This weekend’s Bible reading:
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (p 1197)
Choral evensong this evening:
During this time of vacancy, it’s particularly important for us to meet together, to worship and to stay close to each other and God. Come and join us this Sunday for our regular service of Choral Evensong, an ancient and contemplative service of words and music.
Vacancy update:
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 by the end of this weekend to Marion Smith: [email protected].
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.
Feel the Spirit Concert 1st November, 6.30 pm:
Next Saturday, 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 of Lizzy’s involvement in the OCC shoebox appeal! She is now filling shoeboxes, ready to send to children in areas affected by war, natural disaster, or other catastrophe. They will be collected in 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).
- Contribute gifts to be packed - small toys and games, little treats for teenage girls etc.
- Donate money so that Lizzy can use it to buy things, or to pay for the travel costs.
Thank you 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:
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.
Diocesan Vacancies:
The Diocese is advertising a number of administrative jobs again. Details are available on the Diocesan website.
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.
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:
6th 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’s
16th 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
30th November 10.30 am Morning worship, St Catherine’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:
29th October, 5.00 pm Benefice Finance Committee meeting, The Old Top Shop
1st November, 6.30 pm Feel the Spirit concert, St Mary’s
2nd November, 3.00 pm Service of memories, St Mary’s
9th November, 3.00 pm Concert for Remembrance, St Mary’s
12th November, 2.15 pm Libury Hall service, Libury Hall
12th November, 7.30 pm PCC meetings, All Saints
14th November, 12.00 Funeral of Jean Aldridge, St Mary’s
26th November, 12.30 pm Midweek Music, St Mary’s
29th November, 10.30 am Coffee morning & sale, St Catherine’s