News From St George’s Church
Update on Services from 5th November 2020
Following Government guidelines, Worship in Church on Sundays at 11.15am is SUSPENDED during November,
but will resume on Sunday 6th December.
However, we will continue with pre-recorded Sunday Services (see link below).
You can also access Services via Zoom as follows:-
The Upper Room Service on Sundays 6pm. Please contact Linda if you would like the access code to join the worship service.
Morning Prayer Services on Monday and Tuesday at 9.30am. Link available from Linda.
*Morning Prayer Service in Church on Wednesday 2nd December at 9.30am
Also, the Church will be open for Private Prayer only on Thursdays at 10.30am and Sundays at 11am for one hour.
PLEASE NOTE: When you enter Church, please remember to sterilise your hands, and again, on leaving.
Also, we will need to pay careful attention to social distancing requirements and maintain a 2 metres distance from each other, and wear a face covering while in Church. Thank you for your co-operation.
Update on Services from 5th November 2020
Following Government guidelines, Worship in Church on Sundays at 11.15am is SUSPENDED during November,
but will resume on Sunday 6th December.
However, we will continue with pre-recorded Sunday Services (see link below).
You can also access Services via Zoom as follows:-
The Upper Room Service on Sundays 6pm. Please contact Linda if you would like the access code to join the worship service.
Morning Prayer Services on Monday and Tuesday at 9.30am. Link available from Linda.
*Morning Prayer Service in Church on Wednesday 2nd December at 9.30am
Also, the Church will be open for Private Prayer only on Thursdays at 10.30am and Sundays at 11am for one hour.
PLEASE NOTE: When you enter Church, please remember to sterilise your hands, and again, on leaving.
Also, we will need to pay careful attention to social distancing requirements and maintain a 2 metres distance from each other, and wear a face covering while in Church. Thank you for your co-operation.
To access this week's Pre-recorded Audio Sunday Service
led by Rev'ds Linda & Nigel Washington
for Sunday 29th November - First Sunday of Advent
please click the following link
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
You can download the Readings & Service Sheets below.
| service_sheet_29th_november_-_1st_sunday_of_advent.pdf |
| readings_sheet__29th_nov_-_1st_sunday_of_advent.pdf |
To access Resources, Prayers, Services & up-to-date information from St. George's Church and the Church of England,
please use the link below to access our dedicated Webpage on 'A Church Near You' website .
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7714/
Or find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/St-George-of-England-Church-Toddington-107893234204347
please use the link below to access our dedicated Webpage on 'A Church Near You' website .
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7714/
Or find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/St-George-of-England-Church-Toddington-107893234204347
| upper_room_poster_.pdf |
Upper Room Service - Sundays at 6pm
At 6pm we host our live Zoom Upper Room service to which you are all welcome to come along - see link above for poster with details. The service offers an hour of different short reflections, music, prayer, and a personal testimony.
It is a special time with members from the different Quintet churches joining together in worship.
At 6pm we host our live Zoom Upper Room service to which you are all welcome to come along - see link above for poster with details. The service offers an hour of different short reflections, music, prayer, and a personal testimony.
It is a special time with members from the different Quintet churches joining together in worship.
Message from Rev'd Linda Washington, Priest in Charge
29th Nov 2020
Hello everyoneAs I prepare this email the Christmas lights are twinkling outside our house having received their official 'switching on' this evening which is the eve of Advent Sunday. This is the earliest we have ever turned on the twinkling lights but somehow this year it seems important to shine a light in a dark place.. a light to encourage others and to lift spirits. My heart is singing at the moment as I found myself unexpectedly absorbed in a chance watching of 'The Nativity Play' film on TV with its encouraging message of giving value and worth to the children of a local school - drawing them forward with a message of hope to aim for. Nigel and I both found ourselves reflecting on our teaching days with the joy of seeing a child/student blossom as they grew in confidence, self worth and achievement. What a privilege it is to inspire others.. and fantasy as this particular film may have been in so many ways, it brought a lightness and joy to my spirit to watch the children's faces shine with joy, and the parents' faces mirroring joy and pride in return, with Jesus' birth at the heart of the experience.
Tomorrow is the start of Advent season, when we prepare for the coming of Jesus. It is a season which calls us to reflect, to be still, to watch and to await the coming of Jesus, focusing on the importance of the coming of the Son of God into a dark world. The Christmas story brings joy, light and love with a call to us to share that love, light and joy with those we meet. Advent is also a time of challenge for us to self-examine ourselves and our world. 'What would Jesus do' is a common phrase used to balance and guide our actions.
This year, I am heartened by the many generous offerings on Facebook and elsewhere looking out to those in need. Our dark times of self-isolation, social distancing, unemployment, sickness, and challenge seem to be opening hearts to awareness of the needs of others in greater numbers this year.. and also an awareness that material goods are less important as we yearn to meet with family and friends. Jesus knew all about isolation. He was a man often cast out or who stepped aside to spend time in prayer with his Father God. He was born at Christmas in isolation in a remote stable, because there was no room for him or his young parents in warm comfortable surroundings. How much we can learn from this special child.. the Son of God, born into humble surroundings, with a heart of gold, the Light of the World.. with his birth stable lit by a shining star.
This Sunday begins the period of Advent in the church when we consider Jesus' significance to us, and to the world. He calls us to know him. He yearns for us to turn to him. He offers the deepest love to the world and we are called to play our part to tell others about His birth.
As we commence Advent in our churches this week we offer:
The Recorded service, see link for Service above.
Private Prayer in Church on Sunday 29th and also during the week
Chalgrave Church at 10am Sunday and Wednesday at 10.30am (please note the different day this week).
Toddington Church at 11am Sunday and Thursday at 10.30am
Harlington Church at 9.45am and Thursday at 10am
Westoning Church at 10.30am Sunday and Wednesday at Noon.
The Upper Room -with the theme of Advent Sunday 29th November at 6pm by Zoom (link available from Linda).
Morning Prayer
Monday 9.30am by Zoom (link available from Linda).
Tuesday 9.30am by Zoom (link available from Linda).
Wednesday 9.30am at St George of England Church, Toddington (Yippee! we can go back into church!)
Advent Course 'Living Upside Down' begins this week
Wednesday 4.30pm by zoom for Toddington Afternoon Tea group
An evening Advent course for the Quintet (by zoom) led over 4 weeks by the Quintet Readers, Robert, Jon and Steve and Jenna Westoning Ordinand. The first session with be this Tuesday 1st December at 7.30pm.
If you are interested to attend the courses (either afternoon or evening) please contact Nigel or Linda to register your interest. Course materials will then be issued to you with the zoom link.
Afternoon Teas
Harlington Wednesday 3.30pm
Toddington Wednesday 4.30pm (to include the Advent course)
Westoning Thursday 4.30pm - also to include reference to Advent
We are delighted to hear that the churches can be open for Public Worship from 2nd December as we move from 'lockdown' into the new Tier 2 system and we will return to church for our Sunday services on Sunday 6th December. Recorded services and Zoom Upper Room will also continue.
Christmas Services: (Plans so far) Dates for your diaries
Toddington Church
Christmas Youth Group gathering in church on Tuesday 8th December (time tbc)
'Messy Church' Christmas Gathering in church on Friday 11th December. (time tbc)
Lessons and Carols Service Sunday 20th at 6pm
Crib Service Wednesday 23rd (time tbc)
Crib Service Christmas Eve -Thursday 24th 4pm
Midnight Mass Christmas Eve - Thursday 24th 10pm
Christmas Morning service - 10am
Chalgrave Church
Carol Service Sunday 13th December 2.30pm
Carols by Candlelight 19th December 7pm
Crib service 24th December (Christmas Eve) at 2.30pm
Midnight Mass Christmas Eve 11.15pm
Harlington Church
'Celebrating the Light' Carol Service Monday 21st December 7.30pm
Crib Service Wednesday 23rd December 4pm
Crib Service Thursday 24th December 5.30pm
Midnight Mass Thursday 24th December 11.15pm
Christmas Day Service 25th December 10am
Places for the Christmas services will be limited so early reservation of spaces is encouraged.
We will keep you informed of any further developments and send our love to you all.
Linda and Nigel
22nd Nov 2020
Dear All
Here we are on Saturday evening again.. another week completed of lockdown. When Nigel and I went out for an evening walk the other day we noticed the lights of several Christmas Trees appearing early in the houses.. perhaps we are not the only ones finding the dark rather heavier this year? The lights twinkling and shining forth are such an encouragement.
This Sunday we celebrate Christ the King - with an uncomfortable challenge - when did we serve you Lord?
We also celebrate Stir Up Sunday.. traditionally the day to make Christmas puddings ready for Christmas and this year our bishops call us to pray on the hour throughout Sunday and Monday for our country, for our church, and for our world, in the light of the challenge of when did we do this for you Lord. There are prayer resources to accompany the call to prayer which we will forward.
Services
Our recorded service can be viewed through the usual link and will also be posted to the Church Websites and church Facebook pages. This week's music comes from St Martins in the Fields singers, with intro by Nicholas. We extend our thanks again to Robert for compiling the service with beautiful background photos. This week's Reading Sheet and Service Sheet are attached above.
Zoom Worship and Gatherings (Links available from Linda)
Upper Room on Sunday 6pm by Zoom: Theme this week is 'Thou my whole armour'
Morning Prayer (by zoom) Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am
Private Prayer in church: This week four of the Quintet churches will open on Sunday morning for an hour and again later in the week:
Toddington Sunday at 11am, Thursday at 10.30am
Harlington Sunday at 9.45am, Thursday at 10am
Chalgrave Sunday at 10am, Thursday at 10.30am
Westoning Sunday at 10.30am, Wednesday at noon
Prayer for the Nation: The Archbishops have called us to pray for the Nation during this period of lockdown. Thy Kingdom Come prayer resources and daily You Tube prayers are being released and I will forward these to you as I am able. They are also available from the Church of England Facebook page and website. Here is a link to click to access resources and the Prayer Booklet.
The weblink to the resources is https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches/call-prayer-nation. In addition, please find here a direct link to a simple printable prayer booklet which is intended to be shared with all members of your congregation -Prayer Booklet.
Afternoon Tea by Zoom
Harlington 4.30pm Tuesday
Toddington 4.15pm Wednesday
Westoning 4pm on Thursday
We really hope you are coping ok during this strange lockdown period. If you need a chat or any support please don't hesitate to contact us. Also, if you would like to request a prayer please do get in touch. This is a challenging period, and we dearly hope that we will all be together again soon in the churches (and outside) to worship and pray together, and to walk the Advent journey together as we prepare for Christmas.
We send our love and our prayers
Linda and Nigel
Please note that it is now a Government requirement to wear a face covering in church not only to protect yourself from infection but also to protect others. Thank you.
CONTACT DETAILS
Revd Linda Washington, Priest in Charge: 01525 714442 or 07715 603557 or by email: revdtoddington@gmail.com
Revd Nigel Washington, Associate Minister: 07722 297299 or email: nwashy2@gmail.com
Dee, Church Warden: 01525 872649
29th Nov 2020
Hello everyoneAs I prepare this email the Christmas lights are twinkling outside our house having received their official 'switching on' this evening which is the eve of Advent Sunday. This is the earliest we have ever turned on the twinkling lights but somehow this year it seems important to shine a light in a dark place.. a light to encourage others and to lift spirits. My heart is singing at the moment as I found myself unexpectedly absorbed in a chance watching of 'The Nativity Play' film on TV with its encouraging message of giving value and worth to the children of a local school - drawing them forward with a message of hope to aim for. Nigel and I both found ourselves reflecting on our teaching days with the joy of seeing a child/student blossom as they grew in confidence, self worth and achievement. What a privilege it is to inspire others.. and fantasy as this particular film may have been in so many ways, it brought a lightness and joy to my spirit to watch the children's faces shine with joy, and the parents' faces mirroring joy and pride in return, with Jesus' birth at the heart of the experience.
Tomorrow is the start of Advent season, when we prepare for the coming of Jesus. It is a season which calls us to reflect, to be still, to watch and to await the coming of Jesus, focusing on the importance of the coming of the Son of God into a dark world. The Christmas story brings joy, light and love with a call to us to share that love, light and joy with those we meet. Advent is also a time of challenge for us to self-examine ourselves and our world. 'What would Jesus do' is a common phrase used to balance and guide our actions.
This year, I am heartened by the many generous offerings on Facebook and elsewhere looking out to those in need. Our dark times of self-isolation, social distancing, unemployment, sickness, and challenge seem to be opening hearts to awareness of the needs of others in greater numbers this year.. and also an awareness that material goods are less important as we yearn to meet with family and friends. Jesus knew all about isolation. He was a man often cast out or who stepped aside to spend time in prayer with his Father God. He was born at Christmas in isolation in a remote stable, because there was no room for him or his young parents in warm comfortable surroundings. How much we can learn from this special child.. the Son of God, born into humble surroundings, with a heart of gold, the Light of the World.. with his birth stable lit by a shining star.
This Sunday begins the period of Advent in the church when we consider Jesus' significance to us, and to the world. He calls us to know him. He yearns for us to turn to him. He offers the deepest love to the world and we are called to play our part to tell others about His birth.
As we commence Advent in our churches this week we offer:
The Recorded service, see link for Service above.
Private Prayer in Church on Sunday 29th and also during the week
Chalgrave Church at 10am Sunday and Wednesday at 10.30am (please note the different day this week).
Toddington Church at 11am Sunday and Thursday at 10.30am
Harlington Church at 9.45am and Thursday at 10am
Westoning Church at 10.30am Sunday and Wednesday at Noon.
The Upper Room -with the theme of Advent Sunday 29th November at 6pm by Zoom (link available from Linda).
Morning Prayer
Monday 9.30am by Zoom (link available from Linda).
Tuesday 9.30am by Zoom (link available from Linda).
Wednesday 9.30am at St George of England Church, Toddington (Yippee! we can go back into church!)
Advent Course 'Living Upside Down' begins this week
Wednesday 4.30pm by zoom for Toddington Afternoon Tea group
An evening Advent course for the Quintet (by zoom) led over 4 weeks by the Quintet Readers, Robert, Jon and Steve and Jenna Westoning Ordinand. The first session with be this Tuesday 1st December at 7.30pm.
If you are interested to attend the courses (either afternoon or evening) please contact Nigel or Linda to register your interest. Course materials will then be issued to you with the zoom link.
Afternoon Teas
Harlington Wednesday 3.30pm
Toddington Wednesday 4.30pm (to include the Advent course)
Westoning Thursday 4.30pm - also to include reference to Advent
We are delighted to hear that the churches can be open for Public Worship from 2nd December as we move from 'lockdown' into the new Tier 2 system and we will return to church for our Sunday services on Sunday 6th December. Recorded services and Zoom Upper Room will also continue.
Christmas Services: (Plans so far) Dates for your diaries
Toddington Church
Christmas Youth Group gathering in church on Tuesday 8th December (time tbc)
'Messy Church' Christmas Gathering in church on Friday 11th December. (time tbc)
Lessons and Carols Service Sunday 20th at 6pm
Crib Service Wednesday 23rd (time tbc)
Crib Service Christmas Eve -Thursday 24th 4pm
Midnight Mass Christmas Eve - Thursday 24th 10pm
Christmas Morning service - 10am
Chalgrave Church
Carol Service Sunday 13th December 2.30pm
Carols by Candlelight 19th December 7pm
Crib service 24th December (Christmas Eve) at 2.30pm
Midnight Mass Christmas Eve 11.15pm
Harlington Church
'Celebrating the Light' Carol Service Monday 21st December 7.30pm
Crib Service Wednesday 23rd December 4pm
Crib Service Thursday 24th December 5.30pm
Midnight Mass Thursday 24th December 11.15pm
Christmas Day Service 25th December 10am
Places for the Christmas services will be limited so early reservation of spaces is encouraged.
We will keep you informed of any further developments and send our love to you all.
Linda and Nigel
22nd Nov 2020
Dear All
Here we are on Saturday evening again.. another week completed of lockdown. When Nigel and I went out for an evening walk the other day we noticed the lights of several Christmas Trees appearing early in the houses.. perhaps we are not the only ones finding the dark rather heavier this year? The lights twinkling and shining forth are such an encouragement.
This Sunday we celebrate Christ the King - with an uncomfortable challenge - when did we serve you Lord?
We also celebrate Stir Up Sunday.. traditionally the day to make Christmas puddings ready for Christmas and this year our bishops call us to pray on the hour throughout Sunday and Monday for our country, for our church, and for our world, in the light of the challenge of when did we do this for you Lord. There are prayer resources to accompany the call to prayer which we will forward.
Services
Our recorded service can be viewed through the usual link and will also be posted to the Church Websites and church Facebook pages. This week's music comes from St Martins in the Fields singers, with intro by Nicholas. We extend our thanks again to Robert for compiling the service with beautiful background photos. This week's Reading Sheet and Service Sheet are attached above.
Zoom Worship and Gatherings (Links available from Linda)
Upper Room on Sunday 6pm by Zoom: Theme this week is 'Thou my whole armour'
Morning Prayer (by zoom) Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am
Private Prayer in church: This week four of the Quintet churches will open on Sunday morning for an hour and again later in the week:
Toddington Sunday at 11am, Thursday at 10.30am
Harlington Sunday at 9.45am, Thursday at 10am
Chalgrave Sunday at 10am, Thursday at 10.30am
Westoning Sunday at 10.30am, Wednesday at noon
Prayer for the Nation: The Archbishops have called us to pray for the Nation during this period of lockdown. Thy Kingdom Come prayer resources and daily You Tube prayers are being released and I will forward these to you as I am able. They are also available from the Church of England Facebook page and website. Here is a link to click to access resources and the Prayer Booklet.
The weblink to the resources is https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches/call-prayer-nation. In addition, please find here a direct link to a simple printable prayer booklet which is intended to be shared with all members of your congregation -Prayer Booklet.
Afternoon Tea by Zoom
Harlington 4.30pm Tuesday
Toddington 4.15pm Wednesday
Westoning 4pm on Thursday
We really hope you are coping ok during this strange lockdown period. If you need a chat or any support please don't hesitate to contact us. Also, if you would like to request a prayer please do get in touch. This is a challenging period, and we dearly hope that we will all be together again soon in the churches (and outside) to worship and pray together, and to walk the Advent journey together as we prepare for Christmas.
We send our love and our prayers
Linda and Nigel
Please note that it is now a Government requirement to wear a face covering in church not only to protect yourself from infection but also to protect others. Thank you.
CONTACT DETAILS
Revd Linda Washington, Priest in Charge: 01525 714442 or 07715 603557 or by email: revdtoddington@gmail.com
Revd Nigel Washington, Associate Minister: 07722 297299 or email: nwashy2@gmail.com
Dee, Church Warden: 01525 872649
St George of England Parish Church, Church Square, Toddington, Bedfordshire, LU5 6BP.
CONTACT US
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/St-George-of-England-Church-Toddington-107893234204347
CONTACT US
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/St-George-of-England-Church-Toddington-107893234204347
