Welcome to the Parish Church of All Saints, Chalgrave
Here you will be able to find information about the worship, activities, purpose, and the history of the Anglican Church in Chalgrave, which is part of the Diocese of St Albans within the Church of England.
*NEW*
Quintet Live Sunday Service via Zoom Sunday 17th January at 11am Currently, most of our churches are closed for worship so, this Sunday, Rev'ds Linda & Nigel Washington have decided to offer a live Morning Worship Service starting at 11am. Please do drop by for a time of worship, separated but together. Please see link below for poster with Zoom log on details. 
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Update on Services from 3rd January 2021 Our area remains in Tier 4 of risk, due to the high rise in infection levels, which means that although we can meet in Church for a Service, we have decided to SUSPEND Worship in Church on Sundays at 9.30am. This will be reviewed weekly. Meantime, we will continue with pre-recorded Audio Sunday Services (see link below). You can also access Services via Zoom as follows:- The Upper Room Service on Sundays 6pm. Please contact Linda if you would like the access code to join the worship service. Morning Prayer Service on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9.30am. Links available from Linda. NB No Morning Prayer on 18th January When our Services in Church resume, we must be extremely careful and people must follow the restrictions on social mixing and adhere to social distancing between households. People must not mingle indoors in a service with anyone they do not live with or are do not belong to their support bubble. PLEASE NOTE: When you enter Church, please remember to sterilise your hands, and again, on leaving. Also, we will need to pay careful attention to social distancing requirements and maintain a 2 metres distance from each other, and wear a face covering while in Church. Thank you for your co-operation. | ||
To access this week's Pre-recorded Audio Sunday Service
led by Rev'ds Linda & Nigel Washington
for Sunday 17th January - Epiphany 2
please click the following link
https://www.harlingtonchurch.org/worship-services-2/this-sundays-service/
You can download the Readings & Service Sheets below.
| service_sheet_17th_january_-_epiphany_2.pdf |
| readings_sheet_17th_january_-_epiphany_2.pdf |
| upper_room_poster_.pdf |
Upper Room Service - Sundays at 6pm
At 6pm we host our live Zoom Upper Room service to which you are all welcome to come along - see link above for poster with details. The service offers an hour of different short reflections, music, prayer, and a personal testimony.
It is a special time with members from the different Quintet churches joining together in worship.
At 6pm we host our live Zoom Upper Room service to which you are all welcome to come along - see link above for poster with details. The service offers an hour of different short reflections, music, prayer, and a personal testimony.
It is a special time with members from the different Quintet churches joining together in worship.
Messages from Rev'd Linda Washington, Priest in Charge
16th January 2021
Hello everyone
We hope you are all coping and keeping safe this week. We have heard that several people have now either received a first vaccination or expect to receive one soon and we pray that the process goes smoothly for you. It is encouraging to know that infection rates are beginning to decline in this area and that our lockdown efforts are having a positive effect on the number of cases within our community, but we must continue to be vigilant and careful for the sake of each other and in consideration of the local hospitals, emergency and care organisations who are still dealing with a peak wave. We all have quite a long journey ahead I suspect, but we balance this with hope and expectation of better times ahead.
Sadly this week, we have learned of the recent deaths of two very special, dear members of the community of Harlington and Toddington, both ministers, and men of inspiration, great faith and service and much loved. Rev Jim Donaldson died on Thursday evening and Rev Nick McNeill a previous vicar at Toddington died suddenly at the end of December. Our thoughts are very much with their families and we thank God for the Christian inspiration, witness and faith which they shared with us all on their journey. May they both rest in peace with their Lord and Saviour.
We also hold in our prayers those who are sick or bereaved, thinking of Elizabeth, Paul S and others known to us.
This week there has been less sunshine and the weather has felt grey and our walks have been muddy, but the daffodils on the kitchen window sill are resplendent, the spring bulbs are peeping through the soil and the hyacinths from Christmas are filling our hall with the most beautiful scent. Such blessings are so encouraging.
This week's services are as follows:
Sunday 17th January:
Services this week:
Monday - the funeral of Olive Daniell 10am at North Herts Crematorium - led by Rev Linda Washington (Please contact Linda if you would like the link to watch the funeral online)
Morning Prayer by Zoom (links available from Rev'd Linda)
Tuesday 19th January at 9.30am
Wednesday 20th January at 9.30am
Thursday 10.30am Private Prayer at Toddington Church for an hour (social distancing measures in place - please wear a face covering and sterilise hands on entering and on leaving - and dress warmly).
Afternoon Tea sessions via Zoom: - link available from Rev'd Linda
Toddington Church 4.15pm on Wednesday
We send our very best wishes to you all. Have a good week.
God bless
Linda
Revd Linda Washington, Priest in Charge: 01525 714442 or 07715 603557 or email: revdchalgrave@gmail.com
Revd Nigel Washington, Associate Minister: 07722 297299 or email: nwashy2@gmail.com
Sue, Churchwarden at All Saints, Chalgrave: 07796 666174
Margaret, Churchwarden at All Saints, Chalgrave : 01582 605561
Sandy, All Saints, Chalgrave PCC member: 01525 874748
Dee, Church Warden at Toddington: 01525 872649
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
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
22nd December 2020
Dear Everyone,
At All Saints Church we delight in celebrating Christmas each year in the beauty of the decorated 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.
It is with great sadness and a heaviness of heart that I write to tell you that we have decided
to cancel the remaining December services at All Saints Church, including the Crib service and the Midnight Mass service planned for this week.
I know this will be a disappointment, especially to all those who have booked places, 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.
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
Contact: revdchalgrave@gmail.com
01525 714442
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
16th January 2021
Hello everyone
We hope you are all coping and keeping safe this week. We have heard that several people have now either received a first vaccination or expect to receive one soon and we pray that the process goes smoothly for you. It is encouraging to know that infection rates are beginning to decline in this area and that our lockdown efforts are having a positive effect on the number of cases within our community, but we must continue to be vigilant and careful for the sake of each other and in consideration of the local hospitals, emergency and care organisations who are still dealing with a peak wave. We all have quite a long journey ahead I suspect, but we balance this with hope and expectation of better times ahead.
Sadly this week, we have learned of the recent deaths of two very special, dear members of the community of Harlington and Toddington, both ministers, and men of inspiration, great faith and service and much loved. Rev Jim Donaldson died on Thursday evening and Rev Nick McNeill a previous vicar at Toddington died suddenly at the end of December. Our thoughts are very much with their families and we thank God for the Christian inspiration, witness and faith which they shared with us all on their journey. May they both rest in peace with their Lord and Saviour.
We also hold in our prayers those who are sick or bereaved, thinking of Elizabeth, Paul S and others known to us.
This week there has been less sunshine and the weather has felt grey and our walks have been muddy, but the daffodils on the kitchen window sill are resplendent, the spring bulbs are peeping through the soil and the hyacinths from Christmas are filling our hall with the most beautiful scent. Such blessings are so encouraging.
This week's services are as follows:
Sunday 17th January:
- Harlington Church 9.30am Morning service in church
- 11am the 2nd Quintet Live Morning service by zoom online. Do join us if you can. 45 people gathered last week. Everyone was so positive about being able to worship together. Thank you for joining us. The access link is available in poster above.
- 6pm Upper Room Zoom Service. This week we are considering two Old Testament Characters. Access link available from Linda
- This week's Recorded service for Epiphany 2 can be accessed by clicking the link above. Thank you Robert for editing and uploading the service.
Services this week:
Monday - the funeral of Olive Daniell 10am at North Herts Crematorium - led by Rev Linda Washington (Please contact Linda if you would like the link to watch the funeral online)
Morning Prayer by Zoom (links available from Rev'd Linda)
Tuesday 19th January at 9.30am
Wednesday 20th January at 9.30am
Thursday 10.30am Private Prayer at Toddington Church for an hour (social distancing measures in place - please wear a face covering and sterilise hands on entering and on leaving - and dress warmly).
Afternoon Tea sessions via Zoom: - link available from Rev'd Linda
Toddington Church 4.15pm on Wednesday
We send our very best wishes to you all. Have a good week.
God bless
Linda
Revd Linda Washington, Priest in Charge: 01525 714442 or 07715 603557 or email: revdchalgrave@gmail.com
Revd Nigel Washington, Associate Minister: 07722 297299 or email: nwashy2@gmail.com
Sue, Churchwarden at All Saints, Chalgrave: 07796 666174
Margaret, Churchwarden at All Saints, Chalgrave : 01582 605561
Sandy, All Saints, Chalgrave PCC member: 01525 874748
Dee, Church Warden at Toddington: 01525 872649
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
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
22nd December 2020
Dear Everyone,
At All Saints Church we delight in celebrating Christmas each year in the beauty of the decorated 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.
It is with great sadness and a heaviness of heart that I write to tell you that we have decided
to cancel the remaining December services at All Saints Church, including the Crib service and the Midnight Mass service planned for this week.
I know this will be a disappointment, especially to all those who have booked places, 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.
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
Contact: revdchalgrave@gmail.com
01525 714442
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
Actions we can all take to continue Living God’s Love during the COVID-19 outbreak
Although we have had to suspend public worship for a time, we can still find new ways to pray, to worship and to serve with ‘generosity and joy, imagination and courage’.
Across our diocese, we can pray for our families, our neighbours, our local health workers and for all those charged with making difficult decisions at this challenging time. The Lord’s Prayer asks God to meet our daily needs and to protect us from evil. Why not pray it every time we wash our hands?
We are humbled by the extraordinary response of so many people and churches to love their neighbours at this time. Church members, along with people across the community, are contacting the isolated, picking up shopping and calming fears.
Meanwhile please join us in praying regularly:
Living God, draw us deeper into your love;
Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve;
Holy Spirit, make us heralds of good news.
Stir us, strengthen us, teach and inspire us to live your love with generosity and joy, imagination and courage;
for the sake of your world and in the name of Jesus,
Amen.
Church of England Prayer Resources
https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
All Saints Church, Chalgrave Road, Chalgrave, Bedfordshire, LU5 6JN.
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