On Sunday, 5th October, it was a busy morning for St Andrew's because of our monthly two services of worship taking place, namely, the 8am more traditional Said Communion, followed by the 10am All Together Eucharist which on this occasion celebrated Harvest Festival. The author of this piece was absent for both (birthday lunch elsewhere) and so, the request for feedback was made rather late. Please forgive.
However, readings for that morning were both instructive and poignant and for which, please refer to: Philippians 4. 4-9, John 6. 25-35 and Matthew 25. 31-40. With a personal reference to Harvest Festival, I suspect that this yearly shared service comes a close second to the Advent and Christmas package of choices. The scent of ripe apples and other staples mingling with late flowers and the rich Autumn colours, all decoratively placed upon church ledges and elsewhere, brings back evocative childhood attendances, all somehow lifting spirits and resolve. Here at St Andrew's, along with lots of other places of worship no doubt, the opening hymn is an opportunity to bring edible contributions to the chancel, ready to pack away and distribute to worthy recipients elsewhere. We are always trying to be inclusive and for the youngsters in the pews, it provides opportunities to read and perform and perhaps follow a theme or tell a story. If no names have appeared in this report, they are always known to God.
Here are some future dates for the calendar: On Saturday, 11th October, between 10am and 12pm, there is our usual Coffee Shop in the Chapter House, our welcoming centre for 'nattering' and fellowship. Partly coinciding with this, within the church itself, between 11am and 4pm, it is Play the Organ Day. Please come along and get involved. On Sunday, 12th October, there is 10am Parish Eucharist, followed by a cuppa and fellowship. Later, at 12pm, there will be the Holy Baptism of Alfred Raymond. Then, at 6pm, there is our more informal lay-led act of worship, Sunday @ 6 and the theme will be 'Care of Creation'. This will also be followed by a refreshing cuppa and chat in the Chapter House.
Lots is going on for Saturday, 18th October: At 9:30am there is St Luke's Day Holy Communion. Between 12 and 2pm, Mothers' Union is providing a soup and a roll lunch, donate what you can. All welcome. In the evening, starting at 7:30pm, there is the Oktoberfest Concert by the Biggleswade and District Choral Society.
If you can pick up literature from St Andrew's which is normally in full and convenient view, our Parish News - in booklet form - is now out for the Autumn 2025 edition. It is packed full of contact details and a Who's Who section. Here's some for starters: Church Website is www.
Have a great week.