Hello Everyone,Spring is definitely in the air, with daffodils, camellia flowers and blossoms emerging, and lawns summoning a new year mow. How much better it feels with the lengthening days and the milder weather approaching. Folks have happily gathered this week at 'church' for Lent Lunch on Wednesday, Hot Ploughman's meal and the Alpha course on Thursday, and this morning for Coffee morning. Thank you all who have worked so hard this week to cook and provide such splendid hospitality. There is something so special about such times when we share a meal or a cuppa. At last, we are all feeling comfortable to mingle again and to relax together. It is such a relief after those horrible times of lockdown and distancing.For the next two Sundays 10th and 17th March (and possibly also on Palm Sunday 24th) there will be no Sunday morning service at Chalgrave Church while the Church is closed for restoration work. (We will be meeting for a Benefice Service at Toddington Church instead). Mick the builder is getting on well with the work and when I popped in yesterday I took a few photos which show the two rotted ends of the Chancel beam - at least what is left of them! Mick has been covered in dry rot dust for a week and as you can see there are buckets of dust and very fragile remains of the beam ends alongside the buckets. The scaffolding has been extended across the centre of the church while this beam is repaired, and Mick has installed a pulley to help lift the heavy oak replacements up high ready for the repair. We are very grateful for this work taking place.. and I will feel a lot safer standing underneath the beam, once it has been repaired!Tomorrow we host a Benefice Sunday Mothering Sunday service at 11am at Toddington Church, and all are welcome. I am very conscious that this day can be a day of poignant sadness for some and a time of celebration for others. We are all on a different journey. I miss my own mother dearly and would love to be able to pop by tomorrow to give her a hug and a thankyou for such special times together, but instead, Nigel and I will be visiting the cemetery to lay flowers for both our mothers, with deep love and gratitude in our hearts. I also feel for those who would dearly love to be a mother but who are not, and for those who had a difficult childhood, or who are alongside a child in hospital waiting anxiously for their recovery. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Tomorrow, in our service, we will sensitively thank God for the gift of motherhood, aware of the joys it can bring, and also aware of the challenges and sadnesses.This Thursday, offered a wonderful time of joy in school as the children all dressed up as book characters, for World Book Day, celebrating the gift of reading, writing and of special books. It was a wonderfully colourful scene as the children and staff all gathered in the Hall. I saw Superman, The Hulk, Worzel Gummage, Dorothy with her red shoes, characters from Frozen, and so many more. A lovely sea of characters. How special it is to curl up with a book to have a good read. Perhaps we should start a church book club?! It has certainly been a privilege to share in Alpha and we are only two weeks into the course, but how important it is to share our own stories and our faith to build each other up and to encourage each other. This evening there was a special service at St Albans Abbey to celebrate 30 years of Women into Ordained Ministry. Another special time to share. This week's Services and Events:Sunday 10th March11am Mothering Sunday Benefice Service, with Holy Communion, Toddington Church - Linda and MalcolmMonday 11th March9.30am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church1pm Chalgrave MAP meeting - the Calders.No Pilates at Toddington this week (Jo hopes to return in September.. and we will investigating if we can offer a temporary alternative option)Tuesday 12 March10.30am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall2pm Toddington MAP meeting, Wilkinson Hall5.45pm Youth Group, Wilkinson HallWednesday 13th March11am Funeral of Mrs Rosemary Line, Toddington Church12 noon, Lent Lunch, Wilkinson Hall2pm Toddington PCC, Wilkinson Hall7.30pm Deanery Synod, Studham,Thursday 14th March2pm Afternoon with Friends, Wilkinson Hall6.30pm Alpha Course, session 3: 'Why Did Jesus Die?' - The Rectory, 41 Leighton Road, Toddington. (All Welcome - but please let Rev Linda know you would like to come for catering nos)Friday 15th March10.30am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson HallSunday 17th March11am Benefice Morning Praise service, Toddington Church - Malcolm6pm Evensong, Toddington Church - MalcolmFuture Events:Thurs 4th April Ploughman’s Lunch Our ‘Gift Weekend’ April 20th- 21st which we hope will incude an art display, a children’s art and craft display, historical display, refreshments and more.Sunday 21st April - an evening Confirmation Service, led by Bishop Richard, Toddington Church.23rd April (St. George’s Day) Afternoon Tea in Wilkinson Hall (ticket only)Have a good week.God blessLindaRector, Toddington and Chalgrave07715 603557revdtoddington@gmail.comrevdchalgrave@gmail.com
Hello EveryoneHasn't it been a wet week! With flooded fields, paths and roads, and with streams and rivers about to burst their banks.. I wonder if we all need to grow webbed feet! Despite the rain, it has been a very mild February and the Spring flowers and blossoms are quickly appearing, to uplift our spirits. There are lots of good things to give thanks for this week, with the first stage of the internal plaster restoration work at Toddington Church completed, and Chalgrave's restoration work about to start on Monday; The new curtains were hung in Wilkinson Hall early this morning, which I am very much looking forward to seeing tomorrow. The Hall has been undergoing a spring clean with Bridget and Tom hard at work redecorating. The kitchen looks bright and clean, the Hall itself looks so much better after its lick of emulsion, and the entrance hall is about to get some TLC too. Thank you so much to Bridget and Tom for all their hard work.Other special events this week were Youth Group's gathering on Tuesday night, led by Rebecca, Doug and Bridget with an Eco focus this week, after the God and prayer slot. There was a special atmosphere as I left the group on Tuesday as they settled down for their session. Thank you so much Rebecca, Doug and Bridget for your time and care in leading.On Wednesday, there was another very successful Pop-Up Tea Room run by Chalgrave Church at Tebworth Memorial Hall, with a good crowd attending for those cakes and savouries which have become so popular. Many thanks to the faithful team who cook and serve: Alison, Sue, Sandy, Sue and David and Margaret (and usually Jane.. and to those who also provide cakes but can't be there!). Wednesday was a busy day because it was also Lent lunch at Toddington where homemade soup is served with a roll, followed by fruit and a drink. It is each Wednesday during Lent at 12 noon at Wilkinson Hall. Thank you again to the team who provided this week. The Lent lunches are covered by the different churches.. but thank you all who come or serve, and who help raise funds for the Foodbank (or for those in need locally).Thank you also to the happy Messy Church team who led the previous week's Messy Church session. It is so good of everyone to work together so well as a team to provide for the children and families. I understand there were some good crafts and Malcolm inspired the children with stories of the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep as they considered 'Perseverance' and then the children enjoyed a hot meal.On the theme of Perseverance.. the New Village Magazine is underway with the team persevering; gathering in articles and adverts and information to prepare a magazine for release to cover the months of April and May. Thank you all so much. This will be such an asset for the Village. We have missed the magazine!On Thursday evening fifteen people attended the first session of the new Alpha course, which was warmly hosted by Rachel and Doug in their home this week. They provided a very tasty meal for all of us and put us all at our ease before we settled down to watch the first session entitled 'Is there more to life than this'. Following the talk we enjoyed time in two groups getting to know each other better as we discussed the evening's talk. Thank you Rachel and Doug for your kind and generous hospitality. Next week, we meet at the Rectory at 6.30pm for the second session: 'Who is Jesus?'. You are warmly invited, but please, if possible, could you let me know you are coming (for catering numbers). Each week we will start with a meal, before settling to listen to the main talk. As the weeks progress, a special bond and friendship develops between those attending. Do come and join us.. you will be most welcome.On Friday, folks gathered for the World Day of Prayer service at Harlington, for which the ladies of Palestine had prepared the service liturgy. The service is led by volunteers from various churches in the area. Thank you to all who took part, and who met to worship, pray and support the people of Palestine. Let us continue to hold the conflict in Palestine and Israel, Ukraine and Russia and so many other parts of the world in our prayers, and pray for peace and love and care for all. Looking ahead to this week's upcoming services and events:Sunday Services:9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church - Linda and Nigel11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church - Linda and Nigel(It is possible that, due to the restoration work at Chalgrave, we may not be able to lead services at Chalgrave Church on Sunday 10th and 17th. If that is the case, we will gather at Toddington for a Benefice service at 11.00 am instead.. but more information next week, when we know better). The builder needs to install further scaffolding support under the Nave beam, which is damaged at both ends, so we will not be able to hold services until all is safe and secure. In the meantime.. he is ordering the Oak needed for the restoration.This week's services and events:Monday 4th March9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington ChurchTuesday 5th March10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson HallWednesday 6th March12.00 noon, Lent Lunch, Wilkinson HallThursday 7th March12.00 noon Ploughman's 'hot' lunch, Wilkinson Hall6.30 pm Alpha Course, the Rectory, (hot meal served at the beginning, followed by the talk ' Who is Jesus' and discussion time). Finishes about 8.45pmFriday 8th March10.30 am Painting for Pleasure Group, Wilkinson HallSaturday 9th March10.00 am Coffee Time and Book stall, Wilkinson HallSunday 10th March - Mothering Sunday service (expected to be a Benefice, Family Service at Toddington Church, 11.00 am) Sunday 17th March - is likely to be a Benefice morning service 11.00 am, Toddington Church with Evensong, 6.00 pm also at Toddington ChurchLooking ahead to Easter Services and events:We hope to install interactive prayer stations in church again this year.. do pop by during Easter Week to spend some quiet time in church. The church is open during daylight hours.Palm Sunday 24 March 11.00 am service at Toddington and hopefully 9.30 am at ChalgraveAlpha: Wednesday 27th March, 6.30 pm (please note the change of day - because of Maundy Thursday services)Maundy Thursday 28th March:Visit to church by Toddington St George Lower School for a special school Easter Service (time tbc).11.00 am Annual Chrism Service at St Albans Abbey for ministers and members of the congregations. Please let me know if you would like to attend. I can give a lift to 3 people.6.00 pm Maundy Thursday Benefice Supper, Wilkinson Hall7.30 pm Holy Communion Service, Toddington ChurchGood Friday 29th March10.00 am 'An Hour at the Cross', reflective service at Chalgrave Church10.30 am Good Friday, Messy Church, Wilkinson Hall (until about 12 noon)2.00 pm 'An hour at the Cross' reflective service at Toddington Church.Easter Sunday 31st March9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church11.00 am, Holy Communion Service, Toddington ChurchLooking ahead to St George's Day on 23 April.. we are hoping to organise a special St George's Time Together for the weekend of 20/21st April leading to a special event in the afternoon of 23rd April. More information to follow.Sorry for the long list of dates but I thought you may like to have them for your diaries.Have a good week.God blessLindaRev Linda Washington Rector, Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone I hope your week has gone well, with some memorable moments to sustain you. I enjoyed tagging along with the school children's trip on Tuesday to Conger Lane.. although it was a shame that it was raining.. but it didn't dampen the children's enthusiasm. The restoration work at Toddington Church has been moving on well and I was fascinated to view the beauty of the original stonework on the inner South West wall with the old render removed. Both Dee and I said separately to Mick the builder that we would prefer it not to be re-rendered as it is such an impressive example of original stone craftmanship - but it will need to be. (Photos attached). Chalgrave Church has received emergency permission to begin sorting arrangements for the next stage of repairs. February feels like a transitional stage in the year. It is a time to emerge, a time to rest, a time to prepare, and a time to get active. We are just back from a quick walk in the park and stopped to listen to the birds singing in the trees.. such a welcome sound.. a European robin singing so beautifully from on high, calling out so effectively to all around. In the garden the snow drops, crocus, narcissi are coming in flower with buds and blossom quickly emerging on certain shrubs and the garden is already calling us quite loudly to come and attend to several tasks. Spring time has a strange sense of a call that it is also a time to clear out and declutter with the 'Spring Clean' but that will have to wait a while. The schools are already half way through this academic year with half term holidays this week, and this week we entered the church season of Lent with Ash Wednesday following swiftly after Shrove Tuesday. I wonder if you had a pancake or two and what was your favourite filling? The children in nursery at school were excitedly telling me how they had made and eaten pancakes. Are you entering into Lent giving up something or taking up something? It is good to follow a daily Bible Reading or a Lent study and there are various apps or opportunities for this. The Church of England is offering daily Lent Reflections: Journey through Lent with our #WatchAndPray daily email reflections. Sign up at cofe.io/LentReflections. There is also The Bible Society's Lent Encounter 2024 – The shadow of the cross. Where is Jesus in the Old Testament? Sign up now and dive into God’s word to trace his salvation plan through salvation history. Or, perhaps you might like to join us on the Alpha course from 29th February to learn more about Jesus? You will be most welcome. Sunday's Services 18th February 2023 9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion, Toddington Church 6.00 pm Evensong, Toddington Church - Malcolm to lead Upcoming Services and events: Mon 19th February Morning Prayer 9.30 am Toddington Church Tuesday 20th February Knitting Group 10.30 am – 12.30pm Wilkinson Hall Wed 21st February Lent Lunch 12.00 noon – 1.00 pm. Wilkinson Hall Fri 23rd February Painting for Pleasure 10.30 am, Wilkinson Hall Messy Church 3.30pm - 5.30 pm Wilkinson Hall (see poster) Sun 25th February 9.30 am Holy Communion Service Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church Mon 26th February Morning Prayer 9.30 am Toddington Church Tues 27th February Knitting Group 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Wilkinson Hall Toddington PCC 2.00 pm Wilkinson Hall Youth Group Yr 5 upwards 5.45 pm – 7.15 pm Wilkinson Hall Wed 28th February 11.00 am – 1.00 pm Chalgrave Pop Up Tea Room, Tebworth Memorial Hall Lent Lunch 12.00 noon – 1.00 pm. Wilkinson Hall Thurs 29th February The Alpha Course begins, 6.30 pm The Rectory (more information from Rev Linda). Please register your name with Linda for catering numbers. (see poster) Friday 1st March World Day of Prayer Service 2.00 pm Harlington Church This year's service with the theme: 'I beg you, bear with one another in love' has been prepared by the women of Palestine Thursday 7th March Hot Ploughmans Lunch 12.00 noon – 1.30 pm Wilkinson Hall Have a good week. With every blessing Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone It has been so wonderful to feel a hint of Spring in the air today with birds singing in the bare tree tops and daffodils, snowdrops, primroses, and aconites bursting forth in Toddington Church grounds. People have breathed a sigh of relief today to sense the warmer weather, looking up to the sunlight peeping through the grey clouds, to absorb a little vitamin D... and there is hope in the air. Today's coffee morning at Wilkinson Hall had a busy, happy atmosphere with folks enjoying company, cake and catch up after all that rain! Thank you so much to all who have provided this week for Youth group, Wednesday warmer lunch, Time with Friends, and coffee morning. They are all such special times. This week has also been a time of Architect, Structural Engineer and Builder visits. Both churches now have areas shrouded in plastic sheeting as work either commences or investigations progress. The Chancel plaster repair work began at Toddington church on Friday and the Reredos and the altar are now hidden under protective covering to avoid damage while work progresses to remove the 'old' blown plaster in readiness for the new, fresh plaster replacement. At Chalgrave Church, the structural engineer, architect and builder climbed up to the top level of scaffolded platforms to examine the roof beams. We now know that both ends of the Nave roof beam, which had been causing concern, need to be replaced. The wood on each end is soft and rotting, due to damp (probably dating back to when the roof lead was stolen some years back). Unfortunately, another large beam end towards the centre of the Nave also needs replacing, plus a smaller roof beam needs repair. Sadly, it will be a much bigger job than first thought, and much more expensive too. We will now await the Engineer's report, repricing quotes and will then have to submit an application to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for permission to proceed. We will also need to apply for grants to help us to cover costs. I've attached some pictures of this week's building projects, plus some pictures of some lovely spring flowers. This week we move into the season of Lent in our church services with Ash Wednesday swiftly following Shrove Tuesday. There will be a benefice Ash Wednesday Holy Communion service, with the Imposition of Ashes, at Toddington Church at 6.30pm. All are welcome. I've attached a separate calendar of this month's events for your information but have listed below next week's events: This Sunday's Services 9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave - Nigel (and Linda) 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington - Nigel (and Linda) This week's services and events: Monday 12th February 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church Tuesday 13th February 10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall Wednesday 14th February Ash Wednesday 12.00 noon Lent Lunch, Wilkinson Hall 2.00 pm Friends of St George's Church, Trustees meeting, Wilkinson Hall 3.00 pm Friends fundraising meeting, Wilkinson Hall 6.30 pm Ash Wednesday Benefice Holy Communion Service with the Imposition of Ashes, Toddington Church Thursday 15th February 2.00 pm Fellowship time, Wilkinson Hall Friday 16th February 10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall On Thursday 29 February we begin a new 10 week Alpha Course at the Rectory at 6.30 pm, which will mainly be held on Thursday evenings, with an occasional Wednesday. It is a wonderful time to learn more about the Christian faith in a friendly, informal setting. We begin with refreshments, then watch a film on a different weekly theme exploring such topics as Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How can I be sure of My Faith? Why and How should I read the Bible? Does God Heal? Why and how do I pray? What does the Holy Spirit do? Then we move into small discussion groups to consider what we have heard that evening. The sessions soon become very special, with folks valuing each others company and by the end of the course, people have made new friends and feel like part of a bigger family. All are welcome. Please ring Linda to have a chat and for more details. (07715 603557 or 01525 714442). The course dates are: Thursdays 29 Feb, 7, 14 and 21 March, Wednesday 27 March, and then after a short break for Easter time, we recommence on Thursdays 18, 25, April, 2, 9 and 16 May. Alpha is an ideal introduction to the Christian Faith for anyone wishing to consider being confirmed. Do please have a word with me if you would be interested to confirm your faith at a Confirmation service. I'm also happy to consider leading a Lent Course if folks would like one? Do please link if you would like a chat, a prayer or any support. Have a good week God bless Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave
