Hello everyone And so we are in Christmas Week. The lights are up, trees are twinkling, schools have finished for their Christmas holiday after a flurry of special events. The other day I was asked to go and speak to the young children about how Christians celebrate Christmas.. so as I am lifting the beautiful knitted Baby Jesus out of the box, resting in his manger there was an excited shout out before me.. there's Santa.. as Santa indeed walked past the window and waved happily, and the children bounced with excitement at the sight. It reminded me of how much I used to love taking the children to see Santa, shopping, enjoying the music playing in the background, decorating the home and sharing time together. Time with children is so special. Although, I did reflect with some sadness that baby Jesus lost out on this occasion.. the sight of a little baby in a manger did not manage to compete with Santa. And so, I have continued to reflect this week on the contrast of the pull of this material world against the simplicity of the first Christmas. Mary and Joseph, were called by God to leave their family and familiar surroundings, to travel a long difficult journey to somewhere remote, with Mary heavily pregnant. Arriving in Bethelehem there were no plush guest rooms or hotels for them, no family saying come in have a warm drink.. welcome. Instead, they found themselves destitute, in need of help, at the point of Mary about to give birth. Rescued by a considerate Inn-Keeper who offered his stable, the only place available - and here in this lowly place Jesus the 'Messiah' was born - a king, born in lowly surroundings, without a crown.. just wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. And then.. the Angel visited the Shepherds in the fields, lowly and outcast by society but called by God to be the first to visit the baby Jesus, to bow down to him, to worship Him and to symbolically offer a lamb. God knelt down and blessed those who seemed unimportant, thought unworthy of by society, and he lifted them up and called them forth to see the most wonderful sight... he 'kissed them on the cheek' and blessed them. Next the wise men or the 'Sages' of their time.. came to visit. They had set off months before, led to find the baby Jesus by a bright star shining in the sky. They brought gifts.. special gifts.. gold, frankincense and myrrh.. gifts of great symbolic importance which heralded Jesus' death at Easter. Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, our Lord, was born in love, swaddled in love, visited in love, ministered to all he met in love and he died out of the most incredible sacrifice of love for us all. This week as my reflections continued I thought about families who are struggling to cope this year, with rising prices, and so many pressures placed on them by expectation and society's demands.. and I (and many of you) gained pleasure in gathering together hampers to give to certain families in need.. extending the hand of love.. keen to 'kiss them on the cheek' to say, you are loved. Let us share this burden together. Thank you to all who helped, to all who contributed. Anything which remains will be sent to the foodbank as need is very high this year. I posted a picture on the church facebook pages this week which says we are all innkeepers.. but will we let Jesus in this year? And so Santa may be a modern representation of Jesus.. the giver, the happy, cheery voice of joy to those he meets, but for me, Jesus is the reason for the season. It is Jesus who we come to worship this Christmas. Here are our services for this Sunday: Chalgrave Church 9.30 am Holy Communion Toddington Church 11.00 am Holy Communion Tingrith Church Nativity Service 3.00 pm Harlington Church 9.30 am Holy Communion Service Westoning Church Nativity themed service 11.00 am - please come dressed as a nativity character if you wish. Online zoom Upper Room Service 6.00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88981856814?pwd=SlArT05NMXZ3ckNLSENGTDB1b3Q5Zz09 For details of how to join please contact Revd Linda Next week's services: Monday 20th December 9.30 am Morning Prayer Toddington, 11.00 am Advent Course at the Rectory, Toddington The Coming Light, Harlington 8.00 pm - a service of readings and carols with the Quintet Choir Wednesday 22nd December A Service of lessons and carols with the Quintet Choir 7.30 pm Toddington Harlington Churches Together sing carols outside the parade of shops with the Salvation Army Band 6.30 pm Thursday 23rd December Funeral at Chalgrave Church 1.00 pm Wedding at Harlington Church 2.00 pm Friday 24th December - Christmas Eve Chalgrave 3.00 pm Crib Service 11.15 pm Midnight Mass Toddington 4.30 pm Crib Service 10.00 pm Midnight Mass Harlington (you are advised to please book places on the church website) Crib Service 4.15 pm Midnight Communion 11.15 pm Tingrith 8.00 pm Christmas Communion Westoning Crib services 3.00 pm and 5.30 pm (you are advised to please book places on the church website) 10.00 pm Christmas Communion Christmas Day and Boxing Day services Chalgrave no services at church. We will join a benefice service at Toddington Church Toddington - 9.30 am Holy Communion on Christmas Day and 10.00 am Holy Communion on Boxing Day (both are benefice services) Harlington: 10.00 am Christmas day family service (no communion), Boxing Day 9.30 am Holy Communion Westoning: 10.00 am Christmas Day Communion Service and 11.00 am Boxing Day Holy Communion Service Tingrith: No services at church. We will join a benefice service at Westoning Church. As we look forward to this week Nigel and I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas. We thank you for all your support, giving in so many different ways, for your enthusiasm, for your love and for being very special church family. May you enjoy a blessed, joyful and healthy Christmas.We send our love to you Linda and Nigel
Hello everyoneSo where did this week go?! Can it really be a week since our last email to you.Sitting here tapping away on a damp mid- afternoon it seems so cold, dark and uninviting outside.. but across the way, lights are twinkling on a neighbour's house which to coin a well-known Christian phrase 'shines in the darkness' and brings hope. I am reminded that this is the season of looking to the light.. to the Light of Jesus, a time during the Advent season to reflect, repent and prepare for the coming of Jesus, who is the light of the world.. and the reason for the Season! Last weekend there was a lot of light at Harlington and Toddington churches. Both churches offered the joy of two Christmas Tree festivals, with twinkling lights and creatively decorated trees (contributed by local organisations), filling the churches with a sense of joy and anticipation. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the wonderful displays, and to all who came, or helped. Each church raised over £500 which was a brilliant result considering the current Covid climate.On Friday Tingrith Church rang out with Christmas music and song at their 'fish n hits' evening, with the community choir singing a wonderful selection of songs. Today Harlington folks gathered outside the shop to sing carols and to raise funds for Keech Hospice, led by Barbara and with special guests Samson the donkey and his friend.The Christmas carol services begin this Sunday at Chalgrave 9.30am Carol Service, followed by Westoning's on Thursday 16th at 7.30pm, Chalgrave's Carols By Candlelight on Saturday 18th at 7pm, Harlington's on Monday 20th at 8pm, and Toddington's on Wednesday 22nd at 7.30pm. Other things to look forward to are Toddington Band playing their Christmas Concert at St George's Church at 2pm this Sunday and next week Nigel and I have been invited to Parkfields and St George's schools to support their Christmas services and assembly, which we are looking forward to. We are also looking forward to Harlington pre-school visiting their Church to hear the Christmas story. With Covid regulations tightening this week, please note that it is now compulsory to wear a mask in church (unless exempt on health grounds), and there will be a booking system in place for some church services (eg Westoning and Harlington Crib services.). At present, Toddington and Chalgrave churches are not proposing to introduce a booking system, but this will be reviewed as more information is received.Please find attached posters with details of the Christmas services at Chalgrave, Toddington, Harlington and Westoning Churches.Please also keep an eye on the church websites, facebook pages, and especially the church 'A Church Near You' pages for any updates.At the moment it is carry on as normal within our churches. We are not proposing to cancel any Christmas Services and sincerely hope we can all gather together safely this Christmas season - albeit with social distancing and masks in place.Do please follow guidelines at each church where we will be requesting the wearing of masks and the use of hand sanitiser before entering the church. Let us look out for each other to keep each other safe.Sunday's services 12th December 2021Chalgrave Carol Service 9.30amHarlington Morning Prayer 9.30amToddington Holy Communion 11amWestoning Holy Communion 11am and 3pm Family serviceTingrith Church - no service this week.The Upper Room 6pm by zoom: Meeting ID: 865 5025 0989 Passcode from Linda or Nigel.Other services and events this week:Sunday 12thToddington Band Christmas concert 2pm in churchMonday 13thMorning Prayer Toddington 9.30amNo mums and tots group this week.. we will restart in the new year. Advent course at the Rectory 11am, ToddingtonSeated Pilates 2pm is not on this week and moves to Monday 20th instead. Toddington7.45pm Alpha Advent online gatheringTuesday 14thFuneral of Dale 10am Westoning ChurchWestcaf 10am Village Hall, WestoningSewing Bee Christmas gathering 1pm Village Hall WestoningToddington Youth Group 5.30pm Wilkinson HallWednesday 15th 10am Morning Service at Harlington ChurchThursday 16th Afternoon with Friends 2pm Wilkinson Hall, Toddington7.30pm service of readings and carols at Westoning ChurchFriday 17th Little Stars 1.15pm Westoning ChurchFriday Fellowship 2pm village Hall, WestoningSaturday 18thChalgrave Carols by Candlelight service 7pmI have spent hours this week setting up Chalgrave church with a card reader and an online donation button on the A Church Near You page. I encourage you all please to consider checking each church's resepective 'A Church Near You' page which has lots of information about the services and a calendar of events. There is also a donation button on each church page (Tingrith's still to be set up) should you find yourself in a position to be able to make a donation online to support your respective church. It is also possible to make regular monthly giving online if you like me, are short of cash nowadays. I am excited to have also set up Chalgrave Church to join with Harlington and Toddington Churches on the "Easyfundraiser' site, so if you haven't quite finished your Christmas Shopping an easy way to help your church to fundraise is to click on 'Easyfundraiser' first before you shop, and then at no extra expense to yourself you can click to raise funds for the church, and continue on to shop with your chosen retailer, who offer the church charity a donation. It is very easy to do.. but makes such a difference to our churches. Toddington has now raised over £550 and Harlington over £1,000. Here is the link to click: https://www.easyfundraising.org.ukIn the lead up to Christmas you can also take part in the Easyfundraiser Advent Calendar challenge.. with opportunity to win a cash prize for your charity or to be entered into the big draw. We sincerely thank you for all your support and help in so many different ways.</spanPlease look after yourselves and keep safe and well.with every good wish Linda and NigelPS: if you need any lateral flow tests, there will be boxes available at each church for you to pick up.
Hello EveryoneThis weekend promises lots of pretty twinkling lights at the Christmas tree festivals at Harlington and Toddington Churches... plus lots of interesting conversations, raffles, refreshments and more. Do come for a visit if you can. Harlington Church displays are open from 12-5pm on Saturday and Sunday and Toddington church is open from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and 1-5pm on Sunday. Both churches will finish the festivals on Sunday with Carol singing at 5pm. All are welcome. Both displays promise a time of delight reflecting light in the darkness. (Posters attached).Nigel and I enjoy taking evening walks around the villages in the weeks leading up to Christmas to admire the lights and the Christmas Trees, and this year is no exception. Last Sunday Nigel was asked to officially turn on the lights in Westoning with snowflakes falling to add to the atmosphere. Toddington lights go on this Monday evening. How the bright twinkling lights lift the spirits. Our various children's groups have been busy this week with Toddington Messy Church and Westoning TWIG (Time with God) groups enjoying Christmas crafts and activities. Harlington Family Breakfast Group are meeting on Sunday morning in the Parish Rooms for a time of craft from 9am. There was a wonderful pop up tea room at Chalgrave Memorial Hall on Wednesday, and by popular request there are now plans to meet monthly. Next date for your diary is 19th January 11am.We will let you have further information about Christmas events and services next week. The days are getting busier so here are some dates for your diaries:This Sunday's services and events:Sunday 5th DecemberHarlington 8am Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service at Harlington - Linda9am Family Breakfast and crafts, Parish Rooms - Rebecca9.30am Holy Communion - Nigel and Robert5pm Carols by the trees (with the Quintet Choir) - Nigel and RobertChalgrave 9.30am Holy Communion Service - LindaTingrith 9.30am Morning Prayer service - JonToddington11am Holy Communion Service - LindaToddington 5pm -Carols by the Trees - LindaWestoning, 11am Holy Communion Service - Nigel6pm Upper Room online service by zoom with the theme: Prepare the Way. Meeting ID: 840 1309 3104. Contact Linda or Nigel for the passwordOther services and events this week:Monday 6th DecemberMorning Prayer, Toddington Church 9.30amAdvent Course, 11am The Rectory, Toddington. All welcome. Please contact Linda for more details.Funeral of Derek Thomson, Westoning Church 1pmLight up Toddington 6pm on the GreenOnline Alpha course at 7.45pm (Final session) Tuesday 7thKnitting Group Wilkinson Hall 10.30amWestcaf 10am Village Hall WestoningSewing Bee 1pm Village Hall, WestoningWednesday 8th 10am Harlington Morning service in churchThursday 9th 7.30pm Toddington PCC meetingFriday 10th Westoning Little Stars 1.15pm in churchWestoning Friday Fellowship 2pm Village HallTingrith Fish and Hits Supper with Choir 7 for 7.30pmToddington Church Scout Carol Service 7pmSunday 12th DecemberChalgrave 9.30am Carol ServiceToddington11am Holy Communion 2pm Toddington Band - Christmas Concert in Church Harlington 9.30am Holy Communion ServiceWestoning 11am Westoning Church - Holy Communion 3 - 4.30pm A Christmas Special Service for TWIG and Family Groups, Westoning Church - with afternoon tea.6pm Online Upper Room service 14 December 10am. The funeral of Dale Pain - Westoning Church. Do please link with us if you would like more information about future services. Please also keep an eye on the churches and 'A Church Near You' websites where you can find a calendar of events. A full list of services will be published soon. We send you our love. Do please look after yourselves.Linda and Nigel
Hello everyoneHere we are, at the beginning of the new liturgical year C, with Advent Sunday tomorrow. How quickly this year has passed.This week I took an Advent Wreath into School for a talk about Advent, explaining how we light a different candle each Sunday to remember the Patriarchs, the Prophets of old who foretold the birth of Jesus, of John the Baptist, of Mary, and of Jesus the Light of the World. On Thursday Nigel and I led an assembly about the visit by Angel Gabriel to Elizabeth and Mary and we look forward to further assemblies and carol services at schools in the lead up to Christmas. It is such a joy to share this special season.This week, Toddington Youth group met on Tuesday and today Harlington Church hosted the children's wonderful Art Attack day organised and inspired by Stanley - decorating the church with colourful pictures. There was such a good turnout of children and parents. It is so important to encourage children. Other events for our children and families ahead this week are: TWIG meeting at Westoning on Tuesday at 3.30 pm at the Village Hall and Little Stars at 1.15 pm on Friday in Church; Toddington host Christmas Messy Church at 3.30 pm on Thursday (instead of Friday) also in Wilkinson Hall, and all these events lead into two wonderful Christmas Tree festivals which will be held at Toddington Church and Harlington Churches next week-end. The season of Jesus, the Light of the World approaches…with much excitement.This Wednesday Chalgrave Church co-host a pop-up tea room at Tebworth Memorial Hall from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm to offer folks opportunity to meet for a cuppa and a chat and tomorrow, Tingrith Church hold a special Advent service at 3.00 pm accompanied by Tingrith choir.This is the season to be still and reflect, and to prepare.- despite the busyness around us.. and with this in mind, Nigel invites Harlington folk to a new Advent course on Wednesday afternoons.I will be leading an Advent course in Toddington on Mondays. All welcome.Tomorrow, we look forward to lighting the first Advent Candles in our churches as we focus on this time of preparation for the coming of Jesus.Here are some of the upcoming services and events in our churches:This Sunday's services:Chalgrave Church - no service this week. We will be joining Toddington for a Benefice Service at 11.00 am.Harlington 9.30 am Holy Communion. Linda leading, Robert preachingWestoning 11.00 am Holy Communion . Nigel leading, Jon preachingToddington 11.00 am Holy Communion Benefice Service. LindaTingrith 3.00 pm Advent Service with Choir. Nigel/Linda/Jon6.00 pm Upper Room Service looks at the implications of Advent. Zoom access link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81115286922?pwd=Y2gvbEZmSkw3YVI3aW5YNWo5U1Bjdz09For details of how to join please contact Revd LindaEvents this week:Monday 29th NovemberToddington 9.30 am Morning Prayer(No Mums and Tots this week)Advent Course 11.00 am the Rectory (for Toddington/Chalgrave churches)Online Alpha course continues 7.45 pmTuesday 30th NovemberWestcaf at Westoning Village Hall 10.00 am to 12.00 noon.TWIG Westoning Village Hall 5.30 pmWednesday 1st DecemberHarlington. Morning Service at 10.00 amPop up Tea room at Tebworth Hall 11.00 am to 1.30 pmHarlington Advent Course begins at 2.30pm Book on 01525 714442Thursday 2nd DecemberMessy Christmas Church 3.30 pm Wilkinson HallFriday 3rd DecemberLittle Stars at Church at 1.15 pm WestoningFriday Fellowship at the Village Hall at 2.00 pm WestoningSaturday 4th DecemberChristmas Tree FestivalsHarlington Church 12.00 noon to 5.00 pm Saturday and Sunday, finishing with a carol service at 5.00 pmToddington Church 11.00 am to 5.00 pm Saturday and 1.00 to 5.00 pm on Sunday finishing with carol singing at 5.00 pm We send our good wishes to you all this week. Keep warm, keep safe and take time to be still to watch, wait, and prepare for the coming of Jesus.God blessLinda and Nigel
