This weekend, we welcome Rev Robert Riley-Braley, who will preside at our 8.00 service in St Mary’s. Our 10.30 service will be Public Worship with Communion by Extension, led by Caroline.This weekend’s Bible readings:2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (p 1197) Luke 18:1-8 (p 1052) Vacancy update:On Wednesday last week, we had an informative meeting with our PCCs and other leaders, our three patrons, the Area Dean Designate and Archdeacon Janet. The recruitment process for a new Rector was outlined and we spent some time considering the challenges and opportunities facing whoever God is preparing to join us.A group have been working to prepare the profile which is the document prospective applicants will see to tell them more about our benefice and the Rector we are looking for. The profile will be completed and approved by mid November and we plan to advertise the post in early January.In the meantime, if you would like to contribute to the process, please consider these two questions:1) What do you value about the churches’ presence in this benefice?2) What qualities would you look for in our new Rector?Any responses you are happy to share should be sent as brief bullet points to Marion Smith, who is coordinating the group preparing the profile: marionsmith1456@gmail.com. Responses should be with her by Sunday 26th October at the latest.Please speak to any of our wardens or to Michael Smith if you have any questions. Your prayers are most vital in this process. Thank you.Contacts during the vacancy:While we have no Rector, if you have any queries or concerns, please speak to any of our church wardens (it doesn’t matter of which church). If you know of someone who needs a visit, please liaise with Jacqui. We do have access to clergy who will help if needed, so please don’t be put off raising a concern.Midweek Music Wednesday 22nd October:On Wednesday 22nd October, we will be entertained by our local musicians, Hugh Legg, Rebecca Watts and Michael Smith with voice, harp and piano in an exciting programme of music from the world of film and musicals. Refreshments are served from 11.30am and the concert is at 12.30. Do come and bring a friend - and maybe a friend who hasn’t been before. Donations made are shared between our three benefice churches.Feel the Spirit Concert 1st November, 6.30 pm:On 1st November there will be a concert organised by Michael and involving our Benefice Choir and the Harmonaires Choir to celebrate John Rutter’s 80th birthday and Bob Chilcott’s 70th. There is no charge, but a retiring collection will go to Youth Music.Service of Memories 2nd November:This service will be held on 2nd November at 3.00 pm in St Mary’s. There will be an opportunity to remember loved ones, and to light a candle if you would like to do that. All are welcome, so please tell friends and neighbours. Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal:This year marks 30 years since Lizzy was first involved in the OCC shoebox appeal! She is now filling the shoeboxes she has collected during the year, ready to send to children in areas affected by war, natural disaster, or some other catastrophe. The boxes will be collected around mid-November. There are three ways you can help:- Fill a shoebox with gifts (ask Lizzy for the list of what's allowed and not allowed) and leave it in St Mary's or give it to Lizzy or Caroline.- Contribute gifts to be packed - things Lizzy is always short of are small toys and games, little treats for teenage girls (eg hair accessories, eye shadow, keyrings) and small toys for toddlers.- Donate money so that Lizzy can use it to buy things she is missing for boxes, or to pay for the travel costs. Cash can be given to Lizzy or Caroline, or you can transfer it to the Standon PCC bank account (details on our website, or from Caroline) with the reference "OCC".Thank you in advance for your support - every box filled is another child who will know someone cares this Christmas.The Real Advent Calendar:Please preorder these from Marion asap if you would like one of these Fairtrade Advent calendars, which come with a little book of the Christmas Story. They are no longer stocked in supermarkets. She needs 18 orders to get a price of £5.50 each and the profits will go to the local Food Bank.Remembrance services this year:We haven’t been able to find cover for our Little Munden service this Remembrance Sunday, so there will only be one service on 9th November. However, we will be holding a special service at St Catherine’s on Tuesday 11th, with participation from the Little Munden School Choir. This service will include an Act of Remembrance by the war memorial at 11.00. As with all our services, all are welcome.Concert for Remembrance 9th November, 3.00 pm in St Mary’s:The Priory Singers will perform a concert of music and readings for Remembrance on Sunday 9th November in St Mary’s at 3.00 pm. The concert is free, with a retiring collection. All are welcome.Services for the next few weeks: Midweek services each week: Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) & Bible study, St Catherine’sWednesdays, 9.30 am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary’s Sunday services: 19th October 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Public worship with Communion by extension, All Saints26th October 10.30 am All age worship, St Mary’s 6.00 pm Choral evensong, St Mary’s 2nd November 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Morning worship, All Saints 9th November 10.30 am Remembrance service, St Mary’s16th November 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Holy Communion, All Saints 23rd November 10.30 am All age worship, St Mary’s Please note there will be no service of Choral evensong on 23rd November, but our Advent service of music and readings will take place at 6.00 pm on 30th November in St Mary’s. Dates & meetings coming up: 22nd October, 12.30 pm Midweek Music, St Mary’s 29th October, 5.00 pm Benefice Finance Committee meeting, The Old Top Shop 1st November, 6.30 pm Feel the Spirit concert, St Mary’s2nd November, 3.00 pm Service of memories, St Mary’s9th November, 3.00 pm Concert for Remembrance, St Mary’s12th November, 2.15 pm Libury Hall service, Libury Hall 12th November, 7.30 pm PCC meetings, All Saints14th November, 12.00 Funeral of Jean Aldridge, St Mary’s
This weekend, we welcome Rev Robert Riley-Braley, who will preside at our 10.30 service in St Mary’s. We also welcome Richard Prince, who will play for our service.This weekend’s Bible readings:2 Timothy 2:8-15 (p 1196) Luke 17:11-19 (p 1051) Contacts during the vacancy:While we have no Rector, if you have any queries or concerns, please speak to any of our church wardens (it doesn’t matter of which church). If you know of someone who needs a visit, please liaise with Jacqui. We do have access to clergy who will help if needed, so please don’t be put off raising a concern.Feel the Spirit Concert 1st November, 6.30 pm:On 1st November there will be a concert organised by Michael and involving our Benefice Choir and the Harmonaires Choir to celebrate John Rutter’s 80th birthday and Bob Chilcott’s 70th. There is no charge, but a retiring collection will go to Youth Music.Service of Memories 2nd November:This service will be held on 2nd November at 3.00 pm in St Mary’s. There will be an opportunity to remember loved ones, and to light a candle if you would like to do that. All are welcome, so please tell friends and neighbours.Remembrance services this year:We haven’t been able to find cover for our Little Munden service this Remembrance Sunday, so there will only be one service on 9th November. However, we will be holding a special service at St Catherine’s on Tuesday 11th, with participation from the Little Munden School Choir. This service will include an Act of Remembrance by the war memorial at 11.00. As with all our services, all are welcome.Concert for Remembrance 9th November, 3.00 pm in St Mary’s:The Priory Singers will perform a concert of music and readings for Remembrance on Sunday 9th November in St Mary’s at 3.00 pm. The concert is free, with a retiring collection. All are welcome.Bag to school at Little Munden:There will be a ‘Bag to School’ collection from Little Munden School on Tuesday morning, 14th October. Clothes, paired shoes, hats, bags, jewellery and belts are accepted. Please leave any donations under the covered way at school before 8.00 on Tuesday morning. The school is grateful for our support in the past for this fund-raising initiative, as well as recycling items we don’t need.Diocesan vacancy:The Diocese is currently advertising for a new PA for the Archdeacon of St Albans. Details can be found on the Diocesan website.Services for the next few weeks: Midweek services each week: Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) & Bible study, St Catherine’s Wednesdays, 9.30 am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary’s Sunday services: 12th October 10.30 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 19th October 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Public worship with Communion by extension, All Saints26th October 10.30 am All age worship, St Mary’s 6.00 pm Choral evensong, St Mary’s 2nd November 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Morning worship, All Saints 9th November 10.30 am Remembrance service, St Mary’s16th November 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Holy Communion, All Saints Dates & meetings coming up: 15th October, 7.30 pm Meeting of PCCs, Patrons and Bishop Jane, All Saints 22nd October, 12.30 pm Midweek Music, St Mary’s 29th October, 5.00 pm Benefice Finance Committee meeting, The Old Top Shop 1st November, 6.30 pm Feel the Spirit concert, St Mary’s2nd November, 3.00 pm Service of memories, St Mary’s5th November, 2.15 pm Libury Hall service, Libury Hall9th November, 3.00 pm Concert for Remembrance, St Mary’s12th November, 7.30 pm PCC meetings, All Saints14th November, 12.00 Funeral of Jean Aldridge, St Mary’s
This weekend, we welcome Rev Tim Weeks, who will conduct our baptism service in All Saints and preach and preside at 8.00.At 10.30, we also welcome Felix, who will be baptised, and his family and friends. Please pray for Felix and his parents and God-parents and sponsors as they make this important commitment.This weekend’s Bible readings:8.00: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 (p 1195) Luke 17:5-10 (p 1051) 10.30: Luke 9:18-25 (p 1039) Contacts during the vacancy:While we have no Rector, if you have any queries or concerns, please speak to any of our church wardens (it doesn’t matter of which church). If you know of someone who needs a visit, please liaise with Jacqui. We do have access to clergy who will help if needed, so please don’t be put off raising a concern.Knit & Natter group:If you like knitting or crocheting, come and join us in the Sargant room (at the back of Standon village hall) any time between 1pm and 3.30pm, usually on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Tea & cakes will be available. Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 9th October. For more information please contact Marion on 01920 745683.Appeal from Church Café:The café runs every Wednesday in term time from 3pm - 4.30 pm in All Saints Church. The team who are on the rota arrive at 2.30pm to set up the café area with cakes and drinks, and also set the tables in the church with activities, toys etc. The team is very short of volunteers this term. Please consider giving up an occasional Wednesday afternoon to help with this “Blessing of Outreach“ we have been given from God. If you can help in anyway at all (including making cakes occasionally) please speak to Carole H, Lizzie B or Deborah O. It really is a wonderful place to be, with time to mix with the children, parents & carers from the school. The atmosphere is amazing and relationships are growing.Autumn Leaves concert 11th October, 7.00 pm:Our local community choir, Standon Sing, will be performing a concert with the Rib Singers in St Mary’s on 11th October at 7.00 pm. The concert is free, with a retiring collection for FOSM, who will also provide the bar. All are welcome.Feel the Spirit Concert 1st November, 6.30 pm:On 1st November there will be a concert organised by Michael and involving our benefice choir to celebrate John Rutter’s 80th birthday and Bob Chilcott’s 70th.There is no charge, but a retiring collection will go to Youth Music.Recent fund raising:Thank you again to all who have supported recent events. The Quiz Night raised just over £1,300 and the candlelit supper just over £1,000.A parting note from John and Basma:Dear friends, We are overwhelmed with your generosity and love! Thank you so much for your gifts, and, just as much, for the beautiful final service on Sunday. Thank you also to those who sent cards and those who gave lovely, personal little gifts. It has been a joy being here and we will miss you all greatly. Our contact details are available from Caroline and have been emailed out. It would be lovely to see you. May God bless you richly. John and BasmaJohn and Basma’s address:Those of you who receive this sheet by email will have received John and Basma’s new address last week. If anyone else would like it, Caroline has it.Services for the next few weeks: Midweek services each week: Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) & Bible study, St Catherine’s Wednesdays, 9.30 am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary’s Sunday services: 5th October 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Morning worship & baptism, All Saints 12th October 10.30 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 19th October 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Public worship with Communion by extension, All Saints26th October 10.30 am All age worship, St Mary’s 6.00 pm Choral evensong, St Mary’s 2nd November 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Morning worship, All Saints Dates & meetings coming up: 11th October, 7.00 pm Autumn Leaves concert, St Mary’s 15th October, 7.30 pm Meeting of PCCs, Patrons and Bishop Jane, All Saints 22nd October, 12.30 pm Midweek Music, St Mary’s 29th October, 5.00 pm Benefice Finance Committee meeting, The Old Top Shop 1st November, 6.30 pm Feel the Spirit concert, St Mary’s2nd November, 3.00 pm Service of memories, St Mary’s14th November, 12.00 Funeral of Jean Aldridge, St Mary’s
This weekend’s Bible readings:Matthew 6:25-34 (p 971) Farewell to John and Basma 28th September:This weekend is John and Basma’s last Sunday with us. We will mark the occasion by holding a Songs of Praise service at St Mary's at 4pm, followed by refreshments in church. We hope that as many of the church family and people in our community will join this time of worship and socialising. If you’re bringing food, it is helpful if cakes are cut into portions, please, and importantly please remember not to bring anything that contains nuts. Thank you.Harvest appeal:This Sunday is our harvest service in St Mary’s. Our harvest appeal will once again be for our missionary partners, the Ellis and McGoldrick families. There will be special appeal envelopes in the pews for your gifts. Alternatively, you can support the appeal by making a transfer to any of the usual PCC bank accounts, using the reference ‘harvest’.Welcome to Bonnie and Reign:Thirdly, and very importantly, this weekend we will celebrate with Bonnie and Reign and their family as they are baptised during our family service. Please pray for Bonnie and Reign, and their parents and God-parents as they take this important step.FOSM Candlelit Dinner 26th September:Thank you to all who supported the Friends’ candlelit dinner in St Mary’s on Friday. We raised just over £1,000.Good news (we hope and pray):It is looking as if we may have found a new youth partner. Various formalities need to be completed, but it’s possible that a member of the Kick organisation may be working in our benefice from after half term. Kick works with schools and churches across the country, teaching children and young people about Jesus. Praise God for this, and pray that everything that needs to dovetail together will do so with ease.Appeal from Church Café:The café runs every Wednesday in term time from 3pm - 4.30 pm in All Saints Church. The team who are on the rota arrive at 2.30pm to set up the cafe area with cakes and drinks, and also set the tables in the church with activities, toys etc. The team is very short of volunteers this term. Please consider giving up an occasional Wednesday afternoon to help with this “Blessing of Outreach“ we have been given from God. If you can help in anyway at all (including making cakes occasionally) please speak to Carole H, Lizzie B or Deborah O. It really is a wonderful place to be, with time to mix with the children, parents & carers from the school. The atmosphere is amazing and relationships are growing.Standon Sing concert Autumn Leaves:Our local community choir rehearses each week in St Mary’s, and has, for the last few years, performed with our benefice choir and the Rib Singers at Christmas. They will be performing a concert with the Rib Singers in St Mary’s on 11th October at 7.00 pm. The concert is free, with a retiring collection for FOSM, who will also provide the bar. All are welcome.Rutter Birthday Concert 1st November, 6.30 pm:On 1st November there will be a concert organised by Michael and involving our benefice choir to celebrate John Rutter’s 80th birthday, which was this week. More details will follow, but please save the date.Services for the next few weeks: Midweek services each week: Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) & Bible study, St Catherine’s Wednesdays, 9.30 am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary’s Sunday services: 28th September 10.30 am Harvest All age worship, St Mary’s 4.00 pm Songs of Praise, St Mary’s 5th October 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Morning worship & baptism, All Saints 12th October 10.30 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 19th October 8.00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s 10.30 am Holy Communion, All Saints 26th October 10.30 am All age worship, St Mary’s 6.00 pm Choral evensong, St Mary’s Dates & meetings coming up: 1st October, 2.15 pm Libury Hall service, Libury Hall11th October, 7.00 pm Autumn Leaves concert, St Mary’s 15th October, 7.30 pm Meeting of PCCs, Patrons and Bishop Jane, All Saints 22nd October, 12.30 pm Midweek Music, St Mary’s
