At St Giles, for the next month, we’ll be thinking together about generous giving. It might surprise you to know that parish churches receive no funding from the central church. So in order for us to keep our building open (and pay for a vicar!), we rely on donations from our community. We are very lucky to have the Friends of St Giles who support the care of our wonderful building, but it is down to us to find money for the day-to-day costs of keeping the doors open and the people warm. We are a church for everyone in Codicote – whether you come once a year, or every week. Those who give regularly to St Giles make it possible for us to keep doing what we do – conducting weddings, baptisms, and funerals, opening every Tuesday morning for our baby and toddler group, holding café church in the PMH on the first Sunday of the month, Giles Café every Friday, celebrating important milestones in the year with our village school…the list could go on! At this time of year when we think about all of the blessings in the world around us and the generosity of God, might you consider committing to supporting St Giles financially? The best way to do that is through the Parish Giving Scheme. You can find out more by clicking HERE , or by emailing Christie (vicar@stgiles-church.org.uk). If some were able to give even £5 a month, it would make an enormous difference to our ability to plan for the future and keep being a church for the whole village. Of course, generous giving isn’t just about money. We remain grateful for all of the different ways that people generously give to our church and our village, by volunteering their time and their skills for the sake of others.
The Bible for BeginnersThis autumn we are starting a four week friendly, informal bible exploration group. Every Tuesday in October from 7pm – 8:30pm in Datchworth Church Hall. Expect laughter, honest questions, and straight forward teaching. You can walk in the door knowing nothing and we promise you will leave knowing something. No faith is assumed or required, you just need to be a bit curious about the bible and want to know a bit more. The course will be led by Catherine Jupp, who had a career teaching RE to teenagers, and so will be able to cope with any question you throw at her. Invite friends and neighbours. To register a place email catherinejupp@gmail.com
We are pleased to announce that The Reverend Dr Ryan Gilfeather, currently Self Supporting Assistant Curate in Training in the Welwyn Team, has been appointed as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Hatfield Hyde, St Mary Magdalene subject to the completion of the usual legal formalities. Further information about the Licensing will be announced shortly, but will likely be on the evening of Wednesday 8th October. Meanwhile please remember Ryan and Christie in your prayers at this time of change.