With Summer gone and that unmistakeable autumnal feel to the days, last Sunday marked the start of our usual church life, in that Sunday School recommenced during the 10am Eucharist and this was good to see. After Reverend Liz's updates on the Notices and Mary's annual explanations of the 'shoebox appeal', the worship continued. Reader Rosemary's homily used much of the themes within the readings. Possibly the best way to summarise much of the material from extracts from the Letter of James and Mark's Gospel, would be "Think before you speak - and act - because there will be consequences." Tame the tongue. Comments can bring about mayhem as well as peace. Uncontrolled gossip can have devastating consequences but used wisely, spoken words can bring about healing and blessing and praise. Poor Peter, ever well meaning, sometimes got into trouble with such things! As do we all from time to time.
After the corporate service, the Baptisms of Savannah, Zendaya and Eden took place and we wish them God's Blessings.
Whilst reading the pages of the Chronicle, if it is Saturday, 21st September, the Country Fayre will be seen and heard around the centre of Biggleswade. From the grounds of St Andrew's Church, there will be stalls, games, music and the ubiquitous scent of sausages and onions and burgers pervading one corner whilst people can sit and chatter or buy vegetables or books or raffle tickets or pop indoors to see what else is going on. Spare a thought for the washer-uppers! The younger folk always perform in song or dance, bringing much to the atmosphere. Thanks must be given to them as well as to those hard working teachers. Indeed thanks to all who come to share and donate to this year's charities, namely, Water Aid and Noah - in short, organisations which try to help and comfort the vulnerable, especially the young.
This Sunday, 22nd September, the 10am Parish Eucharist will take place and from about 11:30am, there will be the Mafambisa Feedback in the Chapter House when those who travelled to South Africa this Summer can speak about their experiences.
On Friday, 4th October, starting at 7pm, the Friends of St Andrew's will be having their AGM in the Chapter House, In fact, this is their Social Evening - a time to be convivial and relaxed and no doubt to hear of the progress that has been made in all sorts of ways over the past year. The guest speaker will be Ann Banham who hosts tours of St Albans Abbey Church - or Cathedral - whatever you are used to calling that venerable centre of the diocese, of which we are an integral part. The Friends of course are an integral part of St Andrew's and their help, vision, dedication and love of this church continues as always.