9th January 2021
Dear All
What an eventful week it has been... we have seen unprecedented scenes in America, there has been sunshine, rain, fog and frost back home with some snow up north. Marks and Spencer have suspended Percy Pigs (and about 100 food items due to paperwork and red tape courtesy of Brexit), there is to be mass rolling out of vaccines, with another vaccine and 2 new medicines approved for the Covid fight. We return to clap for heroes on a Thursday night although are increasingly reminded of the importance to stay at home to protect the NHS which is under enormous burden at present. Many people know of someone affected by this awful infection and sadly it is a reality in our midst. Our hearts and prayers go out to anyone who is facing the anxiety of loved ones, friends or work colleagues who are suffering, or for those who weep, and we hold you all in our thoughts and prayers.
In this Epiphany season Christmas decorations are now down but the light will still twinkle forth in the darkness in Harlington and some homes, as many people are leaving their lights up as a sign of encouragement. There is light and hope.. the sun is breaking through as I type. The other day, we heard the birds sing and bulbs are starting to break through the earth. Each day is now stretching forth for a little longer. Days are cold and crisp but there are daffodils in the shops.. always a wonderful sign that Spring is on the way.
This week's services:
Weekly Recorded Service - this week focuses on the Baptism of Christ. It can be accessed on the usual link:
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
Quintet Online Morning Service at 11am
With 4 of the 5 Quintet churches suspending services for a few weeks (to be reviewed weekly) and 'vulnerable' folks again being advised to shield, we thought it would be a good moment to launch an online morning service at 11am to seek to gather folks together, albeit from their homes. This will take place on zoom for the first time tomorrow morning and has been timed to avoid the Harlington morning service so all can come. The zoom gathering will be founded on experience from the Upper Room online service which enables us to sing in our homes, share readings, prayers, a Bible message, and time together. Tomorrow we will use the Lectionary Readings and consider the Baptism of Christ. Do join us if you can. There is no pressure to take part, you can just sit back and listen.
(Sadly, none of our churches yet have broadband facility so we cannot livestream a service from inside a church).
The Upper Room Online Service at 6pm on Sunday will have a short focus on Epiphany but we also begin to learn about Old Testament characters. This week Jon Denman will share a view on Adam. There will be songs, readings, prayers, and time to reflect and share.
Private Prayer
Toddington Church 10.30am Thursday morning for an hour (please dress warmly)
If you wish to have time at any of the other churches for Private Prayer please contact Linda or Nigel or the Churchwardens.
Morning Prayer by Zoom (links available from Rev'd Linda)
Monday 11th January at 9.30am
Tuesday 12th January at 9.30am
Wednesday 13th January at 9.30am
Harlington Wednesday 10am Morning Worship will be suspended for a couple of weeks but we are investigating other ways to stay in touch.
Events like Afternoon Tea times, Bible Study groups, and information about new opportunities to link together like 'What's App' church groups will be issued by a separate email.
We wish you a good day today and look forward to seeing you at some stage tomorrow.
God bless
Linda
2nd January 2021
Dear All
We hope Christmas was special for you even if it was limited by current circumstances. We have heard that many of you have enjoyed a different Christmas this year, with new links to family and friends.
As a wonderful symbolic sign at the start of this new year, the sun is high in a clear blue sky and everywhere is bathed in beautiful sunlight. How good it is to see the light and to know that days will be lengthening as we ease forward towards Springtime and nature's new life.
As we enter 2021 we wish you all a very special and blessed new year. May we soon be able to meet freely and to worship together again without restriction and to meet with family and friends. 2020 had more than enough challenges for us all and I think everyone is relieved to move forward into 2021 for a new start with hope and anticipation.
We are, however, still in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, although the hope of a vaccine is on the horizon. I have daily been keeping an eye on local Covid infection rates in Central Bedfordshire and on daily national news reports. Infection rates for this area are heading towards 'very high' and our hospitals and NHS are struggling to cope with the 'tsunami' of cases. The Virus is in our midst in this area and one lady who was admitted to the L and D hospital with the virus said:
"I would not wish this illness on anyone, please emphasise to your flock to be very vigilant and take care.
I followed every rule, hadn’t even been to the supermarket since October and still caught it."
She is, in her words, now on the long road to recovery and so grateful to the doctor who sent her to hospital 'just in time'.
We all have our part to play and so, in consultation with the PCCs and the Archdeacon, we have decided to suspend services at Toddington and Chalgrave churches this week to keep you safe and to avoid adding to these infection figures. We will review the situation weekly and look forward to offering a service at both churches very soon. However, for now, in Tier 4, I am sure that we can pray together in our homes and meet together virtually by zoom, or phone each other to keep in touch, and in so doing keep everyone safe.
Services this week:
No Sunday service in church at Chalgrave or Toddington churches
No Morning Prayer in Toddington church this Monday.
This week's recorded service is available on link above.
The Upper Room - no service this Sunday but it will return next week.
Private Prayer: Toddington Church
Sunday 11-12 noon
Thursday 10.30-11.30am
Chalgrave Church - please contact Linda if you would like to have time at church to pray. You are most welcome.
Morning Prayer by Zoom (please contact Rev'd Linda for links)
Monday January 4th 9.30am; Tuesday January 5th 9.30am; Wednesday January 6th 9.30am
Afternoon Tea by zoom (please contact Rev'd Linda for link)
Toddington Church Wednesday at 4.30pm
Chalgrave Church Tuesday at 4.30pm (Join an 8x8 meeting: contact Rev'd Linda for link)
A New Bible Study Course
I am looking at online resources with the intention to offer an online Bible study course/homegroup. I hope we can study 'The Bible Course' together and I am looking to host this one evening a week but will also offer a daytime option if folks prefer. Can you please let me know if you would be interested to join the course so I can gauge attendance.
Praying Together
A friend wrote at Christmas that now is the time to pray for our nation like never before.. this is certainly very true with all that is faced by so many. So, please join me this month in prayer, wherever you are, as this is prayer which we can all unite in praying. If you would like to be part of a prayer group praying together via zoom, and later in church, when this is possible, please do link back and let me know.
The Church of England 'Hope' worship free phone line:
The Church of England offers the Daily Hope resource – dial 0800 804 8044 for prayer, reflection, music and worship services from the Church of England. A weekly service is available from 9 am every Sunday.
Messy Church at home downloadable sessions:
https://www.messychurch.org.uk/resource/messy-church-home-april-june-downloadable-sessions
In the meantime please do contact us if you would like to discuss anything, however small. We are here to support you as you support others. As The Bishop of St Albans said earlier this week:
The Old Testament lesson for Epiphany comes from Isaiah 60. After sixty years in exile, God’s people have returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. The temple lies in ruins and they face opposition from some of their countrymen. In the midst of this depressing situation, God uses Isaiah to convey a powerful message of hope:
'Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.'
Amidst all the doom and gloom, these words are a reminder that even when we face the most difficult challenges, God is still with us. Like Isaiah in his day, God has entrusted us with a message of hope and light to share with those among whom we live.
Because the church buildings are closed it doesn't mean we need to be closed as the body of Christ, we can continue to live out His love and compassion. Epiphany is upon us, a time of revelation and of showing, so what better time to be galvanised by the insights we are receiving and to share with others what it is to be a follower of Jesus.
Stay safe and may this New Year be truly joyful, healthy and peaceful for you and yours.
Thank you all for your good wishes over the Christmas period, and for your continued support. May God bless you and your loved ones this day, and always.
with love and prayer
Linda and Nigel
26th December 2020
Dear All
We hope you have had a pleasant Christmas. It was good to see some of you at the carol services held at each church before 'lockdown', and also at Harlington Midnight Mass and at Harlington Church and Toddington Church on Christmas Morning. We hope you have enjoyed the Christmas recorded services.. and if not, do please have a look.. especially at the family service with Samson the donkey.
We are sending a quick email now to let you know that there will be morning services tomorrow at:
Harlington Church at 9.30am
Toddington (St George of England) Church at 11am. - A joint Toddington/Chalgrave Benefice Service. Please dress warmly as there is a gale blowing up at the moment.
Services at Westoning Church have been suspended during December.
With this Sunday falling so soon after Christmas Day there will be no recorded service issued this week nor Upper Room zoom service. To support the clergy at this busy time, Bishop Alan has recorded a video sermon message for this Sunday which we invite you to listen to at home. Please click on the download link below (click the 'command' button and the mouse to view).
Bishop Alan Download 570MB
Messy Church families and everyone, may like to view this video about the shepherds going to see baby Jesus–The Christmas Story. It gives us opportunity to reflect on the story and on our own personal response to Jesus.
Clergy are guided to take a week off after Christmas to recharge our batteries and Nigel and I look forward to stepping b back for a rest next week. We will not be sending out invitations for Afternoon Tea or Morning Prayer, but if you need any support please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. In the meantime, you may like to link up to Daily Hope, Messy church, or watch a Sunday service on tv or online. St Albans Abbey issue a weekly service and Harlington Web site offers a link to this service each week.
The Church of England offers the Daily Hope resource – dial 0800 804 8044 for prayer, reflection, music and worship services from the Church of England. A weekly service is available from 9 am every Sunday.
Messy Church at home downloadable sessions:
https://www.messychurch.org.uk/resource/messy-church-home-april-june-downloadable-sessions
Nigel and I wish you a peaceful Sunday, and thank you for your support, Christmas cards and good wishes. We look forward to seeing you all again soon but guide you please to take care of yourselves and stay safe during this Tier 4 lockdown.
God bless you all
Linda and Nigel
23rd December 2020
Dear Everyone,
At St George of England Church we delight in celebrating Christmas each year in the beauty of this ancient church, with the candles, the crib, the Christmas tree, and the light of the Advent Wreath which offer such a special worshipful atmosphere as we hear the Nativity story and give thanks for the birth of Jesus. However, this year will sadly be different due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
There have been some changes to our planned services:
23rd December Crib service cancelled
24th December – church open for private prayer from 3pm for 1 hour
24th December Christmas Eve Crib service 4pm – service cancelled
24th December 10pm service cancelled
25th December 10am service. Please contact Dee 872649 or Linda 714442 to give contact details and numbers attending.
I am very sorry to disappoint anyone who had been looking forward to coming to any of the cancelled services, but I hope you will understand our decision, which was taken in the light of Bedfordshire rapidly moving into Tier 3 and then Tier 4 last weekend, taking into account our local demographic and infection rates, the government guidelines that everyone should stay at home, and consideration of the personnel available to clean and steward. The health and safety of those coming to church is paramount in our thinking. Having just listened to the latest Government briefing this is even more important.
The Church has decided that it can best offer something of the Christmas Story by directing you to recorded services which we have devised. Links to these will be emailed out via the church email circulation list, and will also be posted on the church website, ‘A Church Near You’ page, and the church Facebook page. There is a Lessons and Carols service and a Family Service with guest visitor Samson The Donkey, and later in the week there will be a Nativity Service as well. There will also be a recorded service for Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning.
Next year, once this pandemic is over and we emerge safely, we plan as Church, to organise an All Age Celebratory event to express our joy and thanks that we can move forward. Then next Christmas, hopefully, we can return to our traditional ways.
We hope you understand these actions which are made with your care and safety in mind and we thank you for your understanding.
May we all hold fast to the Light of Christ. The Light is surely coming.
Stay safe and healthy and we offer you every blessing to you and your loved ones.
With love and prayer
Linda
12th Dec 2020
Dear All
We hope you are all keeping safe and well during this Advent time as we are look forward to celebrating Jesus' birth at Christmas.
This week with the first Covid vaccinations becoming available, our young people returning from university after what must have been a very strange first term and a wet and chilly week it has been a joy to meet up with some of our youth groups and with our young families for Christmas services in church; many of whom we have not been able to meet with since lockdown commenced in March. How special to see the children dressed up in their nativity costumes.. full of joy and anticipation. Our thanks go to Rebecca and Jenna for leading these services.
This week our schools prepare to close for the Christmas holidays after a really challenging term. In Toddington we will very sadly say farewell to Mrs Spencer as she retires from St George of England School. How many lives she has inspired and encouraged so wonderfully not only through her leadership but also through her Christian witness. I am personally very grateful to her for her incredible support and extremely dedicated hard work, and for her living faith, as will so many children and families.
Today, inspired by Nicholas, readers from across the Quintet have gathered to record Nativity readings for the Christmas Recorded services, which will be combined with carols recorded with Nicholas last week by the Quintet choir. Thank you so much to all involved in this wonderful gathering of resources which will enable us all to celebrate the wonderful message of Jesus' birth together, whether in church at Christmas services, or in our homes watching the recordings. There will be a family service for anyone not able to come to a crib service, and also a service of Lessons and Carols. These will be uploaded to the church web sites and Church Facebook pages next week-end, we hope, with links emailed to you.
Within the uncertainty of our current times, it is good to be able to reach out and grasp firmly to the Light, to Jesus, the Light of the World.. our Redeemer and our Saviour... the Son of God, born as a child, laid in a manger. The shepherds and the wise men journeyed to see this tiny babe, led by the shining light of a star. This week and during the Christmas weeks, you are invited on a journey too to 'Follow the Star' in Westoning - with a new star appearing in the village each day, and Toddington on the sensory trail around the village leading to the nativity in the North Porch of the church where you are invited to hang your star. There will also be a Nativity Trail in Harlington. Look out for more information on the Facebook pages and websites or contact Linda or Nigel for more information.
Services this week
The link for the Quintet recorded audio service for this week of Advent 3 is available above.
Services this Sunday:
Harlington Holy Communion 9.30am
Tingrith Holy Communion 9.30am
Westoning Holy Communion 11am
Toddington Holy Communion 11.15am
Chalgrave Service of Carols and Readings 2.30pm
The Upper Room zoom service continues the theme of Advent at 6pm online: Access link is available from Linda.
Christmas Carol Services
Chalgrave Church Service of Carols and Readings 2.30pm.Sunday 13th December.
Westoning Church 'Follow the Star' service of Readings and Carols 7.30pm Thursday 17th December
Chalgrave Church Carols by Candlelight service 7pm Saturday 19th December.
Tingrith Church: Nativity service 3pm Sunday 20th December.
Toddington Church 'Celebrating the Light' service of Carols and Readings 6pm Sunday 20th December
Harlington Church 'Celebrating the Light' Service of Lessons and Carols 7.30pm 21st December
Crib Services
Crib Service Toddington Wednesday 23rd and 24th December at 4pm
Crib Service Chalgrave Thursday 24th at 2.30pm
Crib Service Harlington Wednesday 23rd at 4pm and 24th at 5.30pm
Crib Service Westoning 21st 10am, 22nd 4pm, 23rd 2.30pm, 24th 4pm December
Midnight Mass services
Tingrith 8pm 24th December
Westoning 10pm 24th December
Toddington 10pm 24th December
Harlington 11.15pm 24th December
Chalgrave 11.15pm 24th December
Christmas Morning Services
Toddington Church Benefice service 10am
Harlington Church 10am
Westoning Church 10am
PLEASE NOTE: Each Christmas service will have limited places available and you are firmly encouraged please to book early for any services which you would like to attend as Social Distancing and Track and Trace guidelines will be in place. Unfortunately, it is possible that entry on the door without prior booking will not be permitted,
To reserve places:
For Toddington and Chalgrave Churches please contact: allsaintschurchchalgrave@gmail.com or (if no email available; phone 01525 874716
For Harlington Church please book on the church website booking button (or if no email available, phone 01525 873214)
For Westoning Church please book on the church website booking button at westoningchurch.org.uk or phone 01525 714442
For Tingrith Church: places limited so village priority for bookings.
We hope that you will have now received a printed Church Christmas card with all the key Christmas service information. Please contact us on 01525 714442 if you have not received this yet or if you need any further information
This week we continue:
Morning Prayer at Toddington at 9.30am on Monday
Morning Prayer by zoom at 9.30am Tuesday (link available from Linda)
Morning service with Holy Communion 10am Harlington Church
Private Prayer at Westoning at 12noon on Wednesday
Private Prayer at Toddington at 10.30am on Thursday.
Advent Course by Zoom on Tuesday eve at 7.30pm (contact Nigel on nwashy2@gmail.com if you wish to attend)
Toddington Afternoon Tea and Advent course Wednesday 4pm (Zoom link available from Linda)
There are some wonderful opportunities to worship together over the next few weeks. We look forward to gathering together either in church or remotely in our homes and send our love and prayers to you all.. especially remembering in our prayers those who are sick or recovering from surgery, those who are alone and those who grieve. Do please contact us if you would like any support or a friendly chat or a prayer.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
5th Dec 2020
Hello everyone
Please see above the link to this week's recorded service which has been kindly produced by the Quintet Readers Robert, Jon and Stephen this week. I hope you enjoy it.
This Sunday we are delighted to be able to return to worship together in our churches (post-lockdown) and will meet for the following services tomorrow:
Toddington Church
11.15am Holy Communion
Harlington Church
8am BCP Holy Communion
9.30am Service of the Word (no Communion)
Chalgrave Church
9.30am Holy Communion
Westoning Church
10am Family Service
The Upper Room zoom service at 6pm continues the theme of Advent. (Zoom link available from Linda). Or please let Nigel know if you would like to 'come along'. You are very welcome to attend any of our services across the Quintet.
Services and events this week:
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington church
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by Zoom (link available from Linda)
Tuesday Youth Group service Tuesday , Toddington Church (more details from Linda)
Tuesday 7.30pm Quintet Advent Course (by Zoom).. please let Nigel know if you would like to join.
Wednesday 10am Harlington Church Morning service (with Communion)
Thursday Youth Club service Westoning Church (more information from Nigel)
Friday 3.45pm Messy Church family Christmas Service, Toddington Church (more information from Linda)
Private Prayer arrangements
Westoning Church12 noon on Wednesday for an hour
Toddington Church 10.30am on Thursday
Chalgrave Church - Please contact Linda if you would like to visit the church for Private Prayer
Harlington Church- Please contact Nigel, Linda or Tricia if you would like to visit the church for Private Prayer
Zoom Afternoon Teas:
Toddington Wednesday at 4pm
Westoning and Harlington tbc
Printed Christmas cards have now been received ready for distribution within the parishes. You may already have received one in Westoning, Harlington and Tingrith and we thank everyone who has helped to distribute them.
Toddington and Chalgrave Church's Christmas Cards will be issued this week. If you have time to deliver to a street or two please let Linda or Dee know for Toddington and Linda for Chalgrave.
Thinking of you all.
with good wishes
Linda and Nigel
29th Nov 2020
Hello everyone,
As 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
15th Nov 2020
Dear all
It has been a strange week with the churches closed again so soon after we had adjusted to the new normal way of safely gathering to worship together, but the important thing is that we all stay safe and well. It has been good to meet up on zoom for Afternoon Tea and for Morning Prayer and to stay in touch, but it will be so good when we can meet in person again.
Please see above the link to this week's recorded service along with the service sheet and readings sheet.The service can also be accessed via the church Facebook pages and the Church websites.
At last the sunshine is out.. how uplifting the light is after a couple of wet and dreary days. We hope you are all keeping well and coping with this latest lockdown. It definitely seems harder this time with the days drawing in so quickly of an afternoon.. but we will soon be at the shortest day and light will draw us forth. In between time, we have begun to contemplate the Advent season of Watching and Waiting and to plan for Christmas services to celebrate Jesus' birth. Will we be gathered in church.. We certainly hope so!
Last Sunday we 'Remembered' on Remembrance Sunday and on Wednesday 11th November 'Armistice Day', in new ways, with a limited number of representatives able to attend at the different war memorials, but despite the church doors being closed and our Sunday morning Services being cancelled, people showed their respects by laying poppy tributes within the stone outlined crosses at various churches and Toddington Village enjoyed following the Poppy Trail to raise funds for the British Legion.
This week as we move into a second lockdown week, we will continue to offer opportunities to gather together. These will be:
Afternoon Tea Zoom sessions - please contact Linda for link
Harlington Wednesday 3pm
Toddington Wednesday 4pm
Westoning Thursday 4pm
Chalgrave Monday 5pm
Services this week by Zoom - please contact Linda for link
The Upper Room 6pm Sunday 15 November which will be lead by Jenna (Ordinand at Westoning). This week's theme is 'O God My Father'.
Morning Prayer by Zoom (re-arranged times this week due to funerals and Church Private Prayer sessions)
Tuesday 17th 9.30am
Wednesday 18th 9.30am
Private Prayer at Church
Westoning Church 12 noon, Wednesday and 10.30am on Sunday
Harlington Church 10am Thursday (and possibly Sunday tbc)
Toddington Church 10am Thursday (please note the different time for this week) and Sunday 11am
Chalgrave Church 10.30am Thursday and 10am Sunday
If you wish to follow Daily Prayer at home, you can download the Church of England App to your phone from the App store. It is a light blue circular background with the words Daily Prayer. This will give you daily access to Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night prayers and includes the daily Bible Readings.
The Lectio 365 app is also a valuable prayer resource.
If you have any prayer requests please contact Linda or Nigel (01525 714442)
PCC meetings this week:
Chalgrave Wednesday 18th 7pm
Toddington Monday 16th 7.30pm
We wish you a good week. Please do get in touch if we can help or support in any way. We pray for your wellbeing and good health.
God bless
Linda & Nigel
7thNov 2020
Hello everyone.
It has been another eventful week after last Saturday's unexpected news that churches would be closed during the second lockdown period. This news came as a surprise, just before Remembrance Sunday and as we move forward into Advent season.
As I am sure you will all now be aware places of worship are not permitted to open until 2nd December - although each church can open for Private Individual Prayer and also for funerals (which can host 30 people). The Archbishop of Canterbury and other senior leaders are appealing to the government for permission to open the churches for Public worship, but as it stands today, this is still not possible. We will update you on any developments.
Tomorrow's Remembrance events have been modified and will be small affairs, without parades or public involvement. The British Legion suggest people stand on their doorsteps to mark their sign of Remembrance. Government guidelines say that if the public walk by they can stand to remember but must remain socially distanced.
Harlington Church - there will be no service in church following the small Remembrance Service at the war memorial. Robert has prepared a sensitive and informative recorded Remembrance Service which will be available for all the Quintet churches via the Church websites or Church Facebook pages and can be accessed by the usual service link, although we will circulate this to you later once the service is uploaded.
Chalgrave Church - a small group will gather at the memorial in the Church grounds at 9.30am for a short service to pay our respects and to lay poppy crosses in memory of those who died during the war. Social distancing must be adhered to and please also wear a face covering.
Toddington Village - there will be a small British Legion Service on Toddington Green from 10.45am. I understand that there will not be the laying of wreaths by the different organisations this year.
Toddington Church - no Remembrance service is possible as the church will be closed, but this week please lay a poppy cross or a painted remembrance stone within the stone cross marked out in the church grounds. (This is also part of the Toddington 'One Hundred Poppy Trail' to raise funds for the British Legion).
Tingrith Church - a short act of Remembrance at 9.30am in the church grounds with opportunity to lay a token of remembrance.
Westoning Church - 10.30am Private Prayer in church. A short act of Remembrance in the church grounds by the vicar at 11am. Markers of Remembrance can be laid by the Tommy, within the stone cross outline (crosses are available in the church porch).
This week there will be the following events:
Private Individual Prayer
Westoning Church - Private Prayer 12 noon, Wednesday (for one hour)
Chalgrave Church - Private Prayer 10.30am Thursday for an hour
Toddington Church - Private Prayer 10.30am Thursday for an hour
Harlington Church - Private Prayer 10am Thursday for an hour.
Tingrith Church - Private Prayer in church by request (please contact Nigel)
Zoom gatherings:
The Upper Room service on Sunday 6pm. Please contact Linda if you would like the access code to join the worship service.
Morning Prayer by zoom 9.30am Tuesday and Thursday. Link available from Linda.
Afternoon Tea gatherings (These will take place in the afternoon as the days are shorter, to enable folks to enjoy daylight as much as possible).
Toddington Church Wednesday afternoon 4pm
Harlington Church Wednesday afternoon 3pm
Westoning Church Thursday afternoon 4pm
Chalgrave Church Thursday afternoon 4.30pm
We as churches are also called by the Archbishops to pray each day for the nation. Links to led prayers are issued on the Church Facebook pages each day with led prayers at 6pm. Today we pray for all who are grieving, and all those living with illnesses and everyone struggling with mental health. (The link is also available on hashtag PrayerForTheNation on Instagram and the Archbishop of Canterbury on Facebook).
Do please let us know of any concerns or questions which you may have. We also please encourage you to let us know of any prayer requests so we can cover these.
With love and prayers to you all. Our thoughts are with you.
Linda and Nigel
31st Oct 2020
Dear all
This week's service focuses on All Saints Day but also with an In Loving Memory theme.
The service allows time towards the end of the service for you to light a candle in memory of a loved one or loved ones, to give thanks for their lives, and to remember them.
The service can be accessed via the link above.
If you prefer to come to one of the In Loving Memory services at church, you are most welcome, but please let us know the names of those you wish to remember and the names of anyone attending.
Other services this week are:
Monday: Toddington Church Morning Prayer 9.30am
Tuesday: zoom Morning Prayer 9.30am
Wednesday: Harlington Church morning Holy Communion 10am and Westoning Private Prayer at noon for an hour
Thursday: Toddington Church No Morning Prayer or Private Prayer (we have Electrical safety checks taking place in church this week).
Please note that the zoom Upper Room service will be at the later time of 7pm this Sunday.
Our thoughts are with you all. We pray that you are safe and well. Please let us know if we can help or support you in any way.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
24th Oct 2020
Dear all
We hope you have had a good week, with opportunity to enjoy the changing autumnal colours as the leaves' beautiful hues draw us towards the changing seasons. This week Nigel and I had the privilege of leading an assembly at Parkfields school on Tuesday, after which I joined a walk from Chalgrave to Toddington with the youth group, led by Rebecca in which we stopped to listen to the sounds around us and paused to reflect on the countryside landmarks. How soon the light drops from light to darkness just before 7pm. But the clocks go back an hour at 2am tomorrow so the light will shine for a little longer in our days.
In these changing seasons we approach the season of Remembrance. Next Sunday (1st November) on All Saints Day we will offer 'In Loving Memory' services to remember loved ones who have died - a time with opportunity to step aside from the busyness of life, to reflect and to remember. Four churches will offer this service next week (1st November):
Westoning Church 11am (places now full) and 3pm ((Places still available... please contact Linda Little 01525 714064 to reserve a place)
Harlington Church 5pm
Toddington Church 3.30pm (please note revised time)
Chalgrave Church 9.30am (combined with Morning Worship) revised from 2.30pm
Tingrith Church offers a combined 'In Loving Memory' service and Remembrance service the following Sunday 8th November at 9.30am.
If you would like to register the name of a loved one to be remembered please contact:
Linda for Toddington and Chalgrave,
Linda or Nigel for Harlington and
Nigel for Westoning and Tingrith.
There will also be the usual morning services next week (1st November) at:
Toddington Church 11.15am
Harlington Church 9.30am
Westoning Church 11am
This Sunday's services 25 October 2020, 'Bible Sunday' are as follows:
Harlington Church 9.30am Holy Communion
Tingrith Church 9.30am Holy Communion
Westoning Church 11am Holy Communion
Toddington Church 11.15am Holy Communion
Chalgrave Church 2.30pm Afternoon Praise and Worship followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) 3pm
Upper Room by Zoom on Sunday at 6pm has the theme of 'Thou my Best Thought'. Link to be issued separately. Please contact Nigel to register your interest.
This week's services and events:
Monday: Toddington Church Morning Prayer 9.30am
Tuesday: Morning Prayer by Zoom 9.30am (please request access link from Linda)
Wednesday: Harlington 10am Holy Communion.
Westoning 12 noon Private Prayer for an hour
Thursday: Toddington Morning Prayer 9.30am
Please note the `Upper Room Service next Sunday (1st November) will be at the later time of 7pm
We wish you a very happy week. Please keep safe.
God bless
Linda
18th Oct 2020
Dear All
This week our services are as follows:
Harlington Church - 9.30am Confirmation Service with Holy Communion - led by Bishop Richard, the Bishop of Bedford (Please hold Dawn in your prayers) - the service sheet for this service will be issued in a follow on email.
Chalgrave Church - 9.30am Morning Worship (No Communion this week)
Westoning Church - 10am Families Service (No Communion this week)
Toddington Church - 11.15am Morning Worship (No Communion this week)
The Upper Room Zoom worship 6pm - all welcome. Please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
Services and Events during the week:
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer - Toddington Church
Monday 5pm Tingrith Church APCM in church
Monday 7pm Evening Prayer followed by APCM meeting at 7.30pm - Toddington Church
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by zoom - please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
Tuesday 6pm Toddington/Chalgrave churches' Youth Group Walk
Wednesday 10am Harlington Church - Holy Communion Service
Wednesday 12 noon - Private prayer for an hour at Westoning Church
Thursday 9.30am Morning Prayer - Toddington Church
Thursday 10.30am Private Prayer - Toddington Church
Sunday 2.30pm Chalgrave Church worship service followed by APCM (No morning service)
This week's recorded audio service is available on Harlington Web Site via link above and on the individual Church Facebook pages.
We hope you are all keeping well. Please keep safe.
Do please link with us if we can support, chat, pray or help in any way.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
10th Oct 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you are well and keeping safe. This week has been a busy week for us, as I am sure it has been for you too. We enjoyed grabbing time together to record this week's service and hope you find it helpful.. especially if you can't get to church tomorrow, or are shielding.
Please see above the link to the recorded audio service for this week, the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity .
Church Services this week:
Toddington Church: 11.15am Holy Communion in church
Chalgrave Church: 9.30am Holy Communion Service in church
Harlington Church: 9.30am Holy Communion Service in church
Tingrith Church: 9.30am Morning Worship in church
Westoning Church: 11am Holy Communion service, in church
Social Distancing will apply at each church and you are requested to please wear a face mask in church. You will already be aware to sanitise your hands on entering the church, before coming forward to receive Communion, and also as you leave church. We have a QR code up at the entrance to each church if you are using the NHS track and trace app, but your names and contact details will also be listed for Track and Trace purposes. When coming forward to receive the Communion wafer please extend out your arms with open palms to receive the wafer. This is to maintain a safe distance between you and the minister.
Other Services this week and upcoming events:
Sunday 6pm The Upper Room worship by Zoom, with the theme of 'Be Thou My Vision' (please contact Rev'd Linda for the link)
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer Toddington Church
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by Zoom (please ask Linda for the link)
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship, Harlington Church
Wednesday 12 noon an hour of Private Prayer, Westoning Church
Thursday 10.30am Private Prayer, Toddington Church
Next week's Sunday services and events
Toddington 11.15am Morning Worship
Chalgrave 9.30am Morning Worship
Harlington 9.30am Confirmation Service with Bishop Richard
Tingrith - no service
Westoning 10am A special Family Service (no 11am service)
Monday 19th Toddington Annual Parochial Church Meeting (7.30pm) commencing with Evening Prayer at 7pm
Sunday 25th Chalgrave Annual Parochial Church Meeting commencing with public worship at 2.30pm (no morning service).
We send you our prayers and our care. Please do link with us if you need a chat or wish to share.
God bless
Linda & Nigel
3rdOct 2020
Hello everyone,
We hope you are all keeping well? This week we seem to have moved swiftly from Indian Summer to a Winter 'monsoon' with a big drop in temperatures and lots of rainfall. The season of jumpers and woollies and central heating seems to be suddenly upon us.
With the change in temperature, all our churches are meeting indoors this Sunday for services, as follows:
Toddington - 11.15am Holy Communion
Chalgrave 9.30am Holy Communion (our first Sunday service in church since March).
Harlington 9.30am Holy Communion
Tingrith - no service this week but next Sunday at 9.30am will be a Service of the Word.
Westoning - 11am Morning worship with a baptism, followed by Annual Parochial Church Meeting at 12 noon
Each service will follow social distancing guidelines so please wear a face covering whilst inside the church building and sanitise your hands on entering and on leaving the building.
The Holy Communion Services will use the churches' red Common Worship books (which we can safely isolate afterwards). Above is attached a copy of this week's blue reading sheet in case you wish to print this, but there will be sufficient copies in church to hand out, if you don't.
Nigel and I have recorded a service this week by audio, which is available online via Harlington's Church website (see link above) or on Facebook, to listen to all week, and beyond. The service sheet for this week's recorded service is attached so you can follow the service and join in with the responses. The hymns by St Martins Singers offer a lovely opportunity to sing along at home (where we are still able to sing!). Nicholas has also played some lovely musical accompaniment.
The Upper Room Zoom service at 6pm this Sunday considers 'Finding Peace with God' with several speakers sharing their experiences. Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code.
Services and events this week:
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by Zoom (Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code)
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship at Harlington Church
Wednesday 6pm 60 Minutes with God prayer time by Zoom. A time to pray for our churches (Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code)
Thursday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington followed by Private Prayer at 10.30am.
APCM Meetings
Westoning Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 4th October 12 noon following the morning service.
Harlington Annual Parochial Church Meeting Monday 5th October 7pm commencing with a short act of public worship.
Toddington's Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Monday 19th October (not Thursday October 8th), commencing with Evening Prayer public worship at 7pm and APCM following at 7.30pm
Chalgrave Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Sunday 25th October 2.30pm (No morning service this Sunday), commencing with a short act of public worship.
Tingrith APCM - date and time to be confirmed.
Zoom Coffee mornings:
Harlington 10.30am on Tuesday
Westoning 10am Thursday
We wish you every blessing. Do get in touch with us if we can support you in any way, or if you just fancy a chat or a prayer.
Linda and Nigel
26th Sept 2020
Dear All
We wish you a peaceful Sunday and week to follow. The weather has been transformed these past few days, and I confess that we are 'testing' the heating this evening as it is suddenly so cold! We hope you are keeping well and keeping strong and safe in current days. Do please get in touch with us if you need any support, a chat, a prayer, or a joke from Nigel to make you smile!
This week our recorded service is slightly different. It is an audio service.. which I am listening to as I type.. it is very clear to listen to and although we prepared it, it feels comforting and prayerful to listen to. Do let us know if you would like more services like this in the week.. eg Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, prayers during the day?
We are also keen to consider how we can 'meet together' in home groups, Bible Study groups, prayer groups, to grow in faith together. Would you be interested in something like this?
This week's recorded service has kindly been uploaded by Robert to Harlington Church web site. The order of service which accompanies the recorded service includes a written reflection but the audio service offers a different sermon from Linda and Nigel. There are hymns from St Martin's in the Fields, music by Nicholas and Robert has also included some photos of the different churches. Do let us know your feedback on the service. Do you prefer audio or video?
Tomorrow's Morning Worship services are: Chalgrave at 9.30am and Toddington at 11.15am. Both services will be led by Stephen Farmer, who serves as Reader. I hope to also be at the Toddington service, following on from Harlington Harvest service which is at 9.30am.
Last week, we had wonderful Harvest services at both churches, with Bishop Alan. Chalgrave was blessed by sunshine and we enjoyed an outdoor service with Communion. Toddington service was indoors and it was great to have David Owen, our organist, with us for the first time since lockdown in March, to play wonderful music and hymns on the organ (although we couldn't sing, we hummed along). Thank you all so much for your generous contributions to the Food bank. Dee and Malcolm have made several trips to relay the crates of food for distribution.. thank you! How special it was to be together, celebrating harvest, but also enjoying being together.
Tomorrow evening we also host the Quintet Upper Room zoom service at 6pm on the theme of 'The Storms of Life'). Please contact Linda or Nigel for access details.
Other events this week:
Morning Prayer at Toddington Church: Monday 9.30am in the Chancel
Private Prayer at Toddington Church: Thursday afternoon at 3.30pm
Morning Prayer at Toddington Church: Friday 9.30am in the Chancel (Change of day due to our Quinquennial Inspection on Thursday morning)
If anyone would like to visit Chalgrave Church for Private Prayer please contact Linda. You will be most welcome to spend some quiet individual time in church.
Prayers: Please hold our congregations in your prayers. One or two people need prayer for healing (Rachel, Susie). We also thank Iain so much for compiling our recent recorded services and wish him and Jess every blessing this week. We pray for the mission and fellowship of our churches and we give thanks for our times together. We pray for our schools and for the wellbeing of all who attend, for local businesses, and for the safety of all who work in the NHS: for medical and care services - being especially aware of family members and loved ones.
If you have a heart to pray together please do let me know. At times like this, prayer is such an important foundation for our church life and Church family.
With every good wish and in the love of Jesus Christ
Linda and Nigel
19th Sept 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you have had a good week in the Autumn Sunshine. The schools are back; the roads are busier as more people return to work, we celebrated Chalgrave Church's 800 years anniversary last week in glorious sunshine with a picnic and a Thanksgiving service; the last of the tomatoes are ripening, there are blackberries in the hedgerow ready for picking to go with the fallen apples and pears, we harvested a home grown marrow... What a wonderful time of year this is.
Autumn is traditionally the time when our churches celebrate harvest and this week we have harvest celebrations at three churches:
Westoning Church at 11am
Chalgrave Church 9.30am outdoor Harvest Service, (Please bring your own chair)
Toddington Church 11.15am Harvest Service inside Church.
We are delighted that Bishop Alan, the Bishop of St Albans will be joining us at both Chalgrave and Toddington Churches to preach and to celebrate Communion. He has been wanting to visit the churches for some time, so we are delighted that he can be with us tomorrow.
Next Sunday Harlington Church will celebrate their Harvest Service at 9.30am and Tingrith celebrates theirs will be at 4pm.
Each church will be sending their harvest donations to the local foodbank this year as so many people are in need. Toddington, Chalgrave and Harlington churches send their foodbank contributions to Dunstable foodbank. Westoning and Tingrith send theirs to the local branch with any fresh produce going to the Noah project. Any harvest donations you are able to offer will be very much appreciated. Besides the usual Social distancing measures for our services inside church and outside church, there will be a separate area to place your Harvest donations so you can place the donations socially distanced to avoid contact. Items will be isolated safely until they can be passed on to Foodbank.
This week we also follow the latest government guidelines to avoid 'mingling' socially, and to be aware of the requirement not to meet in individual groups of more than 6.
Other Services this week:
Zoom Upper Room Service at 6pm Sunday eve. This week's theme is: The Storms of Life. Please request the access link from Nigel at nwashy2@gmail.com.
This week's recorded service was filmed at Chalgrave Church. Do click in to see the beautiful scenery of the church and the church grounds, especially at the end of the service. Nigel is preaching and Philip and Eileen from Westoning church offer the readings.
Monday and Thursday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington Church, followed by an hour of private prayer at 10.30am on Thursday.
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship, Harlington Church
Westoning church -hour of Private Prayer 12 noon on Wednesday
Wednesday 8pm Westoning Going Deeper prayer hour by zoom (request a link from Nigel)
Please hold our schools in your prayers this week as they work hard to teach and care for the children whilst facing many functional challenges linked to Covid-19.
Please also pray for Debbie and Daryl who get married at Harlington Church on Friday.
We wish you every blessing this week,
Linda and NigelPrevious messages from Rev'd Linda Washington, Priest-in-Charge
(see Home Page for the most recent message)
12th Sept 2020
Dear All
It has been a busy week but we have had some super events in the churches and the weather has been kind with such lovely sunshine. We hope you are all keeping well and enjoying opportunity to get out in the fresh air?
This Sunday's services are:
Harlington Morning worship at 9.30am inside church (please wear face coverings)
Tingrith Morning Worship at 9.30am inside church (Please wear face coverings)
Westoning Morning Worship at 11am inside church (Please wear face coverings)
Toddington Morning Worship at 11.15am in the church grounds - socially distanced. (service sheet attached)
Chalgrave 800 yrs celebration Picnic at 1pm for church family members, followed by the 800 years Service of Thanksgiving at 2.30pm. Numbers will be limited for SD reasons to Chalgrave Church members. Please bring your own chair and your own picnic. We are pleased to also welcome Bishop Richard and his wife Helen.
6pm Quintet Upper Room zoom service: topic: Inspiring People. Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code.Services and Prayer time this week
Toddington Morning Prayer Monday and Thursday mornings at 9.30am Chancel door entry
Harlington Morning Worship Wednesday 10am
Westoning Private Prayer Wednesday morning 12 noon for an hour
Harlington, Toddington and Chalgrave churches are available for Private prayer but please contact Linda, Nigel or a Church Warden to organise a convenient time.
Recorded Service Our thanks go out to Robert and Steve who read this week, to the Dean of St Albans for his sermon, to Nicholas for our music, (plus St Martins in the Fields for two hymns) and to Iain who is editing (with a few extra challenges this week).
Next Sunday we have Harvest services at:
Chalgrave Church at 9.30am (new regular service time) and at Toddington Church (continuing to meet at 11.15am for the near future). Both harvest services will be a little different to usual. Instead of decorating the churches we are inviting contributions to the Foodbank please. Bishop Alan, the Bishop of St Albans will be joining us.
Westoning Church Harvest service at 11am. Donations to the Foodbank
Dates for the Church APCM meetings are as follows:
Westoning church 4th October at 12 noon after the morning service
Tingrith tbc
Harlington 5th October at 7pm in church following a service of Public Worship
Toddington tbc
Chalgrave 3pm 18th October following a service of Public Worship
Do please link with us if you would like a chat, or any support,
with our best wishes
Linda and Nigel
5th Sept 2020
Dear All
As I write this email the sun is shining down and I look out to the Sunflowers dipping under the weight of their flowers, the green, green grass of home which is thriving, and there is a hint of Autumn in the air. It has been a good week for us and I hope it has been good for you too.
Looking ahead to the coming week there are a few tweaks on timings and types of services as we adjust towards settling back into church:
Sunday Services:
Tingrith Church: 9.30am Morning Service, in church
Harlington Church: 9.30am Morning Service, in church
Chalgrave Church: 10am Morning Service, with Holy Communion, outside in the church grounds (please bring a chair)
Westoning Church: 11am Morning Service, in church
Toddington Church: 11.15am Holy Communion service, in church.
For each service, social distancing measures will be in place, but please wear a face covering for services in church.
Online Upper Room Sunday service: This week's theme is 'Passing the Baton' and it will be held at the new time of 6pm. All Welcome. Please contact Linda for zoom link.
Other Services and events
Morning Prayer at Toddington on Monday and Thursday mornings at 9.30am, in the Chancel
Morning Service at Harlington on Wednesday mornings at 10am.
Private Prayer Opportunities
Westoning Church: Wednesday at noon for one hour
Chalgrave and Toddington Churches.. anyone wishing to go into church for a period of private prayer is most welcome. Please contact Linda or the church wardens to request a convenient time.
Harlington Church.. anyone wishing to go into church for a period of private prayer is most welcome. Please contact Linda, Nigel or Tricia to request a convenient time.
Next Saturday is a busy day with the Beds and Herts Bike and Hike fundraising activity, which is a great opportunity to visit churches in the area, have exercise in the fresh air, and also raise funds for our own churches and for Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust (who have been very supportive to various grant requests from our churches this year). Please consider if you are either able to take part or or able to sponsor someone who is taking part.
Next Saturday is also : Gift Day for Harlington Church.. More details from Tricia or Neil, Churchwardens.
The wedding of Andrea and Wayne at Chalgrave Church (postponed from May due to church closure)
The 800 years anniversary week-end of Chalgrave church, which Church family members will be celebrating in a gentle way on Sunday afternoon... not quite what we had originally planned but please pray for good weather for our church family picnic and the small outdoor service in the afternoon. We would love to invite all the Quintet but the bigger celebration event will take place next year, when we will hopefully all be able to gather freely and joyfully again.
Zoom Coffee Mornings have paused for a few weeks. Please let us know if you miss these and would like them to continue (albeit perhaps fortnightly or monthly).
We are also looking at other possible ways to move forward together in faith.. Would you like some form of Bible study group or virtual home group? Do please let us know your thoughts and any ideas.
With every good wish
Linda and Nigel
29th Aug 2020
Dear all
We hope you are all keeping well and safe.. and surviving the storms, rain and winds this week - well it is a bank holiday weekend!
There is no video recorded service this week with it being a Bank holiday weekend, but Nigel and I have issued a link to an audio recording (but without hymns) - please see above. We expect to return to recorded services the following week.
Our Sunday Services this week:
Other Services and events this week:
Morning Prayer at Toddington Tuesday morning at 9.30am (Different day due to Bank Holiday Monday)
Morning Service at Harlington Wednesday morning at 10am (outside if the weather is suitable)
Private Prayer:
Harlington Church 10-11am on Thursday
Toddington Church 10-11.30am on Thursday
Chalgrave Church 11-12 noon on Thursday
Westoning Church 12 -1pm on Wednesday
Future Sunday Service changes:
From September 6th Harlington Church Morning service will move to 9.30am
The Upper Room zoom service will move to 6pm
Toddington Church hosts a Scarecrow Festival on Sunday afternoon and Bank Holiday Monday afternoon.. programmes available from Wilkinson Hall where refreshments will also be served (outside). Other items of interest in the hall.. (with social distancing measures in place). More information from Dee.
Harlington Church and the village have welcomed the return of the church bells this week. There have been so many happy comments from the village community noting their familiar return.. they are a landmark sound. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the donation appeal and for your generosity.
Chalgrave Church PCC meeting Wednesday eve.
Beware of email scam
There are reports around the country of a growing number of cases of emails impersonating clergy being sent to request a variety of things including purchase of gift cards and vouchers. Please note that we will never ask you by email to spend your own money for the church. In many cases the sender's email is: churchonline948@gmail.com. (This has been reported to the government phishing address). Please be careful.
With best wishes
Linda and Nigel
22nd Aug 2020
Dear All,
We hope you are well and enjoying the month of August. Sundays are now very busy across the Quintet with a series of services taking place.
Services on offer this Sunday are as follows: Tingrith Open Air at 10.15am; Harlington Open Air at 10.15am; Chalgrave Open Air at 10.30am; Westoning Open Air at 11am and
Toddington Open Air at 11.15am
The services in the open air are dependent on good weather conditions so contingency plans for moving inside if the weather is poor have been made.
The Zoom Upper Room Service is live at 9am. The invitation is for all to call by and listen to this 60 minute time of music scripture reflection and prayer.
We are grateful for Steve Farmer who has presented this week's Pre-recorded Service, Fran and Linda who have undertaken readings, Iain Grant who has edited it and Nicholas Hopton who has provided the music.
Other services this week......
Morning Prayer in the chancel in Toddington Church 9.30am on Monday
Open Air Service at Harlington Church 10am on Wednesday
Private Prayer at Westoning Church at 12 noon on Wednesday.
Private Prayer at Chalgrave, Toddington and Harlington Churches at 10am on Thursday
Funerals taking place this week;
Toddington Church: Tuesday 25th August at 11am, Maureen Toms
Toddington Church: Thursday 27th August at 2pm Graeme Renshaw
Toddington Church Scarecrow Festival- next weekend, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st from 12.30-4pm. Scarecrows will be displayed in front gardens and the churchyard. Maps for viewing the scarecrows £5 per family or group and individual visitors £1. More information from Dee
Please let us know if you would like a chat or support in any way.
We send you our love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
15th Aug 2020
Dear all
It has been a strange week with temperatures blazing at the beginning of the week and rain, storms and fog at the end of the week. Our busy schedules have been varied too and on some days we have barely caught a glimpse of each other. Next week, however, we will be easing back for a few days breather.. catching up on a few days off to rest and looking to have some time to reflect and plan as we move forward within the churches.
Our recorded service has been compiled by Iain from Toddington this week.. and huge thanks go to him for his time...(and also for his time trying to save my crashed computer this week.. which has sadly died because the hard drive is worn out!). It feels strangely symbolic. Years of information stored from family, church, and work over the years.. suddenly inaccessible and potentially lost. Just a little stressful! But we give thanks for the skills and willingness of folk to help.. and hopefully my files have been recovered even though my computer has had enough!
The link to the recorded service this week runs from our new St George of England, Toddington You Tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikWsc99ueTI (Hold down the command button and click with the computer mouse and it should take you to the service).
This week our churches will hold Sunday Morning Outdoor Services (but each church will have an option to move into the church building if there is heavy rain).
Harlington Church 10.15am Outdoor service (Service sheets will be provided)
Chalgrave 10.30am Outdoor service. Please bring a chair and a copy of the Chalgrave service sheet.
Westoning Church 11am Outdoor service (service sheets provided)
Toddington Church 11.15am Outdoor service (service sheets available or bring last week's/ use link above to print sheet)
Wednesday Morning: Harlington Church 10am Outdoor service
Tingrith Church will meet next Sunday at 10.15am for an open air service.
OTHER SERVICES THIS WEEK
Monday 9.30am : Toddington Church Morning Prayer
Tuesday 9.30am : Morning Prayer by zoom. Please ask Linda for the zoom access link
Thursday 10am - 11.30am : Church open for Private Prayer
There will be no zoom mid-week gatherings this week.
We will issue shortly the dates for each church's Annual Parochial Church Meetings which could not take place in April due to church closures but now need to take place by 31st October.
We wish you a very blessed week and look forward to seeing you soon.
God bless
Linda
8th Aug 2020
Hello Everyone
We have pleasure in attaching the link for the recorded service this week which was filmed at Harlington Church and includes beautiful hymns and music courtesy of the choir of St Martins in the Field and Nicholas who leads our hymns and music with such enthusiasm and gifting. The service includes Bible readings by Iain from Toddington Church and Larry from Chalgrave Church, and a sincere meaningful sermon by Bishop Alan, Bishop of St Albans, based on personal experience. The service has been edited by Dr Robert Johns of Harlington Church for the last time, and we extend our most grateful thanks to him for his tremendous commitment and dedication in editing and preparing the service each week over these past months of lockdown. He is stepping back this week to focus more fully on his Readership role and passes the baton on to Iain who has kindly offered to edit our future recorded services. We extend our most sincere thanks to both Robert and Iain. The link for this week's service is: http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service-2/
This week there are one or two modifications to our usual routine of events to accommodate other special services. Please note that there will be no private prayer at Toddington this week on Thursday morning to allow the 72 hours Covid safety clearance before holding a Wedding in Church on 15th August.
There will also be an act of Remembrance at 11am on 15th August at Toddington war memorial to mark the remembrance of VJ day. (This event will be socially distanced - with limited numbers able to gather).
Services this week:
Sunday Upper Room zoom service 9am considers favourite characters from the Bible with contributions from different members of the Quintet churches. It is a special time sharing together, as we gather via the internet. Do join us if you can. Please contact Linda or Nigel for access link, see contact details below.
Outdoor Services on Sunday 9th August (it will be helpful if you could please print your own copy of the appropriate Outdoor Sunday Morning Service sheet - see link above this message heading).
Tingrith Church 10.15am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Harlington Church 10.15am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Chalgrave Church 10.30am - please bring a chair and a printed copy of the Sunday 9th attached service if possible, but copies will be available.
Westoning Church 11am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Toddington Church 11.15am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer in the Chancel in Toddington Church.. please gather at the Chancel door.
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by zoom. Please ask Linda for the zoom access link
Wednesday 10am Harlington Church outdoor gathering for Morning Prayer.
Wednesday 8pm Churches Together in Harlington zoom service. All welcome.
Private Prayer
Westoning Church 12 noon on Wednesday
Chalgrave Church 11am on Thursday
Zoom gatherings:
Tuesday 10.30am Harlington
Wednesday 11am Toddington
No zoom gathering at Westoning this week.
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.
Wishing you every blessing this week
Linda and Nigel
1st Aug 2020
Dear All
We hope you have had a good week and have enjoyed the lovely sunshine this week-end. It was a scorcher on Friday!
Online Recorded Service: This week our recorded service, which was filmed at Tingrith Church, can be accessed on this usual link: http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service-2/ If you have difficulties accessing by the link, please also consider logging on to Harlington Church website where you will find a link for This Sunday's service linked to a picture, which you can click and it will take you direct to the filmed service.
Online The Upper Room Service: 9am Sunday morning: please contact Linda or Nigel for access link, see contact details below.
Outdoor Sunday Service: Our outdoor Sunday morning services are proving to be increasingly popular as an opportunity to gather in safety in the fresh air. This week we meet as follows:
Harlington Church 10.15am (Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet)
Chalgrave Church 10.30am (please bring a chair) Sunday 2nd August Service Sheet
Westoning Church 11am (please bring a chair) Sunday 2nd August Service Sheet
Toddington Church 11.15am (please bring a chair although some chairs will be provided) Sunday 2nd August Service Sheet
next week Tingrith Church will also meet for their first outdoor service at 10.15am on Sunday.
While there is an increased risk of virus spread, we will continue to meet outdoors on Sunday mornings (and Wednesday morning at Harlington) - weather permitting.
At each service, please sterilise your hands on arrival and on leaving. If possible, please print and bring your own copy of the respective service sheet and take it home with you afterwards (there will be some copies available at each church). Service sheets attached Sunday 2nd August will be used at Chalgrave, Toddington and Westoning. Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet will be used at Harlington. A list of attendees and contact numbers will be taken at each service for track and trace purposes.
Zoom gatherings this week:
9.30am Tuesday Morning Prayer (please ask Linda for the access link)
10.30am Tuesday Harlington Church
10.15am Wednesday Westoning Church
11am Wednesday Toddington/Chalgrave Churches
Other Services and events:
9.30am Monday Morning Prayer in the Chancel at Toddington Church (Government guidance requires that we now wear a face mask inside the building for Public Worship). Please meet at the Chancel door.
10am Wednesday Morning Prayer gathering outdoors at Harlington Church
Private Prayer:
Thursday 11-12 noon Chalgrave Church
Thursday 10- 11am Harlington Church
Thursday 10-11.30am Toddington Church
Wednesday 12 -1pm Westoning Church
If you would be interested to gather for an 8am BCP service of Morning Prayer at Harlington Church, next Sunday 9th August, can you please let me or Nigel know.
Finance
You may have heard on the news this week about the financial difficulties of Westminster Abbey which has suffered greatly from the loss of tourist and service income (12 million pounds deficit due to the Covid-19 situation so far this year). Unfortunately, many churches are facing deficit situations with our doors having been closed for so long. During the lockdown, our main focus within the Quintet, and within St Albans diocese, has to be to support you as best as we can, and to provide services and gatherings to allow us to worship and meet together. This continues to be our focus alongside your pastoral well being. However, church finances are a concern for the future and so we need to come up to date with new technology and opportunities to meet the approach of the cashless society. For now, there continues to be an offering plate available at each church at our services (both indoor and outdoor) to receive offerings by envelope or cash. However, the collection plate will be in a static place to avoid shared touching, as we are no longer permitted to pass the plate around due to infection risk.
Other opportunities to make an offering are by Card Reader at Toddington, Harlington and Westoning Churches; by donation button on the websites at Harlington, Westoning or Toddington, (or A church Near You page at Toddington). If you are interested to set up a regular payment direct from your bank account, Westoning, Harlington and Toddington have Parish Giving literature and facility available, or please contact the Treasurers for any of our Quintet churches for the church bank details. If you would like to receive a set of envelopes at home, or for someone to pop by to see you, please do let us know. We thank you for your generosity and kindness in the contributions you already make to your local church which enables us to continue in our outreach and Christian witness, and in the upkeep of these wonderful places of worship. Your contributions are truly appreciated. Thank you!
With love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
25th July 2020
Dear All
We hope you are all well and have had a good week? We are pleased that the outdoor Sunday 'services' were well received last Sunday. It was very good to gather back together again. The services continue this week at the following times:
Outdoor Sunday 'Services': *For your information, card readers will be available at Westoning, Harlington and Toddington churches tomorrow, for your convenience.
Online and Recorded services:
Services during the week:
Private Prayer in church: *You are requested please to wear a face covering in church.*
Do please link with us if you have any concerns or prayer requests, or if you would just like to link for a chat.
With love and prayer
Nigel and Linda
18th July 2020
Dear All
Open Air Gathering in the Church Grounds
This week we have the exciting new opportunity to meet for worship together for the first time in many months within the church grounds in the open air, at four of our churches. At this strange time of 'unlocking' many people are wary of entering the churches yet, and so we hope you will feel comfortable to meet outdoors in the fresh air.
We will, of course, need to pay careful attention to social distancing requirements and maintain a 2 metres distance from each other, and some of you may wish to also wear a face covering. If you are in a vulnerable category you may prefer to remain at home, and we quite understand this. Or if you decide to come along, you will be welcome.
Please also bring along your own copy of the service sheet (see above) and then please take it home again with you afterwards. There will be spare copies for anyone unable to print a copy. There will be a collection plate, but it will be set in one place as we are no longer able to hand it around (to reduce the spread of any potential infection). In some churches there may also be a supply of envelopes or a card machine available (as we are now moving into the previously unlikely territory of being advised to use card payments instead of cash).
When you arrive, please remember to sterilise your hands, and again, on leaving. (What strange times we are in.. but this is important for each other's safety and well-being).
Tomorrow (Sunday 19th July), we meet for a short gathering for prayers, Bible readings, and a time of reflection and sharing. There will be no singing of hymns. Please bring your own chair, if possible, although each church will have some chairs available.
This week is a trial arrangement for several churches, and times of services may change over the coming weeks as we seek to balance commitments, but tomorrow (Sunday 19th July) we meet at these times in these churches:
Harlington Church 11am
Toddington Church 11.15am
Chalgrave Church 10.30am
Westoning Church 11am
Online Services
Events in our Churches
Private Prayer:
Toddington 12 noon until 2pm Monday and 10-12 noon on Friday. Please enter through the South Door into Cheney Chapel
Chalgrave 11-12 noon on Thursday
Tingrith Sunday, 11-12 noon
Westoning Wednesday 12 noon -1pm, Saturday 2pm -3pm
Harlington: Thursday 10-11am, Sunday 2-3pm
As the Churches begin to open more frequently some of our Zoom Coffee Morning gatherings will need to change timing butt his week we meet:
Harlington: Tuesday at 10.30am
Westoning: Wednesday 10.15am
Toddington: Wednesday 10.45-11.45am (change of day and time)
On a personal note, as the churches get busier and we try to balance online commitments and physical gatherings at our churches, we recognise that we need to build in our days off to keep up our energy levels. (We are part-time 0.75 and entitled to take 2.5 days each week). During the lockdown period we have continued to work each day, but as demands grow, there is increasingly less time to rest, so we are attempting a new discipline and this week will be taking time off from lunch time on Thursday until late afternoon on Saturday. We will put our phones and emails down during the day but will catch up on anything urgent in the evenings and will be available from late afternoon on Saturday. Thank you for your understanding.
We thank you for your support and extend our gratitude and appreciation of the hard working teams in each of our Churches.
With best wishes
Linda and Nigel
4th July 2020
Dear all
Here we are on 4th July, the day when hairdressers, pubs, holiday cottages and more emerge forth, people are travelling to spend time with families. Churches are now officially allowed to open for Public Worship, weddings can take place and we can begin to discuss baptisms again. Despite the Government clearance to open for Public Worship there are many practical issues to consider, and a lot of guidelines to read and put into place; so, many churches, including ours within the Quintet, will not be opening for Sunday Public worship yet but each church is either open or about to open for Private prayer. We are moving gently forward to a time when we can gather physically in church again.. but we must be safe.
It is an interesting concept how we will manage the hosting of Public Worship Sunday services in the future whilst also looking to live stream services too. Some churches are investigating how to install broadband connections and this may be something that we also need to consider. Life's experiences move us forward into new times and new ways. Gently does it. One step at a time.
Our Services and events this week
Our weekly Quintet pre-recorded service http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service-2/ is accessed by about 200 people on Facebook alone, and other people connect direct to Harlington website, or access via the link in this email so church has taken on a new and exciting dimension. Our service this week includes young Toby and Joshua from Chalgrave Church (and Messy Church and Youth Group) as our Bible readers, Marcel from Harlington Church offers our Intercessions, Jenna Dearden (Ordinand from Westoning) offers a lovely sermon this week, and Nicholas plays skillful accompaniment for our hymns and music. Thank you so much to everyone involved in our service this week, which has been filmed at Harlington Church.
The Upper Room: zoom worship service takes place for an hour at 9am on Sunday morning. People gather from across the Quintet of churches, but also on occasions with visitors from Gloucestershire! This week we are looking at 'Coming to Faith' and 3 ladies will give brief testimonies of their journey (following on from 3 men sharing their stories last week). There will be scripture, music and prayer in an hour of peace and reflection. Last week we had 37 people visiting the Upper Room and many have said how that hour sets them up for the day. Do join us if you can. Please contact Linda or Nigel for access link - see contact details below.
Morning Prayer
Tuesday morning at 9.30am via zoom link. You are most welcome to join us for 45 minutes of sharing Bible passages, prayer and reflection. (Please ask Linda or Nigel for the access link).
Zoom coffee Mornings:
Harlington 10.30am on Tuesday
Westoning 10.15am on Wednesday
Toddington and Chalgrave 10.30am on Thursday
Do please join us for one or more events, if you can.
Quintet Churches open for Private Prayer as follows:
Toddington church is open on Monday 12 noon to 2pm and Friday 10-12noon
Harlington Church will be open tomorrow afternoon 2-3pm and Thursday 10-11am.
Tingrith Church will be open Sundays 11-12 noon
Westoning Church is open for private prayer Wednesday 12 -1pm and Saturday 2-3pm
Chalgrave Church will be open 11-12 noon on Thursdays from 16th July.
Response please
As we move forward into these new stages please link with us and tell how you are feeling about worship and meeting opportunities now, and also how you feel about future worship e.g. are you keen to return to church, or reticent? We would really value your comments.
We send our love in Christ, and our prayers. Please keep safe, take care of yourselves.
Linda and Nigel
27th June 2020
Dear all
Another week has past, and here we are fast approaching the end of June! How quickly time is passing.
With the gradual emerging from lockdown this week Toddington church opened to host a small funeral and two churches - Westoning and Toddington were opened for Private Prayer. We hope that Chalgrave and Harlington churches will also be able to open for private prayer towards the end of next week once practical arrangements have been put into place. (Before we can open, the churches need to be cleaned and prepared for social distancing with appropriate signage and hand sterilisation gels, to make sure that visitors are safe).
Private Prayer times:
It is certainly good to be able to open the church doors again, albeit under strict health and safety guidelines.
At present there can be no led worship, no singing in church and hymn books and contact items have to be removed. Parts of the churches will be cordoned off... but it will be lovely to be able to welcome people to come and pray and to spend some quiet time in church after all these weeks.
We are moving forward with consideration of how and when to open for public Sunday worship services. The government has announced that it is possible to hold public worship from July 4th but the Church of England and our Diocese are still awaiting the accompanying government guidelines. The opening of churches is permissive and not prescriptive and we as ministers have been guided by the bishops that there is no need to rush. We will need to consider carefully what is best for each parish. In the immediate, internet services will continue as many people enjoy accessing these, and it has become an increasingly valued part of weekly ministry.
Services for this week:
Our zoom gatherings continue this week:
Beware of Scams:
There are increasing warnings to be careful of scam attempts online and by phone which seek to access your personal and private banking information. With this in mind, Robert has prepared a special SCAM awareness page, hosted on Harlington Web site. We encourage you to click on this link to read the guidance about how to protect yourself. http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/safeguarding/on-line-scamming-is-a-safeguarding-issue/
We send you our love and care, and our prayers. Do please let us know how you are. We are definitely interested. Thank you also for your care and support towards us.
We hope you have a very good week. We continue to pray for your health and wellbeing and for the protection and care of your families and loved ones.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
20th June 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you have had a good week and have coped with the further releasing from confinement.. and the torrential rain - the gardens and the gardeners will be happy! This week more shops have opened, more people have returned to work, the roads have become much busier (has anyone else noticed the high number of speeding cars?!).
Our zoom gatherings continue this week:
Moving forward with arrangements for Churches to open for Private prayer. We are tentatively looking at the following options:
At present there can be no led worship, no singing in church and hymn books and contact items have to be removed. Parts of the churches will be cordoned off... but it will be lovely to be able to welcome people to come and pray and to spend some quiet time in church after all these weeks. We will let you know days and dates as soon as they are known.
We send you our love and care, and our prayers. Do please let us know how you are. We are definitely interested. Thank you also for your care and support towards us.
We hope you have a very good week. We continue to pray for your health and wellbeing and for the protection and care of your families and loved ones.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
13th June 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you have had a good week and are keeping well? It's been a busy week for us with the news that churches can now consider opening for private prayer. There is a lot to consider and we are in discussion with the various PCC's before making any definite decisions but will let you know details as soon as they are known. Please let us know if you would like to go into church to pray.
This week's pre-recorded service is set in St. Mary Magdalene Church Westoning and our readers are from Westoning and Chalgrave Churches.
You are also warmly invited to join us at 'The Upper Room' online service tomorrow at 9am - see link above for poster with details.
You are also invited to our weekly zoom Coffee Mornings and Morning Prayer this week:
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer All welcome. Please let us know if you would like to 'come' to the service.
Tuesday 10.30am Harlington 'Coffee Morning'
Wednesday 10.15am Westoning 'Coffee Morning'
Thursday 10.30am Toddington and Chalgrave 'Coffee Morning'.
Please put these dates in your diary and look out for the invitation links the day before. If you would like any more information, please let me or Nigel know.
On Harlington web site you will also find a link to the RSCM Big Music service at 6 pm in which some of the Quintet choir are singing http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
With every good wish, love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
6th June 2020
Hello Everyone
We hope you are well and have had a good week.. with a good sense of being slightly released. This week the Lower School opened its doors to some year groups, more people are emerging from lockdown, with more people returning to work. Sadly, we still have no indication of when the churches may reopen.. but let's pray that it will not be too far away.
This week our recorded service was filmed in St George's Church, Toddington, with an introductory picture of Tingrith church. We give our thanks to this week's readers.
You are also warmly invite to join a 'zoom' Upper Room' informal worship service at 9am Sunday morning. This is a new style service which has emerged from last week's Thy Kingdom come Prayer initiatives. Last Sunday we held the first service for Westoning Church and a few folk joined us from Toddington and Harlington. It offered a rather special opportunity for worship, sharing testimony and prayerful interaction, and so we have decided to continue this each Sunday in June, and to extend it to the Quintet of churches, so others can join us. There is no obligation to contribute.. it is absolutely ok to come and listen. There is a link to poster above but please contact Nigel on nwashy2@gmail.com or me for access code etc to join the zoom room in the morning.
Zoom Coffee Mornings continue this week:
Harlington: 10.30am on Tuesday
Westoning: 10.15am on Wednesday
Toddington and Chalgrave: 10.30am on Thursday.
We will issue access codes the day before or please email to ask for the link: revdtoddington@gmail.com.
Morning Prayer for the Quintet will be on Tuesday morning at 9.30am. Please let Linda or Nigel know if you would like to join this so we can send you the invitational access codes.
We would really value hearing how you are getting on; if you are managing to access the services ok and if there is any way can offer you support. We will deliver service sheets in the morning to anyone who has requested them, who is not able to access internet services. Please let us know of anyone else who may wish to have contact from us. We have enjoyed several conversations at 2m distance on doorsteps on Sunday morning. Let us know if you would like a similar visit at some stage.
With love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
30th May 2020
Dear All
We hope and pray that you are well and coping ok. Each day seems to bring a new stage and a new set of challenges and adjustments. Do please link with us to share your news, or to let us know if you would like any support eg shopping, IT help, prayer, links by phone etc.
This week's Quintet service celebrates Pentecost which is marked as the birth of the Christian Church. And as the disciples joined together in the Upper Room at Pentecost, so a number of us have joined together remotely from our homes - sharing our different voices, to contribute to our service - please do join us from your homes too so we can share time together.
We offer our sincere thanks to all involved. We also have 2 hymns from St Martin's in the Fields church choir. If you are willing to be involved in future recorded services, to offer a reading, or the Intercessions, please do let us know. You will be most welcome.
This week's services and events:
If you would like to join us this week for a zoom virtual coffee morning please note the following dates and times into your diaries:
Tuesday morning 10.30am Harlington Coffee morning
Wednesday morning 10.15am Westoning Coffee morning
Thursday morning 10.30am Toddington Coffee morning (Chalgrave church members are welcome to join us).
Services:
Sunday 31st 9am Westoning Church: a Pentecost Upper Room time of Prayer (please email Nigel if you would like to join so he can send you the link)
Monday morning 9.30am: Morning Prayer by zoom for Harlington Church (and Quintet church members who would like to join) Please email Linda to ask for the link.
Tuesday morning 9.30am: Morning Prayer by zoom for Toddington church (and Quintet church members who would like to join) Please email Linda to ask for the link: revdtoddington@gmail.com.
We send our love and prayers to you all
Linda and Nigel
9th May 2020
Dear All
This week our service comes from Chalgrave Church (well sort of!). The service is not a Communion Service so is slightly shorter, and we are pleased that our Readers have been involved in reading the Bible passages...it's good to share! If anyone would like to contribute to a future service please let us know. It would be good to include readers and intercessors from across the five churches over the weeks ahead.. and perhaps there might be scope to include a testimony or two to encourage others, if you feel inspired to share.
For members of our churches not on internet, Nigel and I deliver service sheets with the reading sheet each week so everyone is able to worship. If you know of anyone who would like to be included in our mailings or deliveries, please do let us know, or pass on our contact details, or this email, so they can link with us.
It has been very lovely to share with so many of you this week at zoom PCC meeting (Westoning) and zoom coffee mornings or prayer meeting. We will issue zoom invitations for next week's meetings tomorrow which will include a Chalgrave church meeting too.
Please let us know if you, or anyone else you know, would be interested to join an informal church meeting so we can make sure to send out an invitation. We are also considering launching zoom prayer and home study groups . If you feel an interest to join us in these, please let us know asap. Perhaps you might also be interested in a quintet church Quiz night, or a book club?
There have been so many wonderful pictures from the villages of the V.E. day celebrations. Such special times.. socially distanced but enjoying time as community as we all pay tribute and remember.
A quick reminder that the free Daily Hope phone number: 0800 804 8044 to contact if you would like to hear a daily service, hymns or prayers, or to receive the comfort of listening to a reflection. Please pass this on to anyone you know who may not be on the internet but who may be glad of company and encouragement.
Please let us know if you have any other news to be circulated.
With every good wish
Linda and Nigel
3rd May 2020
Dear all
Yet another week has passed in 'lockdown'. How are you and your families coping? We have had some wonderfully sunny weather this week, but also some heavy rain.. quite symbolic. Each day is different but, in many ways, each day can be very much the same. Are you grateful to slow down a little, or do you feel a sense of loss of routine and miss company? Are you climbing the walls or still very content to have space and time to be, to do, and to breathe the cleaner air?
Families are busy with home schooling, and many people are also working from home, whilst others are furloughed. Grandparents and families are finding new ways to connect but will be looking forward to times when they can meet up physically to share a laugh or a cuddle. Many of us are learning new IT skills and there is a growing sense of positivity as we see some regular aspects of life across Europe, Australia and New Zealand begin to release. We too have been told that we are past the peak and there are encouraging signs of some aspects of normality returning... the council tips have opened! Rejoice, Rejoice and again we say rejoice! But, for now, we remain patient and look out for each other within our communities and church families. This week I have included Toddington Messy Church families and offer you a very warm welcome. (If you would prefer not to be included, do please let me know).
Nigel and I miss meeting with you all and encourage you to link and let us know your news. We are here for you if you need us: 01525 714442.
Nigel and I send our very best wishes to you all. We pray protection and peace for you and your families. We also pray for all those who work in the NHS and in the caring services and for all key workers...especially remembering our local schools and businesses. We pray for those who are sick (please forward names of anyone you wish us to pray for). Thank you all so much for all your support and for the different creative initiatives and projects. Have a good week.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
Dear All
What an eventful week it has been... we have seen unprecedented scenes in America, there has been sunshine, rain, fog and frost back home with some snow up north. Marks and Spencer have suspended Percy Pigs (and about 100 food items due to paperwork and red tape courtesy of Brexit), there is to be mass rolling out of vaccines, with another vaccine and 2 new medicines approved for the Covid fight. We return to clap for heroes on a Thursday night although are increasingly reminded of the importance to stay at home to protect the NHS which is under enormous burden at present. Many people know of someone affected by this awful infection and sadly it is a reality in our midst. Our hearts and prayers go out to anyone who is facing the anxiety of loved ones, friends or work colleagues who are suffering, or for those who weep, and we hold you all in our thoughts and prayers.
In this Epiphany season Christmas decorations are now down but the light will still twinkle forth in the darkness in Harlington and some homes, as many people are leaving their lights up as a sign of encouragement. There is light and hope.. the sun is breaking through as I type. The other day, we heard the birds sing and bulbs are starting to break through the earth. Each day is now stretching forth for a little longer. Days are cold and crisp but there are daffodils in the shops.. always a wonderful sign that Spring is on the way.
This week's services:
Weekly Recorded Service - this week focuses on the Baptism of Christ. It can be accessed on the usual link:
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
Quintet Online Morning Service at 11am
With 4 of the 5 Quintet churches suspending services for a few weeks (to be reviewed weekly) and 'vulnerable' folks again being advised to shield, we thought it would be a good moment to launch an online morning service at 11am to seek to gather folks together, albeit from their homes. This will take place on zoom for the first time tomorrow morning and has been timed to avoid the Harlington morning service so all can come. The zoom gathering will be founded on experience from the Upper Room online service which enables us to sing in our homes, share readings, prayers, a Bible message, and time together. Tomorrow we will use the Lectionary Readings and consider the Baptism of Christ. Do join us if you can. There is no pressure to take part, you can just sit back and listen.
(Sadly, none of our churches yet have broadband facility so we cannot livestream a service from inside a church).
The Upper Room Online Service at 6pm on Sunday will have a short focus on Epiphany but we also begin to learn about Old Testament characters. This week Jon Denman will share a view on Adam. There will be songs, readings, prayers, and time to reflect and share.
Private Prayer
Toddington Church 10.30am Thursday morning for an hour (please dress warmly)
If you wish to have time at any of the other churches for Private Prayer please contact Linda or Nigel or the Churchwardens.
Morning Prayer by Zoom (links available from Rev'd Linda)
Monday 11th January at 9.30am
Tuesday 12th January at 9.30am
Wednesday 13th January at 9.30am
Harlington Wednesday 10am Morning Worship will be suspended for a couple of weeks but we are investigating other ways to stay in touch.
Events like Afternoon Tea times, Bible Study groups, and information about new opportunities to link together like 'What's App' church groups will be issued by a separate email.
We wish you a good day today and look forward to seeing you at some stage tomorrow.
God bless
Linda
2nd January 2021
Dear All
We hope Christmas was special for you even if it was limited by current circumstances. We have heard that many of you have enjoyed a different Christmas this year, with new links to family and friends.
As a wonderful symbolic sign at the start of this new year, the sun is high in a clear blue sky and everywhere is bathed in beautiful sunlight. How good it is to see the light and to know that days will be lengthening as we ease forward towards Springtime and nature's new life.
As we enter 2021 we wish you all a very special and blessed new year. May we soon be able to meet freely and to worship together again without restriction and to meet with family and friends. 2020 had more than enough challenges for us all and I think everyone is relieved to move forward into 2021 for a new start with hope and anticipation.
We are, however, still in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, although the hope of a vaccine is on the horizon. I have daily been keeping an eye on local Covid infection rates in Central Bedfordshire and on daily national news reports. Infection rates for this area are heading towards 'very high' and our hospitals and NHS are struggling to cope with the 'tsunami' of cases. The Virus is in our midst in this area and one lady who was admitted to the L and D hospital with the virus said:
"I would not wish this illness on anyone, please emphasise to your flock to be very vigilant and take care.
I followed every rule, hadn’t even been to the supermarket since October and still caught it."
She is, in her words, now on the long road to recovery and so grateful to the doctor who sent her to hospital 'just in time'.
We all have our part to play and so, in consultation with the PCCs and the Archdeacon, we have decided to suspend services at Toddington and Chalgrave churches this week to keep you safe and to avoid adding to these infection figures. We will review the situation weekly and look forward to offering a service at both churches very soon. However, for now, in Tier 4, I am sure that we can pray together in our homes and meet together virtually by zoom, or phone each other to keep in touch, and in so doing keep everyone safe.
Services this week:
No Sunday service in church at Chalgrave or Toddington churches
No Morning Prayer in Toddington church this Monday.
This week's recorded service is available on link above.
The Upper Room - no service this Sunday but it will return next week.
Private Prayer: Toddington Church
Sunday 11-12 noon
Thursday 10.30-11.30am
Chalgrave Church - please contact Linda if you would like to have time at church to pray. You are most welcome.
Morning Prayer by Zoom (please contact Rev'd Linda for links)
Monday January 4th 9.30am; Tuesday January 5th 9.30am; Wednesday January 6th 9.30am
Afternoon Tea by zoom (please contact Rev'd Linda for link)
Toddington Church Wednesday at 4.30pm
Chalgrave Church Tuesday at 4.30pm (Join an 8x8 meeting: contact Rev'd Linda for link)
A New Bible Study Course
I am looking at online resources with the intention to offer an online Bible study course/homegroup. I hope we can study 'The Bible Course' together and I am looking to host this one evening a week but will also offer a daytime option if folks prefer. Can you please let me know if you would be interested to join the course so I can gauge attendance.
Praying Together
A friend wrote at Christmas that now is the time to pray for our nation like never before.. this is certainly very true with all that is faced by so many. So, please join me this month in prayer, wherever you are, as this is prayer which we can all unite in praying. If you would like to be part of a prayer group praying together via zoom, and later in church, when this is possible, please do link back and let me know.
The Church of England 'Hope' worship free phone line:
The Church of England offers the Daily Hope resource – dial 0800 804 8044 for prayer, reflection, music and worship services from the Church of England. A weekly service is available from 9 am every Sunday.
Messy Church at home downloadable sessions:
https://www.messychurch.org.uk/resource/messy-church-home-april-june-downloadable-sessions
In the meantime please do contact us if you would like to discuss anything, however small. We are here to support you as you support others. As The Bishop of St Albans said earlier this week:
The Old Testament lesson for Epiphany comes from Isaiah 60. After sixty years in exile, God’s people have returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. The temple lies in ruins and they face opposition from some of their countrymen. In the midst of this depressing situation, God uses Isaiah to convey a powerful message of hope:
'Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.'
Amidst all the doom and gloom, these words are a reminder that even when we face the most difficult challenges, God is still with us. Like Isaiah in his day, God has entrusted us with a message of hope and light to share with those among whom we live.
Because the church buildings are closed it doesn't mean we need to be closed as the body of Christ, we can continue to live out His love and compassion. Epiphany is upon us, a time of revelation and of showing, so what better time to be galvanised by the insights we are receiving and to share with others what it is to be a follower of Jesus.
Stay safe and may this New Year be truly joyful, healthy and peaceful for you and yours.
Thank you all for your good wishes over the Christmas period, and for your continued support. May God bless you and your loved ones this day, and always.
with love and prayer
Linda and Nigel
26th December 2020
Dear All
We hope you have had a pleasant Christmas. It was good to see some of you at the carol services held at each church before 'lockdown', and also at Harlington Midnight Mass and at Harlington Church and Toddington Church on Christmas Morning. We hope you have enjoyed the Christmas recorded services.. and if not, do please have a look.. especially at the family service with Samson the donkey.
We are sending a quick email now to let you know that there will be morning services tomorrow at:
Harlington Church at 9.30am
Toddington (St George of England) Church at 11am. - A joint Toddington/Chalgrave Benefice Service. Please dress warmly as there is a gale blowing up at the moment.
Services at Westoning Church have been suspended during December.
With this Sunday falling so soon after Christmas Day there will be no recorded service issued this week nor Upper Room zoom service. To support the clergy at this busy time, Bishop Alan has recorded a video sermon message for this Sunday which we invite you to listen to at home. Please click on the download link below (click the 'command' button and the mouse to view).
Bishop Alan Download 570MB
Messy Church families and everyone, may like to view this video about the shepherds going to see baby Jesus–The Christmas Story. It gives us opportunity to reflect on the story and on our own personal response to Jesus.
Clergy are guided to take a week off after Christmas to recharge our batteries and Nigel and I look forward to stepping b back for a rest next week. We will not be sending out invitations for Afternoon Tea or Morning Prayer, but if you need any support please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. In the meantime, you may like to link up to Daily Hope, Messy church, or watch a Sunday service on tv or online. St Albans Abbey issue a weekly service and Harlington Web site offers a link to this service each week.
The Church of England offers the Daily Hope resource – dial 0800 804 8044 for prayer, reflection, music and worship services from the Church of England. A weekly service is available from 9 am every Sunday.
Messy Church at home downloadable sessions:
https://www.messychurch.org.uk/resource/messy-church-home-april-june-downloadable-sessions
Nigel and I wish you a peaceful Sunday, and thank you for your support, Christmas cards and good wishes. We look forward to seeing you all again soon but guide you please to take care of yourselves and stay safe during this Tier 4 lockdown.
God bless you all
Linda and Nigel
23rd December 2020
Dear Everyone,
At St George of England Church we delight in celebrating Christmas each year in the beauty of this ancient church, with the candles, the crib, the Christmas tree, and the light of the Advent Wreath which offer such a special worshipful atmosphere as we hear the Nativity story and give thanks for the birth of Jesus. However, this year will sadly be different due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
There have been some changes to our planned services:
23rd December Crib service cancelled
24th December – church open for private prayer from 3pm for 1 hour
24th December Christmas Eve Crib service 4pm – service cancelled
24th December 10pm service cancelled
25th December 10am service. Please contact Dee 872649 or Linda 714442 to give contact details and numbers attending.
I am very sorry to disappoint anyone who had been looking forward to coming to any of the cancelled services, but I hope you will understand our decision, which was taken in the light of Bedfordshire rapidly moving into Tier 3 and then Tier 4 last weekend, taking into account our local demographic and infection rates, the government guidelines that everyone should stay at home, and consideration of the personnel available to clean and steward. The health and safety of those coming to church is paramount in our thinking. Having just listened to the latest Government briefing this is even more important.
The Church has decided that it can best offer something of the Christmas Story by directing you to recorded services which we have devised. Links to these will be emailed out via the church email circulation list, and will also be posted on the church website, ‘A Church Near You’ page, and the church Facebook page. There is a Lessons and Carols service and a Family Service with guest visitor Samson The Donkey, and later in the week there will be a Nativity Service as well. There will also be a recorded service for Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning.
Next year, once this pandemic is over and we emerge safely, we plan as Church, to organise an All Age Celebratory event to express our joy and thanks that we can move forward. Then next Christmas, hopefully, we can return to our traditional ways.
We hope you understand these actions which are made with your care and safety in mind and we thank you for your understanding.
May we all hold fast to the Light of Christ. The Light is surely coming.
Stay safe and healthy and we offer you every blessing to you and your loved ones.
With love and prayer
Linda
12th Dec 2020
Dear All
We hope you are all keeping safe and well during this Advent time as we are look forward to celebrating Jesus' birth at Christmas.
This week with the first Covid vaccinations becoming available, our young people returning from university after what must have been a very strange first term and a wet and chilly week it has been a joy to meet up with some of our youth groups and with our young families for Christmas services in church; many of whom we have not been able to meet with since lockdown commenced in March. How special to see the children dressed up in their nativity costumes.. full of joy and anticipation. Our thanks go to Rebecca and Jenna for leading these services.
This week our schools prepare to close for the Christmas holidays after a really challenging term. In Toddington we will very sadly say farewell to Mrs Spencer as she retires from St George of England School. How many lives she has inspired and encouraged so wonderfully not only through her leadership but also through her Christian witness. I am personally very grateful to her for her incredible support and extremely dedicated hard work, and for her living faith, as will so many children and families.
Today, inspired by Nicholas, readers from across the Quintet have gathered to record Nativity readings for the Christmas Recorded services, which will be combined with carols recorded with Nicholas last week by the Quintet choir. Thank you so much to all involved in this wonderful gathering of resources which will enable us all to celebrate the wonderful message of Jesus' birth together, whether in church at Christmas services, or in our homes watching the recordings. There will be a family service for anyone not able to come to a crib service, and also a service of Lessons and Carols. These will be uploaded to the church web sites and Church Facebook pages next week-end, we hope, with links emailed to you.
Within the uncertainty of our current times, it is good to be able to reach out and grasp firmly to the Light, to Jesus, the Light of the World.. our Redeemer and our Saviour... the Son of God, born as a child, laid in a manger. The shepherds and the wise men journeyed to see this tiny babe, led by the shining light of a star. This week and during the Christmas weeks, you are invited on a journey too to 'Follow the Star' in Westoning - with a new star appearing in the village each day, and Toddington on the sensory trail around the village leading to the nativity in the North Porch of the church where you are invited to hang your star. There will also be a Nativity Trail in Harlington. Look out for more information on the Facebook pages and websites or contact Linda or Nigel for more information.
Services this week
The link for the Quintet recorded audio service for this week of Advent 3 is available above.
Services this Sunday:
Harlington Holy Communion 9.30am
Tingrith Holy Communion 9.30am
Westoning Holy Communion 11am
Toddington Holy Communion 11.15am
Chalgrave Service of Carols and Readings 2.30pm
The Upper Room zoom service continues the theme of Advent at 6pm online: Access link is available from Linda.
Christmas Carol Services
Chalgrave Church Service of Carols and Readings 2.30pm.Sunday 13th December.
Westoning Church 'Follow the Star' service of Readings and Carols 7.30pm Thursday 17th December
Chalgrave Church Carols by Candlelight service 7pm Saturday 19th December.
Tingrith Church: Nativity service 3pm Sunday 20th December.
Toddington Church 'Celebrating the Light' service of Carols and Readings 6pm Sunday 20th December
Harlington Church 'Celebrating the Light' Service of Lessons and Carols 7.30pm 21st December
Crib Services
Crib Service Toddington Wednesday 23rd and 24th December at 4pm
Crib Service Chalgrave Thursday 24th at 2.30pm
Crib Service Harlington Wednesday 23rd at 4pm and 24th at 5.30pm
Crib Service Westoning 21st 10am, 22nd 4pm, 23rd 2.30pm, 24th 4pm December
Midnight Mass services
Tingrith 8pm 24th December
Westoning 10pm 24th December
Toddington 10pm 24th December
Harlington 11.15pm 24th December
Chalgrave 11.15pm 24th December
Christmas Morning Services
Toddington Church Benefice service 10am
Harlington Church 10am
Westoning Church 10am
PLEASE NOTE: Each Christmas service will have limited places available and you are firmly encouraged please to book early for any services which you would like to attend as Social Distancing and Track and Trace guidelines will be in place. Unfortunately, it is possible that entry on the door without prior booking will not be permitted,
To reserve places:
For Toddington and Chalgrave Churches please contact: allsaintschurchchalgrave@gmail.com or (if no email available; phone 01525 874716
For Harlington Church please book on the church website booking button (or if no email available, phone 01525 873214)
For Westoning Church please book on the church website booking button at westoningchurch.org.uk or phone 01525 714442
For Tingrith Church: places limited so village priority for bookings.
We hope that you will have now received a printed Church Christmas card with all the key Christmas service information. Please contact us on 01525 714442 if you have not received this yet or if you need any further information
This week we continue:
Morning Prayer at Toddington at 9.30am on Monday
Morning Prayer by zoom at 9.30am Tuesday (link available from Linda)
Morning service with Holy Communion 10am Harlington Church
Private Prayer at Westoning at 12noon on Wednesday
Private Prayer at Toddington at 10.30am on Thursday.
Advent Course by Zoom on Tuesday eve at 7.30pm (contact Nigel on nwashy2@gmail.com if you wish to attend)
Toddington Afternoon Tea and Advent course Wednesday 4pm (Zoom link available from Linda)
There are some wonderful opportunities to worship together over the next few weeks. We look forward to gathering together either in church or remotely in our homes and send our love and prayers to you all.. especially remembering in our prayers those who are sick or recovering from surgery, those who are alone and those who grieve. Do please contact us if you would like any support or a friendly chat or a prayer.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
5th Dec 2020
Hello everyone
Please see above the link to this week's recorded service which has been kindly produced by the Quintet Readers Robert, Jon and Stephen this week. I hope you enjoy it.
This Sunday we are delighted to be able to return to worship together in our churches (post-lockdown) and will meet for the following services tomorrow:
Toddington Church
11.15am Holy Communion
Harlington Church
8am BCP Holy Communion
9.30am Service of the Word (no Communion)
Chalgrave Church
9.30am Holy Communion
Westoning Church
10am Family Service
The Upper Room zoom service at 6pm continues the theme of Advent. (Zoom link available from Linda). Or please let Nigel know if you would like to 'come along'. You are very welcome to attend any of our services across the Quintet.
Services and events this week:
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington church
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by Zoom (link available from Linda)
Tuesday Youth Group service Tuesday , Toddington Church (more details from Linda)
Tuesday 7.30pm Quintet Advent Course (by Zoom).. please let Nigel know if you would like to join.
Wednesday 10am Harlington Church Morning service (with Communion)
Thursday Youth Club service Westoning Church (more information from Nigel)
Friday 3.45pm Messy Church family Christmas Service, Toddington Church (more information from Linda)
Private Prayer arrangements
Westoning Church12 noon on Wednesday for an hour
Toddington Church 10.30am on Thursday
Chalgrave Church - Please contact Linda if you would like to visit the church for Private Prayer
Harlington Church- Please contact Nigel, Linda or Tricia if you would like to visit the church for Private Prayer
Zoom Afternoon Teas:
Toddington Wednesday at 4pm
Westoning and Harlington tbc
Printed Christmas cards have now been received ready for distribution within the parishes. You may already have received one in Westoning, Harlington and Tingrith and we thank everyone who has helped to distribute them.
Toddington and Chalgrave Church's Christmas Cards will be issued this week. If you have time to deliver to a street or two please let Linda or Dee know for Toddington and Linda for Chalgrave.
Thinking of you all.
with good wishes
Linda and Nigel
29th Nov 2020
Hello everyone,
As 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
15th Nov 2020
Dear all
It has been a strange week with the churches closed again so soon after we had adjusted to the new normal way of safely gathering to worship together, but the important thing is that we all stay safe and well. It has been good to meet up on zoom for Afternoon Tea and for Morning Prayer and to stay in touch, but it will be so good when we can meet in person again.
Please see above the link to this week's recorded service along with the service sheet and readings sheet.The service can also be accessed via the church Facebook pages and the Church websites.
At last the sunshine is out.. how uplifting the light is after a couple of wet and dreary days. We hope you are all keeping well and coping with this latest lockdown. It definitely seems harder this time with the days drawing in so quickly of an afternoon.. but we will soon be at the shortest day and light will draw us forth. In between time, we have begun to contemplate the Advent season of Watching and Waiting and to plan for Christmas services to celebrate Jesus' birth. Will we be gathered in church.. We certainly hope so!
Last Sunday we 'Remembered' on Remembrance Sunday and on Wednesday 11th November 'Armistice Day', in new ways, with a limited number of representatives able to attend at the different war memorials, but despite the church doors being closed and our Sunday morning Services being cancelled, people showed their respects by laying poppy tributes within the stone outlined crosses at various churches and Toddington Village enjoyed following the Poppy Trail to raise funds for the British Legion.
This week as we move into a second lockdown week, we will continue to offer opportunities to gather together. These will be:
Afternoon Tea Zoom sessions - please contact Linda for link
Harlington Wednesday 3pm
Toddington Wednesday 4pm
Westoning Thursday 4pm
Chalgrave Monday 5pm
Services this week by Zoom - please contact Linda for link
The Upper Room 6pm Sunday 15 November which will be lead by Jenna (Ordinand at Westoning). This week's theme is 'O God My Father'.
Morning Prayer by Zoom (re-arranged times this week due to funerals and Church Private Prayer sessions)
Tuesday 17th 9.30am
Wednesday 18th 9.30am
Private Prayer at Church
Westoning Church 12 noon, Wednesday and 10.30am on Sunday
Harlington Church 10am Thursday (and possibly Sunday tbc)
Toddington Church 10am Thursday (please note the different time for this week) and Sunday 11am
Chalgrave Church 10.30am Thursday and 10am Sunday
If you wish to follow Daily Prayer at home, you can download the Church of England App to your phone from the App store. It is a light blue circular background with the words Daily Prayer. This will give you daily access to Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night prayers and includes the daily Bible Readings.
The Lectio 365 app is also a valuable prayer resource.
If you have any prayer requests please contact Linda or Nigel (01525 714442)
PCC meetings this week:
Chalgrave Wednesday 18th 7pm
Toddington Monday 16th 7.30pm
We wish you a good week. Please do get in touch if we can help or support in any way. We pray for your wellbeing and good health.
God bless
Linda & Nigel
7thNov 2020
Hello everyone.
It has been another eventful week after last Saturday's unexpected news that churches would be closed during the second lockdown period. This news came as a surprise, just before Remembrance Sunday and as we move forward into Advent season.
As I am sure you will all now be aware places of worship are not permitted to open until 2nd December - although each church can open for Private Individual Prayer and also for funerals (which can host 30 people). The Archbishop of Canterbury and other senior leaders are appealing to the government for permission to open the churches for Public worship, but as it stands today, this is still not possible. We will update you on any developments.
Tomorrow's Remembrance events have been modified and will be small affairs, without parades or public involvement. The British Legion suggest people stand on their doorsteps to mark their sign of Remembrance. Government guidelines say that if the public walk by they can stand to remember but must remain socially distanced.
Harlington Church - there will be no service in church following the small Remembrance Service at the war memorial. Robert has prepared a sensitive and informative recorded Remembrance Service which will be available for all the Quintet churches via the Church websites or Church Facebook pages and can be accessed by the usual service link, although we will circulate this to you later once the service is uploaded.
Chalgrave Church - a small group will gather at the memorial in the Church grounds at 9.30am for a short service to pay our respects and to lay poppy crosses in memory of those who died during the war. Social distancing must be adhered to and please also wear a face covering.
Toddington Village - there will be a small British Legion Service on Toddington Green from 10.45am. I understand that there will not be the laying of wreaths by the different organisations this year.
Toddington Church - no Remembrance service is possible as the church will be closed, but this week please lay a poppy cross or a painted remembrance stone within the stone cross marked out in the church grounds. (This is also part of the Toddington 'One Hundred Poppy Trail' to raise funds for the British Legion).
Tingrith Church - a short act of Remembrance at 9.30am in the church grounds with opportunity to lay a token of remembrance.
Westoning Church - 10.30am Private Prayer in church. A short act of Remembrance in the church grounds by the vicar at 11am. Markers of Remembrance can be laid by the Tommy, within the stone cross outline (crosses are available in the church porch).
This week there will be the following events:
Private Individual Prayer
Westoning Church - Private Prayer 12 noon, Wednesday (for one hour)
Chalgrave Church - Private Prayer 10.30am Thursday for an hour
Toddington Church - Private Prayer 10.30am Thursday for an hour
Harlington Church - Private Prayer 10am Thursday for an hour.
Tingrith Church - Private Prayer in church by request (please contact Nigel)
Zoom gatherings:
The Upper Room service on Sunday 6pm. Please contact Linda if you would like the access code to join the worship service.
Morning Prayer by zoom 9.30am Tuesday and Thursday. Link available from Linda.
Afternoon Tea gatherings (These will take place in the afternoon as the days are shorter, to enable folks to enjoy daylight as much as possible).
Toddington Church Wednesday afternoon 4pm
Harlington Church Wednesday afternoon 3pm
Westoning Church Thursday afternoon 4pm
Chalgrave Church Thursday afternoon 4.30pm
We as churches are also called by the Archbishops to pray each day for the nation. Links to led prayers are issued on the Church Facebook pages each day with led prayers at 6pm. Today we pray for all who are grieving, and all those living with illnesses and everyone struggling with mental health. (The link is also available on hashtag PrayerForTheNation on Instagram and the Archbishop of Canterbury on Facebook).
Do please let us know of any concerns or questions which you may have. We also please encourage you to let us know of any prayer requests so we can cover these.
With love and prayers to you all. Our thoughts are with you.
Linda and Nigel
31st Oct 2020
Dear all
This week's service focuses on All Saints Day but also with an In Loving Memory theme.
The service allows time towards the end of the service for you to light a candle in memory of a loved one or loved ones, to give thanks for their lives, and to remember them.
The service can be accessed via the link above.
If you prefer to come to one of the In Loving Memory services at church, you are most welcome, but please let us know the names of those you wish to remember and the names of anyone attending.
Other services this week are:
Monday: Toddington Church Morning Prayer 9.30am
Tuesday: zoom Morning Prayer 9.30am
Wednesday: Harlington Church morning Holy Communion 10am and Westoning Private Prayer at noon for an hour
Thursday: Toddington Church No Morning Prayer or Private Prayer (we have Electrical safety checks taking place in church this week).
Please note that the zoom Upper Room service will be at the later time of 7pm this Sunday.
Our thoughts are with you all. We pray that you are safe and well. Please let us know if we can help or support you in any way.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
24th Oct 2020
Dear all
We hope you have had a good week, with opportunity to enjoy the changing autumnal colours as the leaves' beautiful hues draw us towards the changing seasons. This week Nigel and I had the privilege of leading an assembly at Parkfields school on Tuesday, after which I joined a walk from Chalgrave to Toddington with the youth group, led by Rebecca in which we stopped to listen to the sounds around us and paused to reflect on the countryside landmarks. How soon the light drops from light to darkness just before 7pm. But the clocks go back an hour at 2am tomorrow so the light will shine for a little longer in our days.
In these changing seasons we approach the season of Remembrance. Next Sunday (1st November) on All Saints Day we will offer 'In Loving Memory' services to remember loved ones who have died - a time with opportunity to step aside from the busyness of life, to reflect and to remember. Four churches will offer this service next week (1st November):
Westoning Church 11am (places now full) and 3pm ((Places still available... please contact Linda Little 01525 714064 to reserve a place)
Harlington Church 5pm
Toddington Church 3.30pm (please note revised time)
Chalgrave Church 9.30am (combined with Morning Worship) revised from 2.30pm
Tingrith Church offers a combined 'In Loving Memory' service and Remembrance service the following Sunday 8th November at 9.30am.
If you would like to register the name of a loved one to be remembered please contact:
Linda for Toddington and Chalgrave,
Linda or Nigel for Harlington and
Nigel for Westoning and Tingrith.
There will also be the usual morning services next week (1st November) at:
Toddington Church 11.15am
Harlington Church 9.30am
Westoning Church 11am
This Sunday's services 25 October 2020, 'Bible Sunday' are as follows:
Harlington Church 9.30am Holy Communion
Tingrith Church 9.30am Holy Communion
Westoning Church 11am Holy Communion
Toddington Church 11.15am Holy Communion
Chalgrave Church 2.30pm Afternoon Praise and Worship followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) 3pm
Upper Room by Zoom on Sunday at 6pm has the theme of 'Thou my Best Thought'. Link to be issued separately. Please contact Nigel to register your interest.
This week's services and events:
Monday: Toddington Church Morning Prayer 9.30am
Tuesday: Morning Prayer by Zoom 9.30am (please request access link from Linda)
Wednesday: Harlington 10am Holy Communion.
Westoning 12 noon Private Prayer for an hour
Thursday: Toddington Morning Prayer 9.30am
Please note the `Upper Room Service next Sunday (1st November) will be at the later time of 7pm
We wish you a very happy week. Please keep safe.
God bless
Linda
18th Oct 2020
Dear All
This week our services are as follows:
Harlington Church - 9.30am Confirmation Service with Holy Communion - led by Bishop Richard, the Bishop of Bedford (Please hold Dawn in your prayers) - the service sheet for this service will be issued in a follow on email.
Chalgrave Church - 9.30am Morning Worship (No Communion this week)
Westoning Church - 10am Families Service (No Communion this week)
Toddington Church - 11.15am Morning Worship (No Communion this week)
The Upper Room Zoom worship 6pm - all welcome. Please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
Services and Events during the week:
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer - Toddington Church
Monday 5pm Tingrith Church APCM in church
Monday 7pm Evening Prayer followed by APCM meeting at 7.30pm - Toddington Church
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by zoom - please contact Rev'd Linda for link.
Tuesday 6pm Toddington/Chalgrave churches' Youth Group Walk
Wednesday 10am Harlington Church - Holy Communion Service
Wednesday 12 noon - Private prayer for an hour at Westoning Church
Thursday 9.30am Morning Prayer - Toddington Church
Thursday 10.30am Private Prayer - Toddington Church
Sunday 2.30pm Chalgrave Church worship service followed by APCM (No morning service)
This week's recorded audio service is available on Harlington Web Site via link above and on the individual Church Facebook pages.
We hope you are all keeping well. Please keep safe.
Do please link with us if we can support, chat, pray or help in any way.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
10th Oct 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you are well and keeping safe. This week has been a busy week for us, as I am sure it has been for you too. We enjoyed grabbing time together to record this week's service and hope you find it helpful.. especially if you can't get to church tomorrow, or are shielding.
Please see above the link to the recorded audio service for this week, the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity .
Church Services this week:
Toddington Church: 11.15am Holy Communion in church
Chalgrave Church: 9.30am Holy Communion Service in church
Harlington Church: 9.30am Holy Communion Service in church
Tingrith Church: 9.30am Morning Worship in church
Westoning Church: 11am Holy Communion service, in church
Social Distancing will apply at each church and you are requested to please wear a face mask in church. You will already be aware to sanitise your hands on entering the church, before coming forward to receive Communion, and also as you leave church. We have a QR code up at the entrance to each church if you are using the NHS track and trace app, but your names and contact details will also be listed for Track and Trace purposes. When coming forward to receive the Communion wafer please extend out your arms with open palms to receive the wafer. This is to maintain a safe distance between you and the minister.
Other Services this week and upcoming events:
Sunday 6pm The Upper Room worship by Zoom, with the theme of 'Be Thou My Vision' (please contact Rev'd Linda for the link)
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer Toddington Church
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by Zoom (please ask Linda for the link)
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship, Harlington Church
Wednesday 12 noon an hour of Private Prayer, Westoning Church
Thursday 10.30am Private Prayer, Toddington Church
Next week's Sunday services and events
Toddington 11.15am Morning Worship
Chalgrave 9.30am Morning Worship
Harlington 9.30am Confirmation Service with Bishop Richard
Tingrith - no service
Westoning 10am A special Family Service (no 11am service)
Monday 19th Toddington Annual Parochial Church Meeting (7.30pm) commencing with Evening Prayer at 7pm
Sunday 25th Chalgrave Annual Parochial Church Meeting commencing with public worship at 2.30pm (no morning service).
We send you our prayers and our care. Please do link with us if you need a chat or wish to share.
God bless
Linda & Nigel
3rdOct 2020
Hello everyone,
We hope you are all keeping well? This week we seem to have moved swiftly from Indian Summer to a Winter 'monsoon' with a big drop in temperatures and lots of rainfall. The season of jumpers and woollies and central heating seems to be suddenly upon us.
With the change in temperature, all our churches are meeting indoors this Sunday for services, as follows:
Toddington - 11.15am Holy Communion
Chalgrave 9.30am Holy Communion (our first Sunday service in church since March).
Harlington 9.30am Holy Communion
Tingrith - no service this week but next Sunday at 9.30am will be a Service of the Word.
Westoning - 11am Morning worship with a baptism, followed by Annual Parochial Church Meeting at 12 noon
Each service will follow social distancing guidelines so please wear a face covering whilst inside the church building and sanitise your hands on entering and on leaving the building.
The Holy Communion Services will use the churches' red Common Worship books (which we can safely isolate afterwards). Above is attached a copy of this week's blue reading sheet in case you wish to print this, but there will be sufficient copies in church to hand out, if you don't.
Nigel and I have recorded a service this week by audio, which is available online via Harlington's Church website (see link above) or on Facebook, to listen to all week, and beyond. The service sheet for this week's recorded service is attached so you can follow the service and join in with the responses. The hymns by St Martins Singers offer a lovely opportunity to sing along at home (where we are still able to sing!). Nicholas has also played some lovely musical accompaniment.
The Upper Room Zoom service at 6pm this Sunday considers 'Finding Peace with God' with several speakers sharing their experiences. Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code.
Services and events this week:
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by Zoom (Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code)
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship at Harlington Church
Wednesday 6pm 60 Minutes with God prayer time by Zoom. A time to pray for our churches (Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code)
Thursday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington followed by Private Prayer at 10.30am.
APCM Meetings
Westoning Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 4th October 12 noon following the morning service.
Harlington Annual Parochial Church Meeting Monday 5th October 7pm commencing with a short act of public worship.
Toddington's Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Monday 19th October (not Thursday October 8th), commencing with Evening Prayer public worship at 7pm and APCM following at 7.30pm
Chalgrave Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Sunday 25th October 2.30pm (No morning service this Sunday), commencing with a short act of public worship.
Tingrith APCM - date and time to be confirmed.
Zoom Coffee mornings:
Harlington 10.30am on Tuesday
Westoning 10am Thursday
We wish you every blessing. Do get in touch with us if we can support you in any way, or if you just fancy a chat or a prayer.
Linda and Nigel
26th Sept 2020
Dear All
We wish you a peaceful Sunday and week to follow. The weather has been transformed these past few days, and I confess that we are 'testing' the heating this evening as it is suddenly so cold! We hope you are keeping well and keeping strong and safe in current days. Do please get in touch with us if you need any support, a chat, a prayer, or a joke from Nigel to make you smile!
This week our recorded service is slightly different. It is an audio service.. which I am listening to as I type.. it is very clear to listen to and although we prepared it, it feels comforting and prayerful to listen to. Do let us know if you would like more services like this in the week.. eg Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, prayers during the day?
We are also keen to consider how we can 'meet together' in home groups, Bible Study groups, prayer groups, to grow in faith together. Would you be interested in something like this?
This week's recorded service has kindly been uploaded by Robert to Harlington Church web site. The order of service which accompanies the recorded service includes a written reflection but the audio service offers a different sermon from Linda and Nigel. There are hymns from St Martin's in the Fields, music by Nicholas and Robert has also included some photos of the different churches. Do let us know your feedback on the service. Do you prefer audio or video?
Tomorrow's Morning Worship services are: Chalgrave at 9.30am and Toddington at 11.15am. Both services will be led by Stephen Farmer, who serves as Reader. I hope to also be at the Toddington service, following on from Harlington Harvest service which is at 9.30am.
Last week, we had wonderful Harvest services at both churches, with Bishop Alan. Chalgrave was blessed by sunshine and we enjoyed an outdoor service with Communion. Toddington service was indoors and it was great to have David Owen, our organist, with us for the first time since lockdown in March, to play wonderful music and hymns on the organ (although we couldn't sing, we hummed along). Thank you all so much for your generous contributions to the Food bank. Dee and Malcolm have made several trips to relay the crates of food for distribution.. thank you! How special it was to be together, celebrating harvest, but also enjoying being together.
Tomorrow evening we also host the Quintet Upper Room zoom service at 6pm on the theme of 'The Storms of Life'). Please contact Linda or Nigel for access details.
Other events this week:
Morning Prayer at Toddington Church: Monday 9.30am in the Chancel
Private Prayer at Toddington Church: Thursday afternoon at 3.30pm
Morning Prayer at Toddington Church: Friday 9.30am in the Chancel (Change of day due to our Quinquennial Inspection on Thursday morning)
If anyone would like to visit Chalgrave Church for Private Prayer please contact Linda. You will be most welcome to spend some quiet individual time in church.
Prayers: Please hold our congregations in your prayers. One or two people need prayer for healing (Rachel, Susie). We also thank Iain so much for compiling our recent recorded services and wish him and Jess every blessing this week. We pray for the mission and fellowship of our churches and we give thanks for our times together. We pray for our schools and for the wellbeing of all who attend, for local businesses, and for the safety of all who work in the NHS: for medical and care services - being especially aware of family members and loved ones.
If you have a heart to pray together please do let me know. At times like this, prayer is such an important foundation for our church life and Church family.
With every good wish and in the love of Jesus Christ
Linda and Nigel
19th Sept 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you have had a good week in the Autumn Sunshine. The schools are back; the roads are busier as more people return to work, we celebrated Chalgrave Church's 800 years anniversary last week in glorious sunshine with a picnic and a Thanksgiving service; the last of the tomatoes are ripening, there are blackberries in the hedgerow ready for picking to go with the fallen apples and pears, we harvested a home grown marrow... What a wonderful time of year this is.
Autumn is traditionally the time when our churches celebrate harvest and this week we have harvest celebrations at three churches:
Westoning Church at 11am
Chalgrave Church 9.30am outdoor Harvest Service, (Please bring your own chair)
Toddington Church 11.15am Harvest Service inside Church.
We are delighted that Bishop Alan, the Bishop of St Albans will be joining us at both Chalgrave and Toddington Churches to preach and to celebrate Communion. He has been wanting to visit the churches for some time, so we are delighted that he can be with us tomorrow.
Next Sunday Harlington Church will celebrate their Harvest Service at 9.30am and Tingrith celebrates theirs will be at 4pm.
Each church will be sending their harvest donations to the local foodbank this year as so many people are in need. Toddington, Chalgrave and Harlington churches send their foodbank contributions to Dunstable foodbank. Westoning and Tingrith send theirs to the local branch with any fresh produce going to the Noah project. Any harvest donations you are able to offer will be very much appreciated. Besides the usual Social distancing measures for our services inside church and outside church, there will be a separate area to place your Harvest donations so you can place the donations socially distanced to avoid contact. Items will be isolated safely until they can be passed on to Foodbank.
This week we also follow the latest government guidelines to avoid 'mingling' socially, and to be aware of the requirement not to meet in individual groups of more than 6.
Other Services this week:
Zoom Upper Room Service at 6pm Sunday eve. This week's theme is: The Storms of Life. Please request the access link from Nigel at nwashy2@gmail.com.
This week's recorded service was filmed at Chalgrave Church. Do click in to see the beautiful scenery of the church and the church grounds, especially at the end of the service. Nigel is preaching and Philip and Eileen from Westoning church offer the readings.
Monday and Thursday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington Church, followed by an hour of private prayer at 10.30am on Thursday.
Wednesday 10am Morning Worship, Harlington Church
Westoning church -hour of Private Prayer 12 noon on Wednesday
Wednesday 8pm Westoning Going Deeper prayer hour by zoom (request a link from Nigel)
Please hold our schools in your prayers this week as they work hard to teach and care for the children whilst facing many functional challenges linked to Covid-19.
Please also pray for Debbie and Daryl who get married at Harlington Church on Friday.
We wish you every blessing this week,
Linda and NigelPrevious messages from Rev'd Linda Washington, Priest-in-Charge
(see Home Page for the most recent message)
12th Sept 2020
Dear All
It has been a busy week but we have had some super events in the churches and the weather has been kind with such lovely sunshine. We hope you are all keeping well and enjoying opportunity to get out in the fresh air?
This Sunday's services are:
Harlington Morning worship at 9.30am inside church (please wear face coverings)
Tingrith Morning Worship at 9.30am inside church (Please wear face coverings)
Westoning Morning Worship at 11am inside church (Please wear face coverings)
Toddington Morning Worship at 11.15am in the church grounds - socially distanced. (service sheet attached)
Chalgrave 800 yrs celebration Picnic at 1pm for church family members, followed by the 800 years Service of Thanksgiving at 2.30pm. Numbers will be limited for SD reasons to Chalgrave Church members. Please bring your own chair and your own picnic. We are pleased to also welcome Bishop Richard and his wife Helen.
6pm Quintet Upper Room zoom service: topic: Inspiring People. Please contact Rev'd Linda for access code.Services and Prayer time this week
Toddington Morning Prayer Monday and Thursday mornings at 9.30am Chancel door entry
Harlington Morning Worship Wednesday 10am
Westoning Private Prayer Wednesday morning 12 noon for an hour
Harlington, Toddington and Chalgrave churches are available for Private prayer but please contact Linda, Nigel or a Church Warden to organise a convenient time.
Recorded Service Our thanks go out to Robert and Steve who read this week, to the Dean of St Albans for his sermon, to Nicholas for our music, (plus St Martins in the Fields for two hymns) and to Iain who is editing (with a few extra challenges this week).
Next Sunday we have Harvest services at:
Chalgrave Church at 9.30am (new regular service time) and at Toddington Church (continuing to meet at 11.15am for the near future). Both harvest services will be a little different to usual. Instead of decorating the churches we are inviting contributions to the Foodbank please. Bishop Alan, the Bishop of St Albans will be joining us.
Westoning Church Harvest service at 11am. Donations to the Foodbank
Dates for the Church APCM meetings are as follows:
Westoning church 4th October at 12 noon after the morning service
Tingrith tbc
Harlington 5th October at 7pm in church following a service of Public Worship
Toddington tbc
Chalgrave 3pm 18th October following a service of Public Worship
Do please link with us if you would like a chat, or any support,
with our best wishes
Linda and Nigel
5th Sept 2020
Dear All
As I write this email the sun is shining down and I look out to the Sunflowers dipping under the weight of their flowers, the green, green grass of home which is thriving, and there is a hint of Autumn in the air. It has been a good week for us and I hope it has been good for you too.
Looking ahead to the coming week there are a few tweaks on timings and types of services as we adjust towards settling back into church:
Sunday Services:
Tingrith Church: 9.30am Morning Service, in church
Harlington Church: 9.30am Morning Service, in church
Chalgrave Church: 10am Morning Service, with Holy Communion, outside in the church grounds (please bring a chair)
Westoning Church: 11am Morning Service, in church
Toddington Church: 11.15am Holy Communion service, in church.
For each service, social distancing measures will be in place, but please wear a face covering for services in church.
Online Upper Room Sunday service: This week's theme is 'Passing the Baton' and it will be held at the new time of 6pm. All Welcome. Please contact Linda for zoom link.
Other Services and events
Morning Prayer at Toddington on Monday and Thursday mornings at 9.30am, in the Chancel
Morning Service at Harlington on Wednesday mornings at 10am.
Private Prayer Opportunities
Westoning Church: Wednesday at noon for one hour
Chalgrave and Toddington Churches.. anyone wishing to go into church for a period of private prayer is most welcome. Please contact Linda or the church wardens to request a convenient time.
Harlington Church.. anyone wishing to go into church for a period of private prayer is most welcome. Please contact Linda, Nigel or Tricia to request a convenient time.
Next Saturday is a busy day with the Beds and Herts Bike and Hike fundraising activity, which is a great opportunity to visit churches in the area, have exercise in the fresh air, and also raise funds for our own churches and for Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust (who have been very supportive to various grant requests from our churches this year). Please consider if you are either able to take part or or able to sponsor someone who is taking part.
Next Saturday is also : Gift Day for Harlington Church.. More details from Tricia or Neil, Churchwardens.
The wedding of Andrea and Wayne at Chalgrave Church (postponed from May due to church closure)
The 800 years anniversary week-end of Chalgrave church, which Church family members will be celebrating in a gentle way on Sunday afternoon... not quite what we had originally planned but please pray for good weather for our church family picnic and the small outdoor service in the afternoon. We would love to invite all the Quintet but the bigger celebration event will take place next year, when we will hopefully all be able to gather freely and joyfully again.
Zoom Coffee Mornings have paused for a few weeks. Please let us know if you miss these and would like them to continue (albeit perhaps fortnightly or monthly).
We are also looking at other possible ways to move forward together in faith.. Would you like some form of Bible study group or virtual home group? Do please let us know your thoughts and any ideas.
With every good wish
Linda and Nigel
29th Aug 2020
Dear all
We hope you are all keeping well and safe.. and surviving the storms, rain and winds this week - well it is a bank holiday weekend!
There is no video recorded service this week with it being a Bank holiday weekend, but Nigel and I have issued a link to an audio recording (but without hymns) - please see above. We expect to return to recorded services the following week.
Our Sunday Services this week:
- Quintet ZOOM UPPER ROOM service at 9am when we shall be looking at the future of the church as we move forward. It promises to be good with two speakers; Chris Nixon from Silsoe Church and Rebecca Caird who is the Family and Mission Outreach worker in the Quintet.
Everyone is welcome in the Upper Room. You can just sit and listen. So do invite your friends, from near and far, to share some music, scripture reflection and prayer in a safe space. 9am this Sunday -Please contact Linda for zoom link.
- Harlington Church: 10.15am Morning Service (inside church)
- Chalgrave Church: 10.30am Morning service gathering (in the church grounds) (service sheet Sunday 30th August)
- Westoning Church: 11am Morning service (inside Church with use of overhead screen)
- Toddington Church: 11.15am Morning service (outside if the weather is suitable, inside if the weather is inclement)
Other Services and events this week:
Morning Prayer at Toddington Tuesday morning at 9.30am (Different day due to Bank Holiday Monday)
Morning Service at Harlington Wednesday morning at 10am (outside if the weather is suitable)
Private Prayer:
Harlington Church 10-11am on Thursday
Toddington Church 10-11.30am on Thursday
Chalgrave Church 11-12 noon on Thursday
Westoning Church 12 -1pm on Wednesday
Future Sunday Service changes:
From September 6th Harlington Church Morning service will move to 9.30am
The Upper Room zoom service will move to 6pm
Toddington Church hosts a Scarecrow Festival on Sunday afternoon and Bank Holiday Monday afternoon.. programmes available from Wilkinson Hall where refreshments will also be served (outside). Other items of interest in the hall.. (with social distancing measures in place). More information from Dee.
Harlington Church and the village have welcomed the return of the church bells this week. There have been so many happy comments from the village community noting their familiar return.. they are a landmark sound. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the donation appeal and for your generosity.
Chalgrave Church PCC meeting Wednesday eve.
Beware of email scam
There are reports around the country of a growing number of cases of emails impersonating clergy being sent to request a variety of things including purchase of gift cards and vouchers. Please note that we will never ask you by email to spend your own money for the church. In many cases the sender's email is: churchonline948@gmail.com. (This has been reported to the government phishing address). Please be careful.
With best wishes
Linda and Nigel
22nd Aug 2020
Dear All,
We hope you are well and enjoying the month of August. Sundays are now very busy across the Quintet with a series of services taking place.
Services on offer this Sunday are as follows: Tingrith Open Air at 10.15am; Harlington Open Air at 10.15am; Chalgrave Open Air at 10.30am; Westoning Open Air at 11am and
Toddington Open Air at 11.15am
The services in the open air are dependent on good weather conditions so contingency plans for moving inside if the weather is poor have been made.
The Zoom Upper Room Service is live at 9am. The invitation is for all to call by and listen to this 60 minute time of music scripture reflection and prayer.
We are grateful for Steve Farmer who has presented this week's Pre-recorded Service, Fran and Linda who have undertaken readings, Iain Grant who has edited it and Nicholas Hopton who has provided the music.
Other services this week......
Morning Prayer in the chancel in Toddington Church 9.30am on Monday
Open Air Service at Harlington Church 10am on Wednesday
Private Prayer at Westoning Church at 12 noon on Wednesday.
Private Prayer at Chalgrave, Toddington and Harlington Churches at 10am on Thursday
Funerals taking place this week;
Toddington Church: Tuesday 25th August at 11am, Maureen Toms
Toddington Church: Thursday 27th August at 2pm Graeme Renshaw
Toddington Church Scarecrow Festival- next weekend, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st from 12.30-4pm. Scarecrows will be displayed in front gardens and the churchyard. Maps for viewing the scarecrows £5 per family or group and individual visitors £1. More information from Dee
Please let us know if you would like a chat or support in any way.
We send you our love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
15th Aug 2020
Dear all
It has been a strange week with temperatures blazing at the beginning of the week and rain, storms and fog at the end of the week. Our busy schedules have been varied too and on some days we have barely caught a glimpse of each other. Next week, however, we will be easing back for a few days breather.. catching up on a few days off to rest and looking to have some time to reflect and plan as we move forward within the churches.
Our recorded service has been compiled by Iain from Toddington this week.. and huge thanks go to him for his time...(and also for his time trying to save my crashed computer this week.. which has sadly died because the hard drive is worn out!). It feels strangely symbolic. Years of information stored from family, church, and work over the years.. suddenly inaccessible and potentially lost. Just a little stressful! But we give thanks for the skills and willingness of folk to help.. and hopefully my files have been recovered even though my computer has had enough!
The link to the recorded service this week runs from our new St George of England, Toddington You Tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikWsc99ueTI (Hold down the command button and click with the computer mouse and it should take you to the service).
This week our churches will hold Sunday Morning Outdoor Services (but each church will have an option to move into the church building if there is heavy rain).
Harlington Church 10.15am Outdoor service (Service sheets will be provided)
Chalgrave 10.30am Outdoor service. Please bring a chair and a copy of the Chalgrave service sheet.
Westoning Church 11am Outdoor service (service sheets provided)
Toddington Church 11.15am Outdoor service (service sheets available or bring last week's/ use link above to print sheet)
Wednesday Morning: Harlington Church 10am Outdoor service
Tingrith Church will meet next Sunday at 10.15am for an open air service.
OTHER SERVICES THIS WEEK
Monday 9.30am : Toddington Church Morning Prayer
Tuesday 9.30am : Morning Prayer by zoom. Please ask Linda for the zoom access link
Thursday 10am - 11.30am : Church open for Private Prayer
There will be no zoom mid-week gatherings this week.
We will issue shortly the dates for each church's Annual Parochial Church Meetings which could not take place in April due to church closures but now need to take place by 31st October.
We wish you a very blessed week and look forward to seeing you soon.
God bless
Linda
8th Aug 2020
Hello Everyone
We have pleasure in attaching the link for the recorded service this week which was filmed at Harlington Church and includes beautiful hymns and music courtesy of the choir of St Martins in the Field and Nicholas who leads our hymns and music with such enthusiasm and gifting. The service includes Bible readings by Iain from Toddington Church and Larry from Chalgrave Church, and a sincere meaningful sermon by Bishop Alan, Bishop of St Albans, based on personal experience. The service has been edited by Dr Robert Johns of Harlington Church for the last time, and we extend our most grateful thanks to him for his tremendous commitment and dedication in editing and preparing the service each week over these past months of lockdown. He is stepping back this week to focus more fully on his Readership role and passes the baton on to Iain who has kindly offered to edit our future recorded services. We extend our most sincere thanks to both Robert and Iain. The link for this week's service is: http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service-2/
This week there are one or two modifications to our usual routine of events to accommodate other special services. Please note that there will be no private prayer at Toddington this week on Thursday morning to allow the 72 hours Covid safety clearance before holding a Wedding in Church on 15th August.
There will also be an act of Remembrance at 11am on 15th August at Toddington war memorial to mark the remembrance of VJ day. (This event will be socially distanced - with limited numbers able to gather).
Services this week:
Sunday Upper Room zoom service 9am considers favourite characters from the Bible with contributions from different members of the Quintet churches. It is a special time sharing together, as we gather via the internet. Do join us if you can. Please contact Linda or Nigel for access link, see contact details below.
Outdoor Services on Sunday 9th August (it will be helpful if you could please print your own copy of the appropriate Outdoor Sunday Morning Service sheet - see link above this message heading).
Tingrith Church 10.15am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Harlington Church 10.15am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Chalgrave Church 10.30am - please bring a chair and a printed copy of the Sunday 9th attached service if possible, but copies will be available.
Westoning Church 11am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Toddington Church 11.15am Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet
Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer in the Chancel in Toddington Church.. please gather at the Chancel door.
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by zoom. Please ask Linda for the zoom access link
Wednesday 10am Harlington Church outdoor gathering for Morning Prayer.
Wednesday 8pm Churches Together in Harlington zoom service. All welcome.
Private Prayer
Westoning Church 12 noon on Wednesday
Chalgrave Church 11am on Thursday
Zoom gatherings:
Tuesday 10.30am Harlington
Wednesday 11am Toddington
No zoom gathering at Westoning this week.
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.
Wishing you every blessing this week
Linda and Nigel
1st Aug 2020
Dear All
We hope you have had a good week and have enjoyed the lovely sunshine this week-end. It was a scorcher on Friday!
Online Recorded Service: This week our recorded service, which was filmed at Tingrith Church, can be accessed on this usual link: http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service-2/ If you have difficulties accessing by the link, please also consider logging on to Harlington Church website where you will find a link for This Sunday's service linked to a picture, which you can click and it will take you direct to the filmed service.
Online The Upper Room Service: 9am Sunday morning: please contact Linda or Nigel for access link, see contact details below.
Outdoor Sunday Service: Our outdoor Sunday morning services are proving to be increasingly popular as an opportunity to gather in safety in the fresh air. This week we meet as follows:
Harlington Church 10.15am (Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet)
Chalgrave Church 10.30am (please bring a chair) Sunday 2nd August Service Sheet
Westoning Church 11am (please bring a chair) Sunday 2nd August Service Sheet
Toddington Church 11.15am (please bring a chair although some chairs will be provided) Sunday 2nd August Service Sheet
next week Tingrith Church will also meet for their first outdoor service at 10.15am on Sunday.
While there is an increased risk of virus spread, we will continue to meet outdoors on Sunday mornings (and Wednesday morning at Harlington) - weather permitting.
At each service, please sterilise your hands on arrival and on leaving. If possible, please print and bring your own copy of the respective service sheet and take it home with you afterwards (there will be some copies available at each church). Service sheets attached Sunday 2nd August will be used at Chalgrave, Toddington and Westoning. Outdoor Sunday morning service sheet will be used at Harlington. A list of attendees and contact numbers will be taken at each service for track and trace purposes.
Zoom gatherings this week:
9.30am Tuesday Morning Prayer (please ask Linda for the access link)
10.30am Tuesday Harlington Church
10.15am Wednesday Westoning Church
11am Wednesday Toddington/Chalgrave Churches
Other Services and events:
9.30am Monday Morning Prayer in the Chancel at Toddington Church (Government guidance requires that we now wear a face mask inside the building for Public Worship). Please meet at the Chancel door.
10am Wednesday Morning Prayer gathering outdoors at Harlington Church
Private Prayer:
Thursday 11-12 noon Chalgrave Church
Thursday 10- 11am Harlington Church
Thursday 10-11.30am Toddington Church
Wednesday 12 -1pm Westoning Church
If you would be interested to gather for an 8am BCP service of Morning Prayer at Harlington Church, next Sunday 9th August, can you please let me or Nigel know.
Finance
You may have heard on the news this week about the financial difficulties of Westminster Abbey which has suffered greatly from the loss of tourist and service income (12 million pounds deficit due to the Covid-19 situation so far this year). Unfortunately, many churches are facing deficit situations with our doors having been closed for so long. During the lockdown, our main focus within the Quintet, and within St Albans diocese, has to be to support you as best as we can, and to provide services and gatherings to allow us to worship and meet together. This continues to be our focus alongside your pastoral well being. However, church finances are a concern for the future and so we need to come up to date with new technology and opportunities to meet the approach of the cashless society. For now, there continues to be an offering plate available at each church at our services (both indoor and outdoor) to receive offerings by envelope or cash. However, the collection plate will be in a static place to avoid shared touching, as we are no longer permitted to pass the plate around due to infection risk.
Other opportunities to make an offering are by Card Reader at Toddington, Harlington and Westoning Churches; by donation button on the websites at Harlington, Westoning or Toddington, (or A church Near You page at Toddington). If you are interested to set up a regular payment direct from your bank account, Westoning, Harlington and Toddington have Parish Giving literature and facility available, or please contact the Treasurers for any of our Quintet churches for the church bank details. If you would like to receive a set of envelopes at home, or for someone to pop by to see you, please do let us know. We thank you for your generosity and kindness in the contributions you already make to your local church which enables us to continue in our outreach and Christian witness, and in the upkeep of these wonderful places of worship. Your contributions are truly appreciated. Thank you!
With love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
25th July 2020
Dear All
We hope you are all well and have had a good week? We are pleased that the outdoor Sunday 'services' were well received last Sunday. It was very good to gather back together again. The services continue this week at the following times:
Outdoor Sunday 'Services': *For your information, card readers will be available at Westoning, Harlington and Toddington churches tomorrow, for your convenience.
- Harlington Church at 10.15am (an earlier time this week). Chairs will be provided or please bring your own, if you prefer.
- Chalgrave Church at 10.30am (please bring a chair, and a drink if you would like to stay for a 'cuppa and chat' afterwards)
- Westoning Church at 11am (please bring a chair if possible but some chairs will be provided)
- Toddington Church at 11.15am (please bring a chair if possible, but some chairs will be provided)
Online and Recorded services:
- Upper Room online service 9am Sunday morning: please contact Linda or Nigel for access link, see contact details below.
- The Recorded Quintet service will be released early on Sunday morning and is available online during the week. It is hosted on the Harlington Church web site. Access links are also available on each Church website (please see above) and on the 'A Church Near You' respective pages, and on the respective Church Facebook pages.
Services during the week:
- Monday 9.30am Morning Prayer at Toddington Church (in the Chancel). Please come to the Chancel door and please also wear a face covering.
- Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer by Zoom call. Please request the access code from Linda
- Wednesday 10am Harlington Church- Outdoor 'service' gathering
Private Prayer in church: *You are requested please to wear a face covering in church.*
- Toddington Church: Thursday 10-11.30am (A change of day and time. We will only be opening one day a week now that we also open for Morning Prayer on Monday).
- Chalgrave Church: Thursday 11-12noon
- Harlington Church: Sunday 2-3pm and Thursday 10-11am
- Tingrith Church: Sunday 11am -12 noon
- Westoning: Wednesday 12 noon to 1pm, Saturday 2-3pm
Do please link with us if you have any concerns or prayer requests, or if you would just like to link for a chat.
With love and prayer
Nigel and Linda
18th July 2020
Dear All
Open Air Gathering in the Church Grounds
This week we have the exciting new opportunity to meet for worship together for the first time in many months within the church grounds in the open air, at four of our churches. At this strange time of 'unlocking' many people are wary of entering the churches yet, and so we hope you will feel comfortable to meet outdoors in the fresh air.
We will, of course, need to pay careful attention to social distancing requirements and maintain a 2 metres distance from each other, and some of you may wish to also wear a face covering. If you are in a vulnerable category you may prefer to remain at home, and we quite understand this. Or if you decide to come along, you will be welcome.
Please also bring along your own copy of the service sheet (see above) and then please take it home again with you afterwards. There will be spare copies for anyone unable to print a copy. There will be a collection plate, but it will be set in one place as we are no longer able to hand it around (to reduce the spread of any potential infection). In some churches there may also be a supply of envelopes or a card machine available (as we are now moving into the previously unlikely territory of being advised to use card payments instead of cash).
When you arrive, please remember to sterilise your hands, and again, on leaving. (What strange times we are in.. but this is important for each other's safety and well-being).
Tomorrow (Sunday 19th July), we meet for a short gathering for prayers, Bible readings, and a time of reflection and sharing. There will be no singing of hymns. Please bring your own chair, if possible, although each church will have some chairs available.
This week is a trial arrangement for several churches, and times of services may change over the coming weeks as we seek to balance commitments, but tomorrow (Sunday 19th July) we meet at these times in these churches:
Harlington Church 11am
Toddington Church 11.15am
Chalgrave Church 10.30am
Westoning Church 11am
Online Services
- Our weekly UPPER ROOM SERVICE tomorrow begins at 9am. Do drop in for an hour of Prayer, Scripture, Reflection and Music to start the day. This week we have a testimony and thoughts on the Parable of the Talents. Please contact Linda or Nigel for access link - see contact details below.
- 9.30am Tuesday, Morning Prayer by Zoom ( please contact Linda if you would like to come along)
Events in our Churches
- 9.30am Monday, Morning Prayer at Toddington Church (please access through the Chancel door) - starting as a trial this week.
- 10am Wednesday, Morning Prayer at Harlington Church (in the Church grounds)
Private Prayer:
Toddington 12 noon until 2pm Monday and 10-12 noon on Friday. Please enter through the South Door into Cheney Chapel
Chalgrave 11-12 noon on Thursday
Tingrith Sunday, 11-12 noon
Westoning Wednesday 12 noon -1pm, Saturday 2pm -3pm
Harlington: Thursday 10-11am, Sunday 2-3pm
As the Churches begin to open more frequently some of our Zoom Coffee Morning gatherings will need to change timing butt his week we meet:
Harlington: Tuesday at 10.30am
Westoning: Wednesday 10.15am
Toddington: Wednesday 10.45-11.45am (change of day and time)
On a personal note, as the churches get busier and we try to balance online commitments and physical gatherings at our churches, we recognise that we need to build in our days off to keep up our energy levels. (We are part-time 0.75 and entitled to take 2.5 days each week). During the lockdown period we have continued to work each day, but as demands grow, there is increasingly less time to rest, so we are attempting a new discipline and this week will be taking time off from lunch time on Thursday until late afternoon on Saturday. We will put our phones and emails down during the day but will catch up on anything urgent in the evenings and will be available from late afternoon on Saturday. Thank you for your understanding.
We thank you for your support and extend our gratitude and appreciation of the hard working teams in each of our Churches.
With best wishes
Linda and Nigel
4th July 2020
Dear all
Here we are on 4th July, the day when hairdressers, pubs, holiday cottages and more emerge forth, people are travelling to spend time with families. Churches are now officially allowed to open for Public Worship, weddings can take place and we can begin to discuss baptisms again. Despite the Government clearance to open for Public Worship there are many practical issues to consider, and a lot of guidelines to read and put into place; so, many churches, including ours within the Quintet, will not be opening for Sunday Public worship yet but each church is either open or about to open for Private prayer. We are moving gently forward to a time when we can gather physically in church again.. but we must be safe.
It is an interesting concept how we will manage the hosting of Public Worship Sunday services in the future whilst also looking to live stream services too. Some churches are investigating how to install broadband connections and this may be something that we also need to consider. Life's experiences move us forward into new times and new ways. Gently does it. One step at a time.
Our Services and events this week
Our weekly Quintet pre-recorded service http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service-2/ is accessed by about 200 people on Facebook alone, and other people connect direct to Harlington website, or access via the link in this email so church has taken on a new and exciting dimension. Our service this week includes young Toby and Joshua from Chalgrave Church (and Messy Church and Youth Group) as our Bible readers, Marcel from Harlington Church offers our Intercessions, Jenna Dearden (Ordinand from Westoning) offers a lovely sermon this week, and Nicholas plays skillful accompaniment for our hymns and music. Thank you so much to everyone involved in our service this week, which has been filmed at Harlington Church.
The Upper Room: zoom worship service takes place for an hour at 9am on Sunday morning. People gather from across the Quintet of churches, but also on occasions with visitors from Gloucestershire! This week we are looking at 'Coming to Faith' and 3 ladies will give brief testimonies of their journey (following on from 3 men sharing their stories last week). There will be scripture, music and prayer in an hour of peace and reflection. Last week we had 37 people visiting the Upper Room and many have said how that hour sets them up for the day. Do join us if you can. Please contact Linda or Nigel for access link - see contact details below.
Morning Prayer
Tuesday morning at 9.30am via zoom link. You are most welcome to join us for 45 minutes of sharing Bible passages, prayer and reflection. (Please ask Linda or Nigel for the access link).
Zoom coffee Mornings:
Harlington 10.30am on Tuesday
Westoning 10.15am on Wednesday
Toddington and Chalgrave 10.30am on Thursday
Do please join us for one or more events, if you can.
Quintet Churches open for Private Prayer as follows:
Toddington church is open on Monday 12 noon to 2pm and Friday 10-12noon
Harlington Church will be open tomorrow afternoon 2-3pm and Thursday 10-11am.
Tingrith Church will be open Sundays 11-12 noon
Westoning Church is open for private prayer Wednesday 12 -1pm and Saturday 2-3pm
Chalgrave Church will be open 11-12 noon on Thursdays from 16th July.
Response please
As we move forward into these new stages please link with us and tell how you are feeling about worship and meeting opportunities now, and also how you feel about future worship e.g. are you keen to return to church, or reticent? We would really value your comments.
We send our love in Christ, and our prayers. Please keep safe, take care of yourselves.
Linda and Nigel
27th June 2020
Dear all
Another week has past, and here we are fast approaching the end of June! How quickly time is passing.
With the gradual emerging from lockdown this week Toddington church opened to host a small funeral and two churches - Westoning and Toddington were opened for Private Prayer. We hope that Chalgrave and Harlington churches will also be able to open for private prayer towards the end of next week once practical arrangements have been put into place. (Before we can open, the churches need to be cleaned and prepared for social distancing with appropriate signage and hand sterilisation gels, to make sure that visitors are safe).
Private Prayer times:
- Toddington Church - Monday from 12-2pm and Friday from 10-12noon in the Cheyne Chapel (as part of social distancing safety measures - face mask advised whilst in church).
- Westoning Church - Wednesdays at 12 noon for one hour and Saturdays at 2pm for one hour. (as part of social distancing safety measures - face mask advised whilst in church)
- Tingrith Church will open at 11am on Sunday 4th July.
It is certainly good to be able to open the church doors again, albeit under strict health and safety guidelines.
At present there can be no led worship, no singing in church and hymn books and contact items have to be removed. Parts of the churches will be cordoned off... but it will be lovely to be able to welcome people to come and pray and to spend some quiet time in church after all these weeks.
We are moving forward with consideration of how and when to open for public Sunday worship services. The government has announced that it is possible to hold public worship from July 4th but the Church of England and our Diocese are still awaiting the accompanying government guidelines. The opening of churches is permissive and not prescriptive and we as ministers have been guided by the bishops that there is no need to rush. We will need to consider carefully what is best for each parish. In the immediate, internet services will continue as many people enjoy accessing these, and it has become an increasingly valued part of weekly ministry.
Services for this week:
- This week's pre-recorded service was filmed at Chalgrave Church, with readers Sue and Margaret from Harlington, and Martin from Westoning, with the Quintet choir singing a hymn (recorded individually in their own homes, and compiled by Nicholas in his home... amazing what is possible!). Our musical accompaniment is by Nicholas with some hymns from St Martin's in the Field choir. The service is hosted on Harlington Web site but can also be accessed through each churches' respective websitse or Facebook pages, or on the Church of England 'A Church Near You site'.
- At 9am Sunday 28th we host our live zoom Upper Room service to which you are all welcome (see link to poster above for 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. There's opportunity to pray or you can do what most do: sit and bathe in the peace and beauty of the Upper Room, where some disciples gather to start the day. The theme this week is 'Coming to faith.' Do give it a try. It is an hour that will set you up for the week
Our zoom gatherings continue this week:
- Morning Prayer Tuesday at 9.30am
- Harlington Coffee time Tuesday, at 10.30am
- Westoning Coffee morning Wednesday 10.15am
- Toddington/Chalgrave Coffee Morning Thursday 10.30am
- Chalgrave gathering Monday eve on 8x8 at 7.00pm ( an invitation link will be sent out separately)
- Please put these dates in your diary and if you would like any more information re. joining in, please let me or Nigel know.
Beware of Scams:
There are increasing warnings to be careful of scam attempts online and by phone which seek to access your personal and private banking information. With this in mind, Robert has prepared a special SCAM awareness page, hosted on Harlington Web site. We encourage you to click on this link to read the guidance about how to protect yourself. http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/safeguarding/on-line-scamming-is-a-safeguarding-issue/
We send you our love and care, and our prayers. Do please let us know how you are. We are definitely interested. Thank you also for your care and support towards us.
We hope you have a very good week. We continue to pray for your health and wellbeing and for the protection and care of your families and loved ones.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
20th June 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you have had a good week and have coped with the further releasing from confinement.. and the torrential rain - the gardens and the gardeners will be happy! This week more shops have opened, more people have returned to work, the roads have become much busier (has anyone else noticed the high number of speeding cars?!).
- The news has informed us of Black Lives Matter events and as people begin to reveal their stories we turn our minds to the past, and to the future, recognising the importance of change. Bishop Alan, the Bishop of St Albans has issued an email about events this week to commemorate the third anniversary of Windrush. He also reminds us about the Pilgrimage in memory of St Alban and invites us to tune in to: https://www.youtube.com/user/stalbanscathedral
- Our pre-recorded service this week is filmed at Tingrith Church, with Fran from Toddington church reading the Gospel, Chris, Lay Leader of worship from Harlington church, leading our intercessions, Stephen, Reader giving the sermon and musical accompaniment by Nicholas and recordings from St Martins in the Fields choir.
- At 9am 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. There's opportunity to pray or you can do what most do: sit and bathe in the peace and beauty of the Upper Room, where some disciples gather to start the day.
Our zoom gatherings continue this week:
- Tuesday Morning Prayer at 9.30am
- Harlington Coffee time will be on Tuesday, at 3pm in the afternoon this week.
- Westoning Coffee Morning 10.15am on Wednesday
- Toddington Coffee Morning 10.30am on Thursday and anyone from Chalgrave who would like to join us.
- Chalgrave evening gathering Tuesday eve on 8x8? at 7.30pm?
- Please put these dates in your diary and if you would like any more information re. joining in, please let me or Nigel know.
Moving forward with arrangements for Churches to open for Private prayer. We are tentatively looking at the following options:
- St George's Toddington: to open Cheyne Chapel once or twice a week for an hour (more information to follow)
- Westoning Church: to open twice in the week - more information to follow.
- Harlington Church: to open once or twice a week - more information to follow
- Tingrith church to open in July for an hour on Sunday afternoons - more information to follow
- Chalgrave church to open once or twice a week for an hour - more information to follow.
At present there can be no led worship, no singing in church and hymn books and contact items have to be removed. Parts of the churches will be cordoned off... but it will be lovely to be able to welcome people to come and pray and to spend some quiet time in church after all these weeks. We will let you know days and dates as soon as they are known.
We send you our love and care, and our prayers. Do please let us know how you are. We are definitely interested. Thank you also for your care and support towards us.
We hope you have a very good week. We continue to pray for your health and wellbeing and for the protection and care of your families and loved ones.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
13th June 2020
Hello everyone
We hope you have had a good week and are keeping well? It's been a busy week for us with the news that churches can now consider opening for private prayer. There is a lot to consider and we are in discussion with the various PCC's before making any definite decisions but will let you know details as soon as they are known. Please let us know if you would like to go into church to pray.
This week's pre-recorded service is set in St. Mary Magdalene Church Westoning and our readers are from Westoning and Chalgrave Churches.
You are also warmly invited to join us at 'The Upper Room' online service tomorrow at 9am - see link above for poster with details.
You are also invited to our weekly zoom Coffee Mornings and Morning Prayer this week:
Tuesday 9.30am Morning Prayer All welcome. Please let us know if you would like to 'come' to the service.
Tuesday 10.30am Harlington 'Coffee Morning'
Wednesday 10.15am Westoning 'Coffee Morning'
Thursday 10.30am Toddington and Chalgrave 'Coffee Morning'.
Please put these dates in your diary and look out for the invitation links the day before. If you would like any more information, please let me or Nigel know.
On Harlington web site you will also find a link to the RSCM Big Music service at 6 pm in which some of the Quintet choir are singing http://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
With every good wish, love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
6th June 2020
Hello Everyone
We hope you are well and have had a good week.. with a good sense of being slightly released. This week the Lower School opened its doors to some year groups, more people are emerging from lockdown, with more people returning to work. Sadly, we still have no indication of when the churches may reopen.. but let's pray that it will not be too far away.
This week our recorded service was filmed in St George's Church, Toddington, with an introductory picture of Tingrith church. We give our thanks to this week's readers.
You are also warmly invite to join a 'zoom' Upper Room' informal worship service at 9am Sunday morning. This is a new style service which has emerged from last week's Thy Kingdom come Prayer initiatives. Last Sunday we held the first service for Westoning Church and a few folk joined us from Toddington and Harlington. It offered a rather special opportunity for worship, sharing testimony and prayerful interaction, and so we have decided to continue this each Sunday in June, and to extend it to the Quintet of churches, so others can join us. There is no obligation to contribute.. it is absolutely ok to come and listen. There is a link to poster above but please contact Nigel on nwashy2@gmail.com or me for access code etc to join the zoom room in the morning.
Zoom Coffee Mornings continue this week:
Harlington: 10.30am on Tuesday
Westoning: 10.15am on Wednesday
Toddington and Chalgrave: 10.30am on Thursday.
We will issue access codes the day before or please email to ask for the link: revdtoddington@gmail.com.
Morning Prayer for the Quintet will be on Tuesday morning at 9.30am. Please let Linda or Nigel know if you would like to join this so we can send you the invitational access codes.
We would really value hearing how you are getting on; if you are managing to access the services ok and if there is any way can offer you support. We will deliver service sheets in the morning to anyone who has requested them, who is not able to access internet services. Please let us know of anyone else who may wish to have contact from us. We have enjoyed several conversations at 2m distance on doorsteps on Sunday morning. Let us know if you would like a similar visit at some stage.
With love and prayers
Linda and Nigel
30th May 2020
Dear All
We hope and pray that you are well and coping ok. Each day seems to bring a new stage and a new set of challenges and adjustments. Do please link with us to share your news, or to let us know if you would like any support eg shopping, IT help, prayer, links by phone etc.
This week's Quintet service celebrates Pentecost which is marked as the birth of the Christian Church. And as the disciples joined together in the Upper Room at Pentecost, so a number of us have joined together remotely from our homes - sharing our different voices, to contribute to our service - please do join us from your homes too so we can share time together.
We offer our sincere thanks to all involved. We also have 2 hymns from St Martin's in the Fields church choir. If you are willing to be involved in future recorded services, to offer a reading, or the Intercessions, please do let us know. You will be most welcome.
This week's services and events:
If you would like to join us this week for a zoom virtual coffee morning please note the following dates and times into your diaries:
Tuesday morning 10.30am Harlington Coffee morning
Wednesday morning 10.15am Westoning Coffee morning
Thursday morning 10.30am Toddington Coffee morning (Chalgrave church members are welcome to join us).
Services:
Sunday 31st 9am Westoning Church: a Pentecost Upper Room time of Prayer (please email Nigel if you would like to join so he can send you the link)
Monday morning 9.30am: Morning Prayer by zoom for Harlington Church (and Quintet church members who would like to join) Please email Linda to ask for the link.
Tuesday morning 9.30am: Morning Prayer by zoom for Toddington church (and Quintet church members who would like to join) Please email Linda to ask for the link: revdtoddington@gmail.com.
We send our love and prayers to you all
Linda and Nigel
9th May 2020
Dear All
This week our service comes from Chalgrave Church (well sort of!). The service is not a Communion Service so is slightly shorter, and we are pleased that our Readers have been involved in reading the Bible passages...it's good to share! If anyone would like to contribute to a future service please let us know. It would be good to include readers and intercessors from across the five churches over the weeks ahead.. and perhaps there might be scope to include a testimony or two to encourage others, if you feel inspired to share.
For members of our churches not on internet, Nigel and I deliver service sheets with the reading sheet each week so everyone is able to worship. If you know of anyone who would like to be included in our mailings or deliveries, please do let us know, or pass on our contact details, or this email, so they can link with us.
It has been very lovely to share with so many of you this week at zoom PCC meeting (Westoning) and zoom coffee mornings or prayer meeting. We will issue zoom invitations for next week's meetings tomorrow which will include a Chalgrave church meeting too.
Please let us know if you, or anyone else you know, would be interested to join an informal church meeting so we can make sure to send out an invitation. We are also considering launching zoom prayer and home study groups . If you feel an interest to join us in these, please let us know asap. Perhaps you might also be interested in a quintet church Quiz night, or a book club?
There have been so many wonderful pictures from the villages of the V.E. day celebrations. Such special times.. socially distanced but enjoying time as community as we all pay tribute and remember.
A quick reminder that the free Daily Hope phone number: 0800 804 8044 to contact if you would like to hear a daily service, hymns or prayers, or to receive the comfort of listening to a reflection. Please pass this on to anyone you know who may not be on the internet but who may be glad of company and encouragement.
Please let us know if you have any other news to be circulated.
With every good wish
Linda and Nigel
3rd May 2020
Dear all
Yet another week has passed in 'lockdown'. How are you and your families coping? We have had some wonderfully sunny weather this week, but also some heavy rain.. quite symbolic. Each day is different but, in many ways, each day can be very much the same. Are you grateful to slow down a little, or do you feel a sense of loss of routine and miss company? Are you climbing the walls or still very content to have space and time to be, to do, and to breathe the cleaner air?
Families are busy with home schooling, and many people are also working from home, whilst others are furloughed. Grandparents and families are finding new ways to connect but will be looking forward to times when they can meet up physically to share a laugh or a cuddle. Many of us are learning new IT skills and there is a growing sense of positivity as we see some regular aspects of life across Europe, Australia and New Zealand begin to release. We too have been told that we are past the peak and there are encouraging signs of some aspects of normality returning... the council tips have opened! Rejoice, Rejoice and again we say rejoice! But, for now, we remain patient and look out for each other within our communities and church families. This week I have included Toddington Messy Church families and offer you a very warm welcome. (If you would prefer not to be included, do please let me know).
Nigel and I miss meeting with you all and encourage you to link and let us know your news. We are here for you if you need us: 01525 714442.
Nigel and I send our very best wishes to you all. We pray protection and peace for you and your families. We also pray for all those who work in the NHS and in the caring services and for all key workers...especially remembering our local schools and businesses. We pray for those who are sick (please forward names of anyone you wish us to pray for). Thank you all so much for all your support and for the different creative initiatives and projects. Have a good week.
God bless
Linda and Nigel
