5th June 2021
Dear All,
We hope and pray that you are fit and well and have had a good week. It has been wonderful weather for families to get out and about during half-term to enjoy the sunshine and good weather, and I know lots of families have enjoyed the opportunity to get together properly for the first time for months. It has been so lovely to feel the sunshine and the longer days and there have been some spectacular sunsets in the villages.
On Friday, at Harlington we gave thanks for the life of Pearl Everett, organist, at her funeral, and later in the day, Linda was blessed to lead the marriage of Grace and Charlie at Toddington Church - both very special occasions despite the rain. It was also lovely to hear the clank and rattle of cans on the decorated car as the bride and groom drove away from the church. The rain didn't dampen their happiness.
Fortunately, the sunshine broke through again today which was ideal for people to get out and safely enjoy the countryside and ideal for the wedding and Nature Watch, both held at Harlington Church. Two wonderful occasions enjoyed by all present.
Nature Watch at Harlington Church continues tomorrow (Sunday 3-6pm) and through the week (3-5pm) and again next weekend 3-6pm. Refreshments are served at the weekend. This is a lovely event for all age groups and especially families. All welcome.
Tomorrow's Church Services within the Quintet are:
Harlington BCP Holy Communion at 8.00am led by Linda
Holy Communion at 9.30am led by Linda and Robert
Chalgrave Morning Praise at 9.30am led by Rev Roger Wood
Tingrith Holy Communion at 9.30am led by Nigel and Jon
Toddington Morning Praise at 11am led by Rev Roger Wood.
Westoning Holy Communion at 11am led by Nigel, Jon and Jenna
The Upper Room online service at 6pm will focus partly on St Paul and C S Lewis and will feature a talk by Alister McGrath who is an amazing Christian Theologian - Zoom access code available from Rev'd Linda
Services and events this week:
Monday 7th June - Morning Prayer at Toddington at 9.30am
Susan Wynn's Funeral at Westoning at 2pm
Tuesday 8th June - NB no Morning Prayer Zoom Service this week.
Wednesday 9th June- Holy Communion at Harlington at 10am. All Welcome
Friday 11th June Judith Goodman's Funeral at Westoning at 11am. Little Stars at 1.15pm.
Sunday Services: 13th June
Harlington 9.30am Holy Communion
Chalgrave 9.30am Holy Communion
Toddington 11am Holy Communion
Westoning 9.30am Families Service and 11am Holy Communion (please book a place via Westoning Church website)
6pm The Upper Room online service
Please see the poster with information about the Nature Watch special event and this week's reading sheet above.
With all good wishes
Linda and Nigel
29th May 2021
Hello Everyone
What a beautiful sunny bank holiday weekend it is this weekend which is such a welcome change after all that rain! It has been great to spend some time in the garden again without needing waders and waterproofs.. but how the grass and the plants have grown!
Nigel has just returned from leading a joyful wedding at Harlington Church and how good it is to now being able to share these special occasions.
We look forward to next weekend with a mixture of sadness and of joy. On Friday the funeral will take place for Pearl Everett, who was organist at Harlington for so many years (and before that at Woburn Church). Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pearl's family as they grieve. There will be limited available spaces in church on Friday, (social distance rules apply). Enquiries about church places can be made to Tricia Murphy (churchwarden). Sadly, it is not possible for people to gather in the churchyard on the day, but you may gather on Bury Orchard to pay your respects, should you wish to. (If you have any special memories of Pearl could please drop me a line or give me a call to share them. Thank you!)
At Toddington Church at 2.30pm on Friday we look forward to the wedding of Grace and Charlie and on Saturday at Harlington there will be another special wedding.
At 3pm on Saturday Harlington Church Nature Watch begins at 3pm. This promises to be a fascinating opportunity to become absorbed in the wonders of God's creation as Spring and new life emerges. There will be plenty of activities.
Tomorrow's church services within the Quintet are:
Harlington Holy Communion at 9.30am
Chalgrave Holy Communion at 9.30am
Toddington Holy Communion at 11am
Westoning Holy Communion at 11am
6pm The Upper Room online service will focus on 'Inspirational Christians' with songs, Bible Reading and prayers. Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Services and events this week:
Monday 31st May - no Morning Prayer (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 1st June - Morning Prayer by Zoom 9.30am - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda
Wednesday 2nd June - 10am Morning Worship at Harlington Church (Holy Communion)
Friday 4th June - 12 noon Pearl's funeral
Saturday 5th June - 12 noon wedding
Saturday 5th June 3-6pm Nature Watch weekend begins at St. Mary's Church, Harlington.
Sunday Services: 6th June:
Harlington 8am BCP Holy Communion and 9.30am Holy Communion
Chalgrave 9.30am Morning Worship
Toddington 11am Morning Worship
Westoning 11am Holy Communion
Tingrith 9.30am Holy Communion
6pm The Upper Room online service - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda
Please see the poster with information about the Nature Watch special event and this week's reading sheet above
With all good wishes
Linda and Nigel
22nd May 2021
Dear All
We hope you have had a good week and have enjoyed opportunities to get out and about more freely to meet with friends and family members. The weather hasn't been so kind this week but it sounds as if it will be less wet next week.. we certainly hope so! It will be good to feel a little Summer Sunshine for a change.
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, otherwise known as the birthday of the church, when the Holy Spirit came in power so many years ago. We too today can be guided by the Holy Spirit and feel His comforting presence.. the Holy Spirit is also known as the Comforter.
This Sunday our services are as follows:
Harlington Church, 9.30am Holy Communion for Pentecost
Chalgrave Church, 9.30am, Holy Communion Service
Westoning Church, 11am Holy Communion for Pentecost
Toddington Church, 11am Holy Communion Service
Tingrith Church, 3pm Pentecost Afternoon Service (40 minutes)
The Upper Room by zoom link at 6pm 'Encounters with the Holy Spirit' - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
If you are unable to go to a church service, I have attached this week's reading sheet and a service sheet for you to read at home (see above).
Other weekly services and events:
Monday 9.30am Toddington Church Morning Prayer Service
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer service on Zoom - link available from Rev'd Linda
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship Service at Harlington Church
Wednesday eve at 8pm Toddipedia Quiz night. Zoom access ID link is: ID: 77539307723 Passcode: toddipedia. Cost £5 per team (link for poster above)
Friday 1.15pm Little Stars Mums and Tots gathering in Westoning Church.
This week Toddington Youth Group (9-13 years) met for a circular walk and had a lovely time, coping well with any muddy patches and fortunately arriving back at Chalgrave Church just in time before the skies opened with a big hail storm. We plan to meet again next month. Please contact Rev Linda (01525 714442) or Rebecca (email above) for more information. All Welcome.
We are looking forward positively to gathering with the Messy Church Toddington family at the end of June for a picnic (More information to follow for the families). It is so good to begin to emerge from lockdown to be able to meet up again.
There are also plans in the pipeline for some children's events at Harlington church.... watch this space for more information soon.
Toddington Church held its second post lockdown cake stall today, with the addition of plants too. Thank you so much to everyone who either supported or contributed. It was wonderful to have so many lovely conversations on the Green and to come home with some very tasty goodies and some plants. Folk were delighted to raise £226.50 towards church funds. Thank you so very much for all your efforts. The next stall will be on June 19th from 10am.
As we look ahead to a greater release from lockdown, we are pleased to be able to meet with baptism families to plan their services and are also keen to consider other opportunities to meet and to support each other. One idea at Toddington is a Walk, Talk opportunity for some of us to get out and walk in the fresh air, to talk on the way, and to meet for a cuppa afterwards perhaps for a short Bible reflection of prayer. If you would be interested in this, do please get in touch.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our wedding couples who are excitedly anticipating finally being able to marry in church, with less restrictions - in some cases after having had to postpone weddings several times. Do please hold the couples in your prayers, especially Katie and Chris who marry at Harlington next Saturday.
We also hold in our prayers those families who grieve and remember particularly the families of Pearl and Peter of Harlington.
Do please get in touch if you would like a chat, a prayer or a cuppa, or if you have any thoughts or ideas to share about what you would like church to be able to offer to you.
Have a good week.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
15th May 2021
Dear All
We hope you are all well and wish you happiness this week as we begin to unlock.
Services this Sunday and Services and events this week:
Sunday 16th May:
Chalgrave Church 9.30m - a said Holy Communion Service (Linda and Stephen to lead),followed by APCM
Tingrith Church 9.30am - Holy Communion Service (Nigel and Jon to lead)
St Mary's Church, Harlington 9.30am - Morning Prayer led by Jenna (Ordinand from Westoning) and Chris.
Toddington Church 11am - Holy Communion Service (Jenna and Linda to lead)
Westoning Church 11am - Holy Communion Service (Nigel and Jon to lead)
The Upper Room by Zoom at 6pm, looking at mental health week, with guest speaker Richard. Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Services and Events during the week within the Quintet
Monday 17th May Morning Prayer 9.30am at Toddington Church
Tuesday 18th May Morning Prayer by zoom 9.30am, May 18, 2021. Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Tuesday 18th May, 5.30-7pm Toddington/Chalgrave youth group meet at Chalgrave church for a circular walk.
Wednesday morning worship at 10am at Harlington Church.
Friday 21st May Little Stars pre-school parent and tot group at Westoning Church at 1.45-2.45pm. To reserve a place please contact: jmsteer.jms@gmail.com
This week, from Ascension Day until Pentecost which is next Sunday, we join the Church of England initiative of Thy Kingdom Come. Daily updates and information will be posted on the Church Facebook pages with information being also circulated by email. Or go online to Thy Kingdom Come where there is a wonderful wealth of resources. Please take this opportunity to offer focused prayer for 5 people to come to know Jesus.
With our love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
1stMay 2021
Dear all
We send you our very best wishes this week and hope you have had a good week.
This is the first week without a Recorded Service which seems a little strange after we have been preparing them to share with you for over a year now during lockdown. However, as we emerge back to the churches, we look ahead with joy to meeting in church tomorrow for the services.
Chalgrave Church
9.30am Holy Communion Service
Toddington Church
11am Holy Communion Service
Tingrith Church
9.30am Morning Worship Service
Westoning Church
11am Holy Communion Service
6pm The Upper Room online zoom service with a theme of 'Inspiring Christians' - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Services and Events this week:
Monday Bank Holiday.. no services
Tuesday: Morning Prayer, Toddington Church 9.30am:
Wednesday: 10am Morning Worship Harlington Church
Wednesday 7pm Toddington Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting in St George of England Church
Date for Chalgrave Diary:
Chalgrave APCM will be held on Sunday 16th May, after the 9.30am Morning Service
Prayers and sad news:
Please continue to hold Sylvia and Pearl in your prayers.
Please also hold in your prayers the recently bereaved families of Gillian Osbourne, Ted Chapman, and Peter Champion of Harlington and Geraldine Heal and June Smith of Toddington and Kitty Pearce of Westoning.
Nigel's news:
Nigel is to be made an honorary Canon of the Cathedral of St Albans on Saturday 8th May at 4pm as part of the Evening Service. There are one or two places available. If you would like to attend please let Nigel know as soon as possible on 01525 714442. You will be most welcome.
To keep you in the picture; on the Retirement of Rev Stephen Williams, incumbent of Harlington Church, on 6th April 2021, Nigel has now officially become the incumbent of St Mary's Church, Harlington, which now forms part of a new benefice of three parishes with Westoning and Tingrith. Linda will now become Associate Minister at Harlington in addition to Associate Minister at Westoning and Tingrith, and will continue as Priest in Charge of Toddington and Chalgrave parishes. Nigel continues to be an Associate Minister at Toddington and Chalgrave churches in addition to his new role.
We send
Nigel's news:
Nigel is to be made an honorary Canon of the Cathedral of St Albans on Saturday 8th May at 4pm as part of the Evening Service. There are one or two places available. If you would like to attend please let Nigel know as soon as possible on 01525 714442. You will be most welcome.
To keep you in the picture; on the Retirement of Rev Stephen Williams, incumbent of Harlington Church, on 6th April 2021, Nigel has now officially become the incumbent of St Mary's Church, Harlington, which now forms part of a new benefice of three parishes with Westoning and Tingrith. Linda will now become Associate Minister at Harlington in addition to Associate Minister at Westoning and Tingrith, and will continue as Priest in Charge of Toddington and Chalgrave parishes. Nigel continues to be an Associate Minister at Toddington and Chalgrave churches in addition to his new role.
We send you our love and prayers. Please do get in touch if you would like any support, prayers, or just a chat.
God bless
Linda
24th April 2021
Hello Everyone
On this sunny evening, we hope you have had chance today to enjoy the sunshine. We have been so grateful for the bright weather this week which is so restorative.
This week is the last week for our weekly Sunday recorded service as numbers attending our churches each Sunday have steadily increased and subsequently, numbers attending the recorded service have reduced. We have therefore decided that it is time to move forward in church with the regular services and to lay down the current form of recorded service, which has been a blessed link to us all during this long lockdown. If by chance you would still appreciate a weekly recorded service of some form, please let us know and we will see what might be possible in the future.
There have been some last minute changes to the planned services and APCM meetings for this week due to new Covid guidelines issued by the Church of England about APCM meetings ie: it is not possible yet to host physical meetings in church until after May 17th and so we have faced the option of whether to postpone the meeting until we can meet in person, or to take the meeting online. Here are the plans for this Sunday's services and this week's events:
This Sunday' Services:
Toddington Church 11am Holy Communion Service (Service now possible)
Toddington Church 3pm St George of England short family service (with a small Treasure Hunt afterwards).
Chalgrave Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service but no APCM meeting at 10.30am. (This will be held after May 17th)
Harlington Church 9.30am Morning Worship (with Jenna Dearden preaching)
Tingrith Church 3pm Afternoon Worship
Westoning Church 11am Morning Worship
The Upper Room online worship at 6pm - link available from Rev'd Linda.
This week's Recorded Service will be on the usual link, accessible on Harlington Church website, via each church website, or Facebook page, or A Church Near You, or by clicking this link:
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
APCM Meetings:
Chalgrave Church - Cancelled for this Sunday. Will be held after May 17th
Westoning APCM 7.45pm - not in church. To be hosted on zoom.
Harlington APCM 7.30pm on Tuesday - not in church. To be hosted on zoom.
Tingrith APCM 5pm on Wednesday - not in church. To be hosted on zoom.
Toddington APCM - Originally planned for 5th May.. but date and arrangements to be confirmed.
Other events this week:
Monday: Morning Prayer 9.30am Toddington Church
PCC meeting for Toddington Church (6.30pm?)
Tuesday: Morning Prayer by Zoom at 9.30am - link available from Rev'd Linda
Wednesday: Toddipedia Quiz night 8pm by zoom (click link for Quiz advert below for details). Cost per team £5
Prayers
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are sick and to those who grieve, remembering particularly:
Pearl, Peter and Sylvia of Harlington Church who are sick, and the Osborne family and the Chapman Family who grieve the loss of Gillian and Ted respectively.
At Westoning we hold Kitty's family in our prayers and thank God for Kitty's life and fellowship as a member of the church family.
At Toddington we hold the Heal family and the Harris family in our thoughts and prayers as they grieve for 'Ged' (Geraldine) and June respectively.
We also pray for all couples planning their weddings this year, and for those to be baptised.
Fundraising thank you... to the cake makers for Toddington Cake stall which raised £250 today.
And so, as we look forward this week, we thank you all for your kindness and care and fellowship. Have a good week. Look after yourselves and may God bless you and your families and keep you safe.
With love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
17th April 2021
Hello Everyone
We hope you are well and have had a good week? The weather has been lovely with some beautiful sunshine.
As I typed this email I watched for the second time, the funeral of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh which was very moving. We extend our condolences and prayers for Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family and pay tribute to the long, dedicated life of service, commitment, leadership and inspiration of HRH Prince Philip. The funeral was particularly poignant as we identified, as I am sure many of you will also have identified, with the trauma of grief in isolation and separation during these Covid restrictive conditions. Our thoughts go to all who have been bereaved.
This week, we have been offered a welcome opportunity for a breather by the Readers who have kindly offered to prepare the Recorded service and will also be leading this Sunday's morning services. They also led the Prayer Services of Remembrance for HRH Prince Philip on Friday and we offer them our sincere thanks. Thank you also to those who rang the bells today.
This week's services are:
The Recorded Service is available on this link:https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
The Sunday Services in church are:
Chalgrave Church 9.30am Morning Worship
Harlington Church 9.30am Morning Worship
Tingrith Church 9.30am Morning Worship
Toddington Church 11am Morning Worship
Westoning Church 11am Morning Worship
At 6pm there will also be The Upper Room service via zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89780506650?pwd=bFlVTnFqT0pUUll5OVpLSTUrbXFqZz09
Meeting ID: 897 8050 6650 Passcode: 649764
Monday 19th April: Morning Prayer Toddington Church 9.30am
Tuesday 20th April: Morning Prayer by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89466037212?pwd=YlVEVnlWUitzSkc5Y25sTlRGNVkwdz09
Meeting ID: 894 6603 7212 Passcode: 567113
Wednesday 21st April: Harlington Church 10am Morning worship
Services next Sunday 25th April:
9.30am Chalgrave Church Morning worship... followed by Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting at 10.30am
3pm Toddington Church Worship Service .. please note the different time. (St George of England anniversary week-end)
3pm Tingrith Church Worship Service
9.30am Harlington Morning Worship Service
11am Westoning Morning Worship Service
We look forward to seeing you soon. Have a good week.
with best wishes
Linda and Nigel
10th April 2021
Hello Everyone,
We hope you have had a good week and a restful time over Easter. We loved celebrating Easter Day within the churches as we gathered together again, with many of you returning to church for the first time for a while. The churches were decorated so beautifully with lilies to remember loved ones who had died, and also with Spring Flowers to symbolically remind us of New Life, as we gathered to worship God together, in the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection, sharing Holy Communion for the first time for many months and with organ music ringing out, and in some cases bells tolling above with Easter tunes. It was a wonderful celebration day. Thank you to all who contributed in some way.
Thank you also for walking the journey towards Easter on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
This weekend, we are absorbing the sad news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday and we will offer prayers for him, for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and for the Royal Family in our church services tomorrow. There is also opportunity for us all to hold them in our prayers this week during the official week of mourning and remembrance as preparations are made for his funeral next Saturday 17th April at 3pm. Suggested prayers, which you may wish to use, are attached above.
Sunday services this week:
Harlington Church - Morning Worship at 9.30am
Chalgrave Church - Holy Communion at 9.30am
Toddington Church - Holy Communion at 11am
Westoning Church - Morning Worship at 11am
The Upper Room at 6pm by Zoom - please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
The Recorded Service should appear on the usual link: https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
We plan to continue the pre-recorded Audio Services until the end of April.
Services and events this week:
Monday 12th April - Morning Prayer in Toddington Church 9.30am
Tuesday 13th April - Morning Prayer by Zoom 9.30am - please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
Private Prayer at Toddington Church on Thursday 15th April at 10.30am.
We will update you on other news during the week.. particularly with regard to any service of prayer or Remembrance for Prince Philip.
We send our love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
3rd April 2021
Hello Everyone
We look forward to welcoming you to an Easter Day service in church tomorrow. The churches have been decorated with Lilies and flowers, in memory of loved ones. Some churches may also have an Easter Garden to remind us that on Easter Sunday, when the ladies went to visit Jesus' tomb, it was empty. Jesus' body was not there. We thank God on Easter Sunday for the Resurrection of Jesus and for his tremendous outpouring of love for us all.
Each church will be offering an Easter Communion Service (the first since lockdown in December!) and we will remember Jesus' last meal with his disciples and the importance of being Christ's family..the body of Christ.
Easter Day Service times are:
Harlington Church 8am Holy Communion Service - Book of Common Prayer
Harlington Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service (Common Worship Liturgy) (Booking advisable via the church website)
Chalgrave Church 9.30am Easter Holy Communion Service
Westoning Church 11am Easter Holy Communion Service (Service bookings full - but you will be welcome to attend one of the other churches)
Toddington Church 11am Easter Holy Communion Service
Tingrith Church 3pm Easter Holy Communion Service
The Upper Room online service by Zoom at 6pm also celebrates Easter. The access link is available from Rev'd Linda.
The Easter Day Recorded Service is accessible through the usual link and through the church websites and Facebook pages and is available to be viewed during the following week.
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
Please also remember the Easter Trails which are available at Toddington, Harlington and Westoning.
We send you our love and prayers and hope that you are enjoying being released into the fresh air, now able to meet with family and friends outdoors.
Happy Easter! Christ is Risen.. he is risen indeed, Alleluia
with blessings to you all
Linda and Nigel
Dear All,
We hope and pray that you are fit and well and have had a good week. It has been wonderful weather for families to get out and about during half-term to enjoy the sunshine and good weather, and I know lots of families have enjoyed the opportunity to get together properly for the first time for months. It has been so lovely to feel the sunshine and the longer days and there have been some spectacular sunsets in the villages.
On Friday, at Harlington we gave thanks for the life of Pearl Everett, organist, at her funeral, and later in the day, Linda was blessed to lead the marriage of Grace and Charlie at Toddington Church - both very special occasions despite the rain. It was also lovely to hear the clank and rattle of cans on the decorated car as the bride and groom drove away from the church. The rain didn't dampen their happiness.
Fortunately, the sunshine broke through again today which was ideal for people to get out and safely enjoy the countryside and ideal for the wedding and Nature Watch, both held at Harlington Church. Two wonderful occasions enjoyed by all present.
Nature Watch at Harlington Church continues tomorrow (Sunday 3-6pm) and through the week (3-5pm) and again next weekend 3-6pm. Refreshments are served at the weekend. This is a lovely event for all age groups and especially families. All welcome.
Tomorrow's Church Services within the Quintet are:
Harlington BCP Holy Communion at 8.00am led by Linda
Holy Communion at 9.30am led by Linda and Robert
Chalgrave Morning Praise at 9.30am led by Rev Roger Wood
Tingrith Holy Communion at 9.30am led by Nigel and Jon
Toddington Morning Praise at 11am led by Rev Roger Wood.
Westoning Holy Communion at 11am led by Nigel, Jon and Jenna
The Upper Room online service at 6pm will focus partly on St Paul and C S Lewis and will feature a talk by Alister McGrath who is an amazing Christian Theologian - Zoom access code available from Rev'd Linda
Services and events this week:
Monday 7th June - Morning Prayer at Toddington at 9.30am
Susan Wynn's Funeral at Westoning at 2pm
Tuesday 8th June - NB no Morning Prayer Zoom Service this week.
Wednesday 9th June- Holy Communion at Harlington at 10am. All Welcome
Friday 11th June Judith Goodman's Funeral at Westoning at 11am. Little Stars at 1.15pm.
Sunday Services: 13th June
Harlington 9.30am Holy Communion
Chalgrave 9.30am Holy Communion
Toddington 11am Holy Communion
Westoning 9.30am Families Service and 11am Holy Communion (please book a place via Westoning Church website)
6pm The Upper Room online service
Please see the poster with information about the Nature Watch special event and this week's reading sheet above.
With all good wishes
Linda and Nigel
29th May 2021
Hello Everyone
What a beautiful sunny bank holiday weekend it is this weekend which is such a welcome change after all that rain! It has been great to spend some time in the garden again without needing waders and waterproofs.. but how the grass and the plants have grown!
Nigel has just returned from leading a joyful wedding at Harlington Church and how good it is to now being able to share these special occasions.
We look forward to next weekend with a mixture of sadness and of joy. On Friday the funeral will take place for Pearl Everett, who was organist at Harlington for so many years (and before that at Woburn Church). Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pearl's family as they grieve. There will be limited available spaces in church on Friday, (social distance rules apply). Enquiries about church places can be made to Tricia Murphy (churchwarden). Sadly, it is not possible for people to gather in the churchyard on the day, but you may gather on Bury Orchard to pay your respects, should you wish to. (If you have any special memories of Pearl could please drop me a line or give me a call to share them. Thank you!)
At Toddington Church at 2.30pm on Friday we look forward to the wedding of Grace and Charlie and on Saturday at Harlington there will be another special wedding.
At 3pm on Saturday Harlington Church Nature Watch begins at 3pm. This promises to be a fascinating opportunity to become absorbed in the wonders of God's creation as Spring and new life emerges. There will be plenty of activities.
Tomorrow's church services within the Quintet are:
Harlington Holy Communion at 9.30am
Chalgrave Holy Communion at 9.30am
Toddington Holy Communion at 11am
Westoning Holy Communion at 11am
6pm The Upper Room online service will focus on 'Inspirational Christians' with songs, Bible Reading and prayers. Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Services and events this week:
Monday 31st May - no Morning Prayer (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 1st June - Morning Prayer by Zoom 9.30am - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda
Wednesday 2nd June - 10am Morning Worship at Harlington Church (Holy Communion)
Friday 4th June - 12 noon Pearl's funeral
Saturday 5th June - 12 noon wedding
Saturday 5th June 3-6pm Nature Watch weekend begins at St. Mary's Church, Harlington.
Sunday Services: 6th June:
Harlington 8am BCP Holy Communion and 9.30am Holy Communion
Chalgrave 9.30am Morning Worship
Toddington 11am Morning Worship
Westoning 11am Holy Communion
Tingrith 9.30am Holy Communion
6pm The Upper Room online service - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda
Please see the poster with information about the Nature Watch special event and this week's reading sheet above
With all good wishes
Linda and Nigel
22nd May 2021
Dear All
We hope you have had a good week and have enjoyed opportunities to get out and about more freely to meet with friends and family members. The weather hasn't been so kind this week but it sounds as if it will be less wet next week.. we certainly hope so! It will be good to feel a little Summer Sunshine for a change.
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, otherwise known as the birthday of the church, when the Holy Spirit came in power so many years ago. We too today can be guided by the Holy Spirit and feel His comforting presence.. the Holy Spirit is also known as the Comforter.
This Sunday our services are as follows:
Harlington Church, 9.30am Holy Communion for Pentecost
Chalgrave Church, 9.30am, Holy Communion Service
Westoning Church, 11am Holy Communion for Pentecost
Toddington Church, 11am Holy Communion Service
Tingrith Church, 3pm Pentecost Afternoon Service (40 minutes)
The Upper Room by zoom link at 6pm 'Encounters with the Holy Spirit' - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
If you are unable to go to a church service, I have attached this week's reading sheet and a service sheet for you to read at home (see above).
Other weekly services and events:
Monday 9.30am Toddington Church Morning Prayer Service
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer service on Zoom - link available from Rev'd Linda
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship Service at Harlington Church
Wednesday eve at 8pm Toddipedia Quiz night. Zoom access ID link is: ID: 77539307723 Passcode: toddipedia. Cost £5 per team (link for poster above)
Friday 1.15pm Little Stars Mums and Tots gathering in Westoning Church.
This week Toddington Youth Group (9-13 years) met for a circular walk and had a lovely time, coping well with any muddy patches and fortunately arriving back at Chalgrave Church just in time before the skies opened with a big hail storm. We plan to meet again next month. Please contact Rev Linda (01525 714442) or Rebecca (email above) for more information. All Welcome.
We are looking forward positively to gathering with the Messy Church Toddington family at the end of June for a picnic (More information to follow for the families). It is so good to begin to emerge from lockdown to be able to meet up again.
There are also plans in the pipeline for some children's events at Harlington church.... watch this space for more information soon.
Toddington Church held its second post lockdown cake stall today, with the addition of plants too. Thank you so much to everyone who either supported or contributed. It was wonderful to have so many lovely conversations on the Green and to come home with some very tasty goodies and some plants. Folk were delighted to raise £226.50 towards church funds. Thank you so very much for all your efforts. The next stall will be on June 19th from 10am.
As we look ahead to a greater release from lockdown, we are pleased to be able to meet with baptism families to plan their services and are also keen to consider other opportunities to meet and to support each other. One idea at Toddington is a Walk, Talk opportunity for some of us to get out and walk in the fresh air, to talk on the way, and to meet for a cuppa afterwards perhaps for a short Bible reflection of prayer. If you would be interested in this, do please get in touch.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our wedding couples who are excitedly anticipating finally being able to marry in church, with less restrictions - in some cases after having had to postpone weddings several times. Do please hold the couples in your prayers, especially Katie and Chris who marry at Harlington next Saturday.
We also hold in our prayers those families who grieve and remember particularly the families of Pearl and Peter of Harlington.
Do please get in touch if you would like a chat, a prayer or a cuppa, or if you have any thoughts or ideas to share about what you would like church to be able to offer to you.
Have a good week.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
15th May 2021
Dear All
We hope you are all well and wish you happiness this week as we begin to unlock.
Services this Sunday and Services and events this week:
Sunday 16th May:
Chalgrave Church 9.30m - a said Holy Communion Service (Linda and Stephen to lead),followed by APCM
Tingrith Church 9.30am - Holy Communion Service (Nigel and Jon to lead)
St Mary's Church, Harlington 9.30am - Morning Prayer led by Jenna (Ordinand from Westoning) and Chris.
Toddington Church 11am - Holy Communion Service (Jenna and Linda to lead)
Westoning Church 11am - Holy Communion Service (Nigel and Jon to lead)
The Upper Room by Zoom at 6pm, looking at mental health week, with guest speaker Richard. Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Services and Events during the week within the Quintet
Monday 17th May Morning Prayer 9.30am at Toddington Church
Tuesday 18th May Morning Prayer by zoom 9.30am, May 18, 2021. Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Tuesday 18th May, 5.30-7pm Toddington/Chalgrave youth group meet at Chalgrave church for a circular walk.
Wednesday morning worship at 10am at Harlington Church.
Friday 21st May Little Stars pre-school parent and tot group at Westoning Church at 1.45-2.45pm. To reserve a place please contact: jmsteer.jms@gmail.com
This week, from Ascension Day until Pentecost which is next Sunday, we join the Church of England initiative of Thy Kingdom Come. Daily updates and information will be posted on the Church Facebook pages with information being also circulated by email. Or go online to Thy Kingdom Come where there is a wonderful wealth of resources. Please take this opportunity to offer focused prayer for 5 people to come to know Jesus.
With our love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
1stMay 2021
Dear all
We send you our very best wishes this week and hope you have had a good week.
This is the first week without a Recorded Service which seems a little strange after we have been preparing them to share with you for over a year now during lockdown. However, as we emerge back to the churches, we look ahead with joy to meeting in church tomorrow for the services.
Chalgrave Church
9.30am Holy Communion Service
Toddington Church
11am Holy Communion Service
Tingrith Church
9.30am Morning Worship Service
Westoning Church
11am Holy Communion Service
6pm The Upper Room online zoom service with a theme of 'Inspiring Christians' - Zoom link available from Rev'd Linda.
Services and Events this week:
Monday Bank Holiday.. no services
Tuesday: Morning Prayer, Toddington Church 9.30am:
Wednesday: 10am Morning Worship Harlington Church
Wednesday 7pm Toddington Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting in St George of England Church
Date for Chalgrave Diary:
Chalgrave APCM will be held on Sunday 16th May, after the 9.30am Morning Service
Prayers and sad news:
Please continue to hold Sylvia and Pearl in your prayers.
Please also hold in your prayers the recently bereaved families of Gillian Osbourne, Ted Chapman, and Peter Champion of Harlington and Geraldine Heal and June Smith of Toddington and Kitty Pearce of Westoning.
Nigel's news:
Nigel is to be made an honorary Canon of the Cathedral of St Albans on Saturday 8th May at 4pm as part of the Evening Service. There are one or two places available. If you would like to attend please let Nigel know as soon as possible on 01525 714442. You will be most welcome.
To keep you in the picture; on the Retirement of Rev Stephen Williams, incumbent of Harlington Church, on 6th April 2021, Nigel has now officially become the incumbent of St Mary's Church, Harlington, which now forms part of a new benefice of three parishes with Westoning and Tingrith. Linda will now become Associate Minister at Harlington in addition to Associate Minister at Westoning and Tingrith, and will continue as Priest in Charge of Toddington and Chalgrave parishes. Nigel continues to be an Associate Minister at Toddington and Chalgrave churches in addition to his new role.
We send
Nigel's news:
Nigel is to be made an honorary Canon of the Cathedral of St Albans on Saturday 8th May at 4pm as part of the Evening Service. There are one or two places available. If you would like to attend please let Nigel know as soon as possible on 01525 714442. You will be most welcome.
To keep you in the picture; on the Retirement of Rev Stephen Williams, incumbent of Harlington Church, on 6th April 2021, Nigel has now officially become the incumbent of St Mary's Church, Harlington, which now forms part of a new benefice of three parishes with Westoning and Tingrith. Linda will now become Associate Minister at Harlington in addition to Associate Minister at Westoning and Tingrith, and will continue as Priest in Charge of Toddington and Chalgrave parishes. Nigel continues to be an Associate Minister at Toddington and Chalgrave churches in addition to his new role.
We send you our love and prayers. Please do get in touch if you would like any support, prayers, or just a chat.
God bless
Linda
24th April 2021
Hello Everyone
On this sunny evening, we hope you have had chance today to enjoy the sunshine. We have been so grateful for the bright weather this week which is so restorative.
This week is the last week for our weekly Sunday recorded service as numbers attending our churches each Sunday have steadily increased and subsequently, numbers attending the recorded service have reduced. We have therefore decided that it is time to move forward in church with the regular services and to lay down the current form of recorded service, which has been a blessed link to us all during this long lockdown. If by chance you would still appreciate a weekly recorded service of some form, please let us know and we will see what might be possible in the future.
There have been some last minute changes to the planned services and APCM meetings for this week due to new Covid guidelines issued by the Church of England about APCM meetings ie: it is not possible yet to host physical meetings in church until after May 17th and so we have faced the option of whether to postpone the meeting until we can meet in person, or to take the meeting online. Here are the plans for this Sunday's services and this week's events:
This Sunday' Services:
Toddington Church 11am Holy Communion Service (Service now possible)
Toddington Church 3pm St George of England short family service (with a small Treasure Hunt afterwards).
Chalgrave Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service but no APCM meeting at 10.30am. (This will be held after May 17th)
Harlington Church 9.30am Morning Worship (with Jenna Dearden preaching)
Tingrith Church 3pm Afternoon Worship
Westoning Church 11am Morning Worship
The Upper Room online worship at 6pm - link available from Rev'd Linda.
This week's Recorded Service will be on the usual link, accessible on Harlington Church website, via each church website, or Facebook page, or A Church Near You, or by clicking this link:
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
APCM Meetings:
Chalgrave Church - Cancelled for this Sunday. Will be held after May 17th
Westoning APCM 7.45pm - not in church. To be hosted on zoom.
Harlington APCM 7.30pm on Tuesday - not in church. To be hosted on zoom.
Tingrith APCM 5pm on Wednesday - not in church. To be hosted on zoom.
Toddington APCM - Originally planned for 5th May.. but date and arrangements to be confirmed.
Other events this week:
Monday: Morning Prayer 9.30am Toddington Church
PCC meeting for Toddington Church (6.30pm?)
Tuesday: Morning Prayer by Zoom at 9.30am - link available from Rev'd Linda
Wednesday: Toddipedia Quiz night 8pm by zoom (click link for Quiz advert below for details). Cost per team £5
Prayers
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are sick and to those who grieve, remembering particularly:
Pearl, Peter and Sylvia of Harlington Church who are sick, and the Osborne family and the Chapman Family who grieve the loss of Gillian and Ted respectively.
At Westoning we hold Kitty's family in our prayers and thank God for Kitty's life and fellowship as a member of the church family.
At Toddington we hold the Heal family and the Harris family in our thoughts and prayers as they grieve for 'Ged' (Geraldine) and June respectively.
We also pray for all couples planning their weddings this year, and for those to be baptised.
Fundraising thank you... to the cake makers for Toddington Cake stall which raised £250 today.
And so, as we look forward this week, we thank you all for your kindness and care and fellowship. Have a good week. Look after yourselves and may God bless you and your families and keep you safe.
With love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
17th April 2021
Hello Everyone
We hope you are well and have had a good week? The weather has been lovely with some beautiful sunshine.
As I typed this email I watched for the second time, the funeral of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh which was very moving. We extend our condolences and prayers for Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family and pay tribute to the long, dedicated life of service, commitment, leadership and inspiration of HRH Prince Philip. The funeral was particularly poignant as we identified, as I am sure many of you will also have identified, with the trauma of grief in isolation and separation during these Covid restrictive conditions. Our thoughts go to all who have been bereaved.
This week, we have been offered a welcome opportunity for a breather by the Readers who have kindly offered to prepare the Recorded service and will also be leading this Sunday's morning services. They also led the Prayer Services of Remembrance for HRH Prince Philip on Friday and we offer them our sincere thanks. Thank you also to those who rang the bells today.
This week's services are:
The Recorded Service is available on this link:https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
The Sunday Services in church are:
Chalgrave Church 9.30am Morning Worship
Harlington Church 9.30am Morning Worship
Tingrith Church 9.30am Morning Worship
Toddington Church 11am Morning Worship
Westoning Church 11am Morning Worship
At 6pm there will also be The Upper Room service via zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89780506650?pwd=bFlVTnFqT0pUUll5OVpLSTUrbXFqZz09
Meeting ID: 897 8050 6650 Passcode: 649764
Monday 19th April: Morning Prayer Toddington Church 9.30am
Tuesday 20th April: Morning Prayer by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89466037212?pwd=YlVEVnlWUitzSkc5Y25sTlRGNVkwdz09
Meeting ID: 894 6603 7212 Passcode: 567113
Wednesday 21st April: Harlington Church 10am Morning worship
Services next Sunday 25th April:
9.30am Chalgrave Church Morning worship... followed by Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting at 10.30am
3pm Toddington Church Worship Service .. please note the different time. (St George of England anniversary week-end)
3pm Tingrith Church Worship Service
9.30am Harlington Morning Worship Service
11am Westoning Morning Worship Service
We look forward to seeing you soon. Have a good week.
with best wishes
Linda and Nigel
10th April 2021
Hello Everyone,
We hope you have had a good week and a restful time over Easter. We loved celebrating Easter Day within the churches as we gathered together again, with many of you returning to church for the first time for a while. The churches were decorated so beautifully with lilies to remember loved ones who had died, and also with Spring Flowers to symbolically remind us of New Life, as we gathered to worship God together, in the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection, sharing Holy Communion for the first time for many months and with organ music ringing out, and in some cases bells tolling above with Easter tunes. It was a wonderful celebration day. Thank you to all who contributed in some way.
Thank you also for walking the journey towards Easter on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
This weekend, we are absorbing the sad news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday and we will offer prayers for him, for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and for the Royal Family in our church services tomorrow. There is also opportunity for us all to hold them in our prayers this week during the official week of mourning and remembrance as preparations are made for his funeral next Saturday 17th April at 3pm. Suggested prayers, which you may wish to use, are attached above.
Sunday services this week:
Harlington Church - Morning Worship at 9.30am
Chalgrave Church - Holy Communion at 9.30am
Toddington Church - Holy Communion at 11am
Westoning Church - Morning Worship at 11am
The Upper Room at 6pm by Zoom - please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
The Recorded Service should appear on the usual link: https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
We plan to continue the pre-recorded Audio Services until the end of April.
Services and events this week:
Monday 12th April - Morning Prayer in Toddington Church 9.30am
Tuesday 13th April - Morning Prayer by Zoom 9.30am - please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
Private Prayer at Toddington Church on Thursday 15th April at 10.30am.
We will update you on other news during the week.. particularly with regard to any service of prayer or Remembrance for Prince Philip.
We send our love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
3rd April 2021
Hello Everyone
We look forward to welcoming you to an Easter Day service in church tomorrow. The churches have been decorated with Lilies and flowers, in memory of loved ones. Some churches may also have an Easter Garden to remind us that on Easter Sunday, when the ladies went to visit Jesus' tomb, it was empty. Jesus' body was not there. We thank God on Easter Sunday for the Resurrection of Jesus and for his tremendous outpouring of love for us all.
Each church will be offering an Easter Communion Service (the first since lockdown in December!) and we will remember Jesus' last meal with his disciples and the importance of being Christ's family..the body of Christ.
Easter Day Service times are:
Harlington Church 8am Holy Communion Service - Book of Common Prayer
Harlington Church 9.30am Holy Communion Service (Common Worship Liturgy) (Booking advisable via the church website)
Chalgrave Church 9.30am Easter Holy Communion Service
Westoning Church 11am Easter Holy Communion Service (Service bookings full - but you will be welcome to attend one of the other churches)
Toddington Church 11am Easter Holy Communion Service
Tingrith Church 3pm Easter Holy Communion Service
The Upper Room online service by Zoom at 6pm also celebrates Easter. The access link is available from Rev'd Linda.
The Easter Day Recorded Service is accessible through the usual link and through the church websites and Facebook pages and is available to be viewed during the following week.
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
Please also remember the Easter Trails which are available at Toddington, Harlington and Westoning.
We send you our love and prayers and hope that you are enjoying being released into the fresh air, now able to meet with family and friends outdoors.
Happy Easter! Christ is Risen.. he is risen indeed, Alleluia
with blessings to you all
Linda and Nigel
