Hello EveryoneWhat an enormously strange week this week has been. Who could have anticipated the last seven days.Last Sunday, Nigel retired from Westoning Benefice after a very special and moving service. On Monday his retirement began unexpectedly with a period of enforced rest after a positive Covid test. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris, stepped down and Liz Truss was appointed as the new Prime Minister by the Queen at Balmoral and asked to form a new Government. The Queen looked frail but smiling and determined to fulfil her duties as Sovereign and reportedly held a good level of interested conversation with both Prime Ministers. On Wednesday, I also tested positive for Covid - it was inevitable really.. but the timing is awful. On Thursday, we heard the sudden news of the Royal Family being summoned to be alongside the Queen whose health was of concern... and then came the very sad, shocking news, that the Queen died later that day and the new King was announced. How our world has turned upside down this week. Most of us have previously known no other sovereign that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and what an amazing Queen she has been. She has been a figure of inspirational leadership, a dedicated servant to her people, a caring, intelligent, inquisitive, knowledgeable role model and a beacon of the Christian Faith. To each one of us, she will be remembered in our own special way.HM King Charles III has already shown that he intends to be a King of the people and despite his deep grief, has extended hands of friendship on two walkabouts already and has offered such profound words of tribute to his mother, his guiding example, and at his Proclamation as King today, offered lifelong commitment to serve the people and the nations, with the help of God.As we all try to come to terms with the rapidly moving times in which we live, our churches offer to be places of solace and peace.The churches of Chalgrave and Toddington will be open over the coming week for people to come and pay their respects to the Queen, to write special tributes in a book of condolence, and to spend some quiet time in church with opportunity to also light a candle. Special prayers will be said at the morning services tomorrow and next Sunday.Sunday 11th 9.30am Chalgrave Church, and 11am Toddington church- Morning Service led by Malcolm Curtis, with representation by the British Legion. Prayers will be said for HM Queen Elizabeth II and HM King Charles III, with opportunity to sign the book of condolence. The services will conclude with the National Anthem.Sunday 18th September a special service of Holy Communion at Chalgrave 9.30am and Toddington 11am with prayers for the HM Queen Elizabeth and HM King Charles led by Rev Linda. Sunday 18th September 6pm a joint benefice service of Commemoration to HM Queen Elizabeth (on the eve of her funeral), at Toddington Church (and the licensing of Rev Linda as Rector by the Archdeacon).Chalgrave Church will be open Wednesday 14th 10am to 12 noon.If you would like access to Chalgrave Church another time please phone Sandy on 07989 645040 or Rev Linda 07715 603557.Toddington church is usually open during daylight hours but times may change this week in the lead up to the Petal and Purl festival. Please phone Dee on 872649 or Rev Linda to check access times.Other services and events this week:Monday 12th September 10.30am. The funeral of John Bryant at Toddington Church. John was such a well-known, much respected member of this village and of many community groups and the church is expected to be busy. The service will be live-streamed so if you would like to view the service from home, or with other people at another location please use this link:https://vimeo.com/event/2407858 Please read the READ ME text after John's photo.Monday 12th No Morning Prayer service at 9.30am at Toddington ChurchTuesday 13th. Knitting group 10.30am Wilkinson Hall Wednesday 14th. Funeral of Ivor Bain 1pm Toddington ChurchPreparation for Petal and Purl Festival - churchThursday 15th Preparation for Petal and Purl - churchFriday 16th 10.30am Painting for Pleasure group Wilkinson HallPreparation for Petal and Purl - churchPreview evening of Petal and Purl (with wine and nibbles) from 7pm - tickets £10 from Dee Curtis - see attached poster.Saturday 17th Petal and Purl Festival 10-5pm Tickets £5, children freeSunday 18th 9.30am and 11am Service of Holy Communion at Chalgrave and Toddington churches respectively (see above)Petal and Purl Festival until 1-5pm Tickets £5, children free6pm Special service of Commemoration to the Queen (and licensing service), Toddington Church (see above)As we enter into a period of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth, I have sought advice from Bishop Richard and Bishop Alan about whether it is appropriate to continue to host the Petal and Purl festival over next weekend, which has become such a wonderful community event. It has been decided that the festival will offer time of reflection for our Queen and opportunity also to sign the book of condolence. We hope that you will enjoy time in church enjoying the beauty of the flowers, and the knitted displays which example scenes of church life, and community working together, in an atmosphere of prayer and thankfulness to God, for our Queen and for all she held dear as Head of the Church of England.Sending you love, peace and prayersLindaPS: If you would like a link to the recording of Nigel's leaving service please send me an email or give me a call.
Hello Everyone I hope you have had a good week. Nigel and I enjoyed a few days in peaceful and beautiful Norfolk, walking at Blakeney and Cley near Sea. - where I got doused by a freak wave! We visited Blickling Hall on our journey and within minutes were met by a call of 'Linda and Nigel Washington!' Rev Nick Bell who retired some years before to Norfolk from St Mary's Luton, had spotted us. It was good to catch up and to hear of his joys in retirement. Last Sunday Nigel and I attended two moving and beautiful retirement services for Nigel at Harlington and Tingrith and this Sunday heralds Nigel's retirement from Westoning Benefice after 22 years service so, at the point of meeting Nick, we were enwrapped in a world of our own. Could it be that it was a God appointment to meet Nick, who looks so well, and is loving his new ministry as Chaplain to the local Rugby club. He was so full of joy and encouragement. It was very special to see someone whom we respect and miss, looking so well and vibrant with his family and grandchildren. We had two very special days away. The below is a quote from Nigel's letter to his benefice: 'Well all too quickly for my liking the 4th September has come around and I am called to retire as Vicar of Westoning, Tingrith and Harlington. It is all quite surreal and sad but I trust in a God who has good plans for us all and no doubt there will be exciting days ahead. Thank you one and all for the support you have given to the Church and to me in my ministry. It has been a privilege to share the good news of Jesus with you. Please click the below link on Sunday 4th September 2022 from about 10.35am https://vimeo.com/event/2377866 When you click the link it is important to read the 'PLEASE READ ME' information before viewing. If you are unable to watch live a further link will be issued later with a recorded version of the service. I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow. Please join me if you can. Every blessing Nigel Revd Canon Nigel Washington Rector of Westoning, Tingrith and Harlington' Hopefully, it won't be the last time we see Nigel at Toddington and Chalgrave Benefice. He will still be continuing as a minister within the diocese but on a 'permission to officiate' basis. He will need some time to rest and adjust and space to discern where/what God is calling him to pick up next. This week's services and events: Saturday 3 September 2.00 – 4.00 pm Fete in Toddington Church Grounds with stalls, bouncy castle and soft play area. Sunday 4 September 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave - Linda and Malcolm 11.00 am Morning Praise Service, Toddington - Malcolm Monday 5 September 9.30 am Morning Prayer service, Toddington Church Tuesday 6 September Knitting Group 10.30 am, Wilkinson Hall Thursday 8 September 2.00 pm Afternoon With Friends, Wilkinson Hall Friday 9 September 10.30 am Painting for Pleasure Group, Wilkinson Hall Saturday 10 September 9.30 am Cake stall on the Green Future services and events Funeral of John Bryant 10.30 am Monday 12 September in church Funeral of Ivor Bain 1.00 pm Wednesday 14 September in church The church will then be closed to the public from 2.30 pm on 14 September until the Petal and Purl preview evening on 16 September so the church displays can be installed for the special Petal and Purl festival. Petal and Purl festival 16 September preview evening.. tickets from Dee. Petal and Purl festival 17 and 18 September open days for viewing Sunday 18 September - a special celebration service at 6.00pm to celebrate Toddington Church's 800 years anniversary which is being marked by the beautiful Petal and Purl festival and to give thanks for the hard work of all who serve, with the Quintet Choir offering a couple of special songs to mark the occasion. The service will also mark a moment in history when the Archdeacon will license me as Rector to Toddington and Chalgrave churches (instead of Priest in Charge). Do please come and join us to give thanks for our churches and to pray for our future ministry. Wishing you every blessing Linda
Dear allAs we approach the final days of issuing the weekly email to the Quintet of churches, this week we are sending general information about events taking place in each benefice. In future, Linda will then issue emails to Toddington and Chalgrave Churches, and Westoning Benefice will issue emails to Westoning, Tingrith and Harlington churches.Nigel's final services: This Sunday:Harlington 9.30am Holy Communion with Nigel. Linda and Robert. Starting with parish breakfast at 8.30am.Tingrith Church 3pm: Holy Communion with Nigel and Linda - followed by refreshments.Sunday 4th September: 11am Holy Communion Service, Westoning Church. Reports suggest the church is going to be busy. If you are unable to attend or would prefer to watch the service on live stream please click the link below to view the service. (Don't click this week!)NEXT WEEK if you would like to watch the live-stream link to Nigel's final service at Westoning Church on Sunday 4th September....please click the below link on Sunday 4th September 2022 from about 10.35amhttps://vimeo.com/event/2377866When you click the link it is important to read the 'PLEASE READ ME' information before viewing.If you are unable to watch live a further link will be issued later with a recorded version of the service.This Sunday's services Chalgrave Church 9.30am Morning Praise service led by MalcolmHarlington Church 9.30am Holy Communion, Nigel, Linda and RobertToddington Church 11am Holy Communion Service, Linda and MalcolmWestoning Church 11am Family Service- Nigel. A 40 minute service, theme: 'Encouragement' with goodie bags and refreshments.Tingrith Church 3pm Holy CommunionServices and events for this weekMonday: 29th Augustno Morning Prayer at Toddington - Bank HolidayScarecrow festival, Toddington, CancelledTuesday 30th10am Westcaf followed by Sewing Bee 1pm, Westoning Village HallWednesday 31st10am Holy Communion Service Harlington ChurchThursday 1stFuneral of D Gordon, Toddington Church, 11amFuneral of R Boote - 2.30pm Luton Crem (Westoning)Friday 2ndPainting for Pleasure 10.30am Wilkinson Hall, ToddingtonFuneral of F Barford, Harlington Church, 11amSaturday 3rdToddington Church - fete and fun - details tbcSunday 4th9.30am Chalgrave Church, Holy Communion Service, Linda and Malcolm9.30am Harlington Church, Morning Praise/Prayer - Stephen11am Toddington Church - Morning Praise - Malcolm11am Westoning Church - Holy Communion Service (Nigel's retirement service) Nigel, Linda, Jon, Steve and Margaret B. Please also see above live-stream link to watch from home.Future events:1 September Ploughman's Lunch in the Wilkinson Hall 12.00 noon to 1.30 pm1 September Toddington PCC7 September Funeral of Jean Carrington, (Harlington) - Bedford Crematorium 3.15pm - Malcolm8 September Quintet Choir rehearsals begin 7.30-8.30pm - Harlington Church - More information from Nicholas Hopton 9 September from 5pm Nigel's retirement party, Westoning - more information from Jon Denman10 September: Historic Churches Bike, walk or drive - a fundraiser for all churches. Please sponsor those taking part.11 September - Baptism service at Harlington Church 2pm - Linda12 September Funeral of Tim Jackson 1.30pm Westoning Church - Nigel and Linda14 September - 1pm Funeral of I Bain: 16, 17 and 18 September - Petal and Purl festival week-end. See attached poster.18 September - special 800yrs celebration service at Toddington church and licensing Linda as Rector, 6pm21 September - Baptism Service 11am, Westoning - Linda23 September - Messy Church 3.30pm, Wilkinson Hall, Toddington24 September - Harvest Supper, 6pm Wilkinson Hall, Toddington25 September - Wedding at Harlington Church 2pm - Linda25 September - Harvest Services for Chalgrave, Toddington, Tingrith and Westoning.28 September - Pop Up Tea Room, Chalgrave at Memorial Hall 11-1pm2 October - Harvest service, Harlington church 9.30amThis is a poignant time for us and Nigel specifically sends his love to everyone for their love and support throughout his years of ministry in Westoning, Tingrith and Harlington churches. It has been a privilege to serve. God blessings to you allLinda and Nigel
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
