During Last Sunday's 10am Parish Eucharist, Rosemary's homily was focused in part upon those readings for the day which centred upon acts of healing and their respective aftermaths. Leprosy, so often seen in a biblical context, took centre stage, with regard to the ailment given and the banishment of which brought gratitude, enlightenment and faith. Jesus' healing of the ten lepers is a well known incident where only one, putting his jubilation aside for a moment, came back to give his thanks. Lepers were banished from places of residence and given a bell to warm folk of their approach. They were treated as outcasts and aliens in society around. Despite the fact that today leprosy is treatable and curable and is not very contagious, in certain parts it is still feared as of old. Jesus accepted outcasts and he knew how to treat them. He gave them dignity and self-worth. Today, there are so many ways in which outcasts are made and Christians as well, fall into this category in some parts of the world and are therefore, persecuted for their faith. Who would you define as an outcast? The list goes on. Outcasts need our kindness.
Reverend Liz gave her personal thanks to those hard working stalwarts of St Andrew's over many years, namely, Richard and Jenny and also daughter Alice, for their example and service and witness because soon they are to leave Biggleswade for pastures new. We wish them, as said in the intercessions, God's blessing in all that they do in their new home and surroundings.
At 6pm, our more informal, lay-led service of worship took place which followed the theme of Care of Creation.
On Saturday, 18th October, all sorts of things are happening. At 9am, there is a St Luke's Day Holy Communion in the Memorial Chapel. Also, beginning at 9:30am and continuing to 1:30pm, there will be a Bell Peal which hopefully will be heard across the town. Meanwhile, at 10am to 12pm, during Coffee Shop in the Chapter House, there is also Craft and Chat. If you're making something intricate or decorative or practical, or all of those things, in sewing or needlework of other kinds, in woodwork or fabric or anything else and whatever your project or pastime and it can be easily brought in, come along and exchange notes or simply introduce yourselves. All welcome. Finally, at 7:30pm, there is the Oktoberfest Concert with the Biggleswade and District Choral Society.
St Andrew's is also thoughtfully complying with the guidelines of having an ECO Church where everyone is free to add their thoughts and wishes and recommendations to those dealing with the practical things and planning as we are en route hopefully to make sufficient progress to a Roche Silver Award. After a recent inspection of our kitchen and allied facilities, we continue to hold a Five Star Hygiene Rating. Life goes on.
For more diary dates and to find out more on Who's Who, go to our church website, visit and read the foyer notices and the outside notice boards.