The writer of this piece attended the 8am service of worship last Sunday rather than the 10am one. The opportunity to do this occurs about once in every month until such time when things may change and we return to the former schedules that were followed before the scourge of the pandemic. Anyway, on the 4th August, Holy Communion (Order Two) was followed by those present in front of the memorial alter in the north aisle and the statutory wording was forthcoming from Reverend Liz and responded to, their meaning always fresh and vibrant. Reader Rosemary's succinct homily was in more than one sense a real tonic and perhaps a sort of 'wake-up' call to us all. An apt play on words ensued where the daily disciplines of Christian discipleship - both at home and in church - were equated to our bodily needs, where our spiritual and physical wellbeing are seen as one. Carbohydrates, vitamins and proteins are chivvied up by private and corporate prayer, introspection, daily bible reading and being ever mindful of such pursuits in order to keep in trim, thus evading the slow but possible erosion of our faith that may be in need of renewing. A great way to start the sabbath and the walk back home with breakfast in mind!
By today, Friday, 9th August, the church's usual expanses of placid greenery will have had the start of the putting up of the Holiday Club Marquees, looking white and resplendent, engendering an air of happy expectancy. This Sunday, 11th August, will see a special Holiday Club Preparation Service at 6pm. All are welcome of course. On Tuesday, 13th August, Holiday Club officially begins and the next few days will see lots of activities around St Andrew's, culminating in the Holiday Club Praise at 11am on Sunday,18th August and followed by a barbeque. A lot of care and preparation goes into this annual undertaking and we are grateful to the volunteers who manage the daily activities with the different groups of young people taking part. On the same morning, our usual Parish Eucharist will start at the less usual time of 9:30am
Meanwhile, we have had the 2024 Mafambisa Team in our thoughts and prayers, namely, Chris, Sally, Adam, Pippa, John, Ben, Harry, Mark, Matthew, Alice and Chris. They will have returned back to Biggleswade pumped up full of their experiences with our Partner, Hands at Work, in South Africa and we will hear of their life-changing experiences shortly.
As well as digesting the above dates, this Saturday, 10th August, will have Coffee Shop in the Chapter House, between 10am and 12pm. On Sunday, 11th August, at 10am, Parish Eucharist will begin.
On Thursday, 22nd August, there is our weekly Holy Communion Service and so on. Looking ahead, on Monday, 2nd September, Term Time commences locally.
Please look at our church noticeboards outside and on our website for further information and note, the church is open for private prayer from Mondays to Saturdays between 9am to 4pm until further notice and please push the door and absorb the peace. You are welcome.