Whilst the autumnal light lingers less now of an evening, the dark lingers that little bit longer of a morning. This is always evident at the start of our 8am Said Communion but within half an hour daylight pours through the north facing windows beyond the chancel arch. A new day. Last Sunday, Reverend Liz officiated at the Eucharist and Reader Rosemary's homily centred largely upon the fact that it was Education Sunday, proclaiming that Jesus was - and is - our Greatest Teacher of all time. We would do well therefore to listen to - and read - his words.
On Saturday, 14th September, the Bike and Ride day begins. Enough already has been published about this day but should anyone who reads this article on Friday, 13th, (hopefully you are not superstitious) there may be time to phone Andrew before Saturday, on 01767 313387 to get last minute details. Actually you don't necessarily have to bike at all but more on that from Andrew. If you're too late, there's always next year.
This coming Sunday, 15th September, there are up to three choices of worship: 10am Parish Eucharist during which Sunday School will recommence again in the Chapter House and then those attending can join the adults for the actual Communion; 5:30pm Taize Worship at the glorious Cockayne Hatley Parish Church fairly nearby; 6pm: Sunday @ 6 which is our long established more informal conclusion to the day which is traditionally lay-led.
We at St Andrew's are very lucky - like many other churches no doubt - because the generations can mix and mingle. Possibly you (like the author) are of the "fountain pen generation" who still call ballpoints "biros" but whilst we remain sentimental about such things we can also remember the irritations that left-handers had to go through with inky fingers and blotched papers, it is to our great advantage that we have experts on the right approaches to Social Media who can shed light on Facebook and Instagram. Oliver and Jessica will put you right, along with many others too.
Just for a change: the rest of this piece will focus largely on when future 8am services are taking place up to February next year. This refers to Holy Communion, Order Two, traditional language. This said service lasts for about 40 minutes. It is prayerful and reflective and personal and can always be used - so to speak - instead of 10am Eucharist or when a rather busy Sunday awaits. These on the once monthly Sundays which have the 8am choice: 6th October, 3rd November, 1st December, 5th January and 2nd February.
Other than the above, some other notable Sunday services: 10th November - Remembrance Day with 9:30am Parish Eucharist followed by 10:45am Remembrance Service shared with community in the Market Square. 1st December: 6pm Advent Service of Light. 22nd December: 6pm Nine Lessons and Carols. Tuesday, 24th December - 11:30pm Midnight Mass 25th December: Christmas Day 10am Festival Communion.