Hello Everyone
We hope you are keeping well and enjoying these summer days... even if they are rather parched. Nigel and I managed a few days by the sea this week, although the phone lines and emails kept us busy it was good to breathe the sea air and walk. I had a lovely day on Thursday, travelling on the open top bus to Swanage and then walking back on the coastal path towards Sandbanks. The scenery was beautiful. How amazing our God is!
As I write this email, I realise that it will be one of Nigel and my last emails to the Quintet of Churches. I will continue to email Toddington and Chalgrave churches, but next Sunday will be Nigel's last services at Harlington (9.30 am) and at Tingrith (3.00 pm) followed by his final service at Westoning on Sunday 4th September (11.00 am) as his retirement from the benefice looms ever closer. It is a time of mixed emotions for us both, as a beautiful season of ministry at these churches draws to a close for Nigel. He has served at Westoning and Tingrith churches for 22 years, since being ordained as a minister, and at Harlington since 2017.. although these villages also contain many more memories for him of his days as a Teacher and Head of Sixth form at Harlington Upper School. So hard to step away from you all. We will pray for you over these coming months for a smooth process to replace him and for the right minister to come forth to lead the parishes forward into a brand new, blessed season. Nigel will miss you deeply. Thank you for being such a wonderful flock and for the many special years together. He will cherish the memories and is keen for friendships to endure.
This week's Services and Events from Sunday 21 August.
9.30 am Morning Praise Tingrith - Steve
9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave - Linda (in church)
9.30 am Family All Age Service, Harlington - Nigel. Topic: the whole armour of God.
11.00 am Holy Communion, Toddington - Linda and Malcolm
11.00 am Family Communion and Baptism service, Westoning - Nigel
Monday
9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington
11.00 am Funeral of Christopher Huckle, Toddington
Tuesday
10.00 am Westcaf, Westoning Village Hall
10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
1.00 pm Sewing Bee, Westoning Village Hall
Wednesday
10.00 am Harlington Church, Holy Communion Service
11.00 am Funeral of Jim Bunce, Toddington Church
Thursday
Friday
Painting for Pleasure 10.30 am - Wilkinson Hall, Toddington
Messy Church, 3.30pm, Wilkinson Hall TBC
Future Dates for your diaries:
Funeral of Derek Gordon, Toddington Church Thursday 1st September,11am
1st September Toddington PCC 7.30pm
2nd September 11am Funeral of Frances Barford. Harlington Church
3rd September Toddington Village Fete
10 September- all churches.. Historic Churches Bike Ride (drive or walk) fundraising event. Sponsorship forms available in church.
11 September 2pm Baptism Harlington Church
14 September Chalgrave PCC
17 and 18 September Petal and Purl festival - flower arrangements and knitted scenes to Celebrate 800 years of St George of England, Toddington. Preview Evening 16 September. (Poster to be forwarded separately as a large file)
18 September 6.00 pm - a celebration service to mark a new season for St George of England Church (lifting of 'suspension of living' - Linda to be made Rector)
20 September 10.00am onwards.. Safeguarding Training for PCC members, Rectory Toddington
24 September 6.00 pm Harvest supper for Toddington and Chalgrave, Wilkinson Hall
25 September Harvest Services at Toddington, Chalgrave, Westoning and Tingrith churches.
25 September – 2.00 pm wedding Harlington Church
28 September 11.00 am – 2.00 pm - Chalgrave Pop Up Tea Room
30 September 3.30 pm Messy Church Toddington (continuing on 4th Friday of each month)
2 October 9.30 am Harlington Church Harvest Festival service.
Sorry about the long list of dates and particularly with such a Toddington/Chalgrave focus. We hope Westoning Benefice will keep the churches informed of their events in the future so we can maintain the close Quintet links which have developed. Regular events have not been listed on the diary but are expected to continue.
We send you our love and prayers
Linda and Nigel