (His 3.3 mile walk will remain for another week).At 4pm there will be a Benefice service at Harlington, attended by Archdeacon Dave, to mark the forming of the new Westoning, Tingrith and Harlington benefice under Nigel's incumbency... another journey! Refreshments available from 3pm.As churches we are all now looking forward to celebrating our Harvest services over the coming weeks, and Nigel and I are also looking forward to offering a focus on Stewardship as we consider the future journeys of our churches. Every week, we move forward. No week is the same. We are so grateful to you all for your support in so many ways. We were also very pleased to receive news that applications to the Diocese for funding to support Messy Church and youth initiatives were successful for Harlington, Toddington and Westoning churches offering £250 each to help fund these activities. Every little helps, and is gratefully received. If by chance you have any thoughts on other areas where we might be able to seek funding to support our youth and family work and general mission, do please have a chat with Linda and Nigel.Our services this week:Chalgrave Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service led by LindaTingrith Church 9.30am Morning Service led by Jon Denman.Harlington Church 9.30am Battle of Britain Service led by Nigel and Chris BrownToddington Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by LindaWestoning Church 11am Holy Communion Service led by Nigel6pm Upper Room online zoom service with a theme of 'Hope': (Meeting ID: 862 3843 0873. Passcode available from Linda or Nigel)Monday Morning Prayer Toddington 9.30amWednesday Morning Service, Harlington 10amThursday Westoning Church, the funeral of Rachel Farmer 11.30am. Please hold Steve, Linda, James and John in your prayers this week.Friday - the funeral of Dawn. Please hold Jess in your prayers this week.This week's events:Tuesday - 10-12 noon Westcaf - WestoningFriday - 1.45pm. Little Stars 0.4yrs and parents/carers at Westoning ChurchFriday - Friday Fellowship 2pm Westoning Village HallFuture events:Next Sunday Churches Together in Harlington host the Prayer weekend from Thursday to Sunday, culminating with a joint church service at the Methodist Church 10am on Sunday 26th September. More information from Tricia, Robert or Nigel.A new Toddler and Baby group (with mums', dads and carers) starts at Wilkinson Hall on Tuesday 28th September 9-10.30am for the first time. At that first session we will decide which is the best day and time to meet again. Messy Church resumes at Wilkinson Hall on Friday 1st October, from after school until 5.30pm. Messy Church will meet on the first Friday of each month and we look forward to welcoming back our families and new members.Monthly Families Breakfast Club will launch at Harlington Church 3rd October 9-10.30am. A fun activity family gathering in the Parish Rooms.Harvest Hurrah and Supper - Harlington Church 1st October, with the Quintet Choir. More information to follow.Harvest Supper for Toddington and Chalgrave Churches 5pm 2nd October in Wilkinson HallHarvest services at Chalgrave, Toddington and Harlington Churches will be on 3rd October. Westoning and Tingrith are on 26th September.We wish you a special week, with fellowship, joy and the knowledge that the Lord walks alongside you and cares for you.God blessLinda and Nigel
11 September 2021Hello EveryoneIt has been a lovely day for the activities taking place today and for the walkers and cyclists out visiting local churches. Thank you so much to everyone who has been out raising funds for the churches on sponsored walks, rides, circuits of the church, sitting in the peace of the church building or helping with coffee mornings, gift days, art exhibitions and more. It has been wonderful to share in conversations and time together. Thank you all for your contributions which are greatly appreciated.Today is also the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attack in America, and it has been very moving listening to the reading of names of loved family members who died. Twenty years ago, two thousand, nine hundred and seventy seven people started their day unsuspectingly, but their lives were so sadly taken, either on that day, or from the effects of injuries incurred. People from 90 countries died, and two thousand, six hundred and six people were killed in the twin towers attack. Many of us will recall the horror of those news reports. Our hearts and our prayers go out to all who died and to their families and loved ones for whom the grief is still so very real and raw. It has been interesting to hear world leaders call for unity as we move forward, and this evening at 9pm many of us may find ourselves united as we tune in to support and cheer on young Emma Raducanu as she plays in the final of the American Open Tennis tournament. Her journey started unsuspectingly in the qualifying rounds and she has played with such gifting and talent, with such a sparkle and joy, sailing through the tournament, improving and learning each day, breaking numerous records. She has very quickly become a young inspirational role model to young and old. (I hear that Channel 4 and Amazon Prime will be screening the match).Each of our life journeys is different, but we can inspire and support each other, sharing the burdens and the joys.. united in the love of Christ.This Sunday's services:Chalgrave 9.30m - Holy Communion - led by LindaHarlington 9.30am - Service of the Word - led by Dr Robert JohnsWestoning 9.30m - Family Service - led by Rebecca and NigelWestoning 11am - Morning Praise - led by Nigel with visiting speaker from 'Compassion'.Toddington 11am - Holy Communion - led by Linda6pm Upper Room online service - Theme 'An Example of Grace'Mid week services and Events:Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer, ToddingtonTuesday - 10-12 noon Westcaf - WestoningTuesday - Youth group meets 5.30-7pm Toddington. More information from RebeccaWednesday - 10am Harlington Morning serviceMonday to Wednesday - Linda and Nigel on Bishop's ConferenceThursday - Toddington PCC 7.30pm Friday - 1.45pm. Little Stars 0.4yrs and parents/carers at Westoning ChurchFriday - Friday Fellowship 2pm Westoning Village HallSaturday: 10-12 noon Church Cake, book and craft stall on Toddington GreenSaturday: 10.30am Baptism at Harlington ChurchSaturday: 3pm Wedding at Toddington ChurchSunday 12-19th Harlington Church 2-4pm - Stanley Greening's Art Exhibition, 'Being' continues. Entry is free. There is also a themed 'Being' 3.5mile walk to follow, which starts at the church, with signposts with QR code links along the way to mark and describe the walk and the journey.Services on Sunday 19th September:Chalgrave 9.30am Morning ServiceTingrith 9.30 Morning PrayerHarlington 9.30 Battle of Britain Service and Benefice Service at 4pmWestoning 11am Holy CommunionToddington 11am Morning ServiceThe Online Alpha Course begins on 20th September. It is not too late to register. Please contact Linda or Nigel for more information or you can register online on Westoning Church website.There will be a Confirmation Service at Toddington Church on Wednesday October 20th at 7.30pm led by Bishop Richard. If you would like to be confirmed, or would like to discuss baptism or confirmation please contact Linda or Nigel.Future dates for your diaries:Messy Church resumes at Wilkinson Hall on Friday 1st October, from after school until 5.30pm. Messy Church will meet on the first Friday of each month and we look forward to welcoming back our families and new members.A new Toddler and Baby group (with mums' dads and carers) starts at Wikinson Hall on Tuesday 28th September and will meet again on 12th October from 9-10.30am. We wish you all a good week. Stay safe and stay well.God blessLinda and Nigel
