Last Saturday's Country Fayre was certainly a success and to date, over £5,000 has been raised and more no doubt is yet to come. We were blessed with sunny and dry weather for most of the day, a short deluge occurring in the early afternoon. Nothing was stopped. Some transferred to the Chapter House but out came the sun again and the whole day was full of happy sounds, music, stalls selling this and that, barbeque food to feed upon and raffle prizes to be won - all the fun of the fair, including smashing plates. Thanks are extended not only to those who entertained us and helped out in many ways but also to the families who came along and supported. Our vicar, Reverend Liz expressed her joy and thanks. During the following night and beyond, the deluges of rain and lightning and crackling thunder followed, Bedfordshire being particularly hard hit.
On the Sunday, the 10am Parish Eucharist took place in surroundings that showed little evidence of the busy day before. Children went off to Sunday School in the usual way, reappearing at the start of receiving Communion. Reverend Liz's homily, whilst as always, giving further reference to the readings of the day, enlarged somewhat upon the need to be 'child-like' in our wonder, not to be confused with 'childish' ways. Jesus was particularly concerned with those on the margins of society in Old Testament Palestine. Children were perhaps at the bottom of the pile, perceived as having nothing as yet to contribute. Yet, Jesus held one such child in his arms as having a special place in God's plan and how we should practise sacrifice and love as the key ingredients of Heaven and Earth. Reference as a teaching aid perhaps in the art of trusting and child-like love was further illuminated by reference to the book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
After refreshments in the Chapter House, David and Kay from Hands United shared their knowledge with those afterwards along with our Team who had gone to Mafambisa this Summer, recounting their experiences and rewarding memories as they spent time and activities with vulnerable children and their carers. St Andrew's continues to have close links with Hands at Work, specifically with this community in South Africa.
This coming Sunday, 28th September, 10am Parish Eucharist is marking Michael and All Angels in the church calendar.
On Friday, 4th October, the Friends of St Andrew's will be holding a Social Evening where the guest speaker will be Ann Banham who will be talking about the glories of the architectural features to be found in the Abbey Church of St Albans.
On Saturday, 12th October, there will be a Starlight Hike in order to raise funds for St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger. This local hospice is indeed a very special place, particularly known in the area for its beauty, quality of care and peace and lush grounds. For more details, contact Simon on 07879692067.