Hi,
So week two of the new email sharing system, we are learning! Thank you to everyone who got back about not having received the newsletter (It was actually quite reassuring to know people actually read it!). I think most were typos or us not quite having the setting right, I will send a message round again in the old system as well, just to make sure we are working!
This is the week of AGMs or at least that’s what it feels like, with both Irthlingborough and GA’s this week (well done to Woodford and LA, who had theirs week ago)! I know the heart rarely sings when we hear those three letters “AGM” but they do present an opportunity to stop and reflect upon what we have done and what we would like to do, sometimes it can feel a bit down-heartened, but when you look back you can see what has been done, and it’s a surprise. It also helps, if we want to change course slightly, a small nudge on the rudder from a long distance, is often more manageable and easier than a massive about-turn as a massive rock lies dead ahead! As always I am both excited and grateful for the all time energy and love that folk pour into our churches. And remember it “we” /“us” who are the church, the Body of Christ, yes we have been blessed with come beautiful buildings that enhance our worship and project God presence into our communities, and some quite amazing ministerial staff (I obviously exclude myself from that comment (see below!) but the Church is the people in the building not the building itself, or just those who minister within it . So it is good to get together to reflect on our business and be open and honest about the processes we use and how we are going continue to be so for the future.
Well enjoy the spring sunshine, and I hope some of you more night owls managed to see something of the North Lights in the skies last night.
With Love and Prayers
Fr. John
PS I know a couple of folks were a little disappointed in not being told the time of the Coronation Memorial Garden being opened last Monday, that was entirely down to me, A message I thought I had sent, obviously didn’t go. To make up for it, I am more than happy to make up for it, by coming down to the Memorial Garden to say a prayer at a specific rose, with anybody whom that would help, just let me know.
The Events of the Week:
Upcoming events in the benefice can be seen on the benefice website:
https://www.nenecrossings.org.uk/diary
Sunday after Ascension Day 12th May 2024
8am Holy Communion Irthlingborough
9:15am Morning Prayer Little Addington
9:15am Holy Communion Great Addington
10:30am Holy Communion Irthlingborough
(Also Webcast: https://www.facebook.com/stpetersirthlingborough )
Followed by the Church Annual General Meeting
10:45am Holy Communion Woodford
Monday 13th May 2024
2:00pm SPUFS Irthlingborough
7:30pm Bellringing Great Addington
Wednesday 15th May 2024
2:00pm Craft Group Irthlingborough
7:30pm Bellringing Irthlingborough
Thursday 16th May 2024
9:30am Holy Communion, Irthlingborough
4pm Benefice Zoom Evening Prayer
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89955937580?pwd=dnRHRDVCSVJod3ZWZ01PKzVuSUNRZz09
Meeting ID: 899 5593 7580
Passcode: 180561
6:00pm AGM Great Addington
Friday 17th May 2024
3pm: Funeral Thelma Meacham Kettering Crematorium
7:30pm Sing Concert Great Addington
Saturday 18th May 2024
10:00am Christian Coffee Morning Irthlingborough
10:30-12noon Wellbeing Fayre Great Addington Village Hall
Pentecost 19th May 2024
8am Holy Communion Irthlingborough
9:15am Family Service Little Addington
9:15am Holy Communion Great Addington
10:30am Holy Communion Irthlingborough
(Also Webcast: https://www.facebook.com/stpetersirthlingborough )
10:45am Morning Prayer Woodford