St John's Catch Up: Littlewick Green
St John's Catch Up...and All Saints Day
Dear all,
Our next service at St John’s will celebrate All Saints Day, on Sunday 6th November. On this day we remember those who have departed. The church will be decorated with red roses each one purchased in the memory of someone we have lost. Jenny ( 822886) and Yvonne ( 822862) have been taking orders for the roses. They cost £3.50 each. During this service, the names associated with the roses will be read out. Please let them know if you want to buy a rose. The service starts at 9.15 and the Sunday Club will also be meeting so should be a lively and special service.
OUR VISION DAY. 31st October Hurley.
Next Sunday we are holding a Parish wide vision day. This will be held in the tithe Barn in Hurley, opposite St Mary’s. We start with our service at 10am, Dilys will be taking this service and it will be her last before she and Michael move to their new home in St Albans. We then move over to the barn for coffee. The Vision day will allow us all to look forward to the way the churches and Parish can develop. It is an interactive day with three sessions. Lunch will be provided and the day will end at 3pm. Jenny and I hope that there will be many from St John’s there to represent our church. I am informed that Children are welcome so it would be great if a few of our younger members are with us.
COLLECTION FOR DILYS.
Thank you all who have contributed towards a present for Dilys. We have collected £145 from the congregation at St John’s. It has been agreed that we will bring together the collections from the three churches which amounts to £440. At the end of the service on Sunday, a presentation of flowers and a £400 John Lewis Gift Voucher will be made. We are indebted to Dilys for her many years of service to our parish.
SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER.
Our services for November are as follows:
6th November 9.15. Family Eucharist with Sunday Club . ( including the reading out of names of the departed)
13th November 10.45 Our Remembrance Sunday Service.
20th November 9.15 Family Eucharist.
STONE WORK REPAIRS PHASE 2.
We completed the first phase of repairs in April. I am now planning for phase 2 which involves the replacement of a further 50 Grey Ashlar facing stones. It is hoped that we can carry out these repairs in the Spring of next year. I have applied for a Faculty this morning having received approval from the PCC this week. As the parish has experienced over £50,000 of losses over the last two years, we will be paying for this work from the restricted funds held for St John’s. This fund has been added to by the many activities and events arranged by The Friends of Littlewick Church. Although we are very low in funds, I do believe we must maintain our lovely village church in the very best possible condition. I have been able to obtain a grant of £1,000 from the Bayliss Trust, towards the cost of £6,750. I understand that the Friends Group will meet in the new year to see if they can plan other fundraising events for the benefit of St John’s. Obviously whilst I wait for approval from the Diocese I will be trying to raise money towards this cost. Any funds gathered will help St John’s by reducing the amount we need to take from our restricted fund. I am fully aware of the difficult times we face but if you would like to donate towards this cost , however small, please let me know.
Two years ago we carried out much needed repair work to the Lych Gates. At the time, Martin reported that some of the structural timbers were rotten. Temporary repairs were carried out to maintain stability. I now need to complete the work. The cost is £850. And I have received permission from Oxford. It is hoped to do this work in the Spring. Again, the cost will come from the St John’s fund. We were very fortunate that the earlier repairs to the Lych gates was covered by two very generous donations.
DO WE HAVE A PIANIST IN THE VILLAGE??
We are so lucky to have Nigel playing each week for us, something he has done for some 40 Years!!. From time to time when Nigel is not available we have enjoyed Eleanor playing the Piano. In December Eleanor is not available and I am hoping we may have some one in the village who would be available to play the piano. It is possible that we may not have any one to play at the Crib service...all popular Carols. If you can help us young or not so young... Please let me know.
TRAIDCRAFT COFFEE MORNINGS......Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November. 10.30 – 1pm.
Sandra is again holding her two coffee mornings in aid of Traidcraft. Christmas cards and many gifts will be available to view and buy. Please do come and support Sandra. Sandra has ADVENT CALENDARS on sale now. She needs to place an order soon so that they are available for the start of December. There is a range on offer so if you would like to support her please give her a ring on 822282 or email he on sandra@oakleighlg.co.uk I can report that from the sales in 2021, the parish has just sent a cheque in the sum of £714 to the Traidcraft Charity. Traidcraft Exchange supports Third World Suppliers with help, training and support. The following example was highlighted when we attended a conference a few years ago
“There was a young mother scratching a living in poverty with her 5 tea bushes. The charity helped her with training and donated a number of tea plants to her. Over time she became a supplier to Traidcraft and this resulted in her being able to educate her children, who went on to University.......when you help Sandra...you are helping so many more!”
CHRISTMAS HAMPER RAFFLE.
As I mentioned last time, Jenny is asking for donations to fill the Christmas Hamper. Ours with the one from Stubbings , will be raffled and the draw will take place early in December. Tickets will go on sale shortly. Proceeds from the raffle will go to Parish Funds. If you want to donate please ring Jenny on 822886.
LOOKING FORWARD TO CHRISTMAS.....
I know its only October but after the loss of Christmas services due to Covid, in the last few years I am delighted to confirm that our plans for December include the following services and activities:
Sunday 4th December...2.15pm CHRISTINGLE SERVICE.
Sunday 11th December 5pm CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT.
Sunday 18th December 9.15, FAMILY EUCHARIST.
Wednesday 21st December 7pm.....carol singing at the Cricketers.
Saturday 24TH December 2pm CRIB SERVICE.
Sunday 25th December 9.15 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE.
More about these events later, please make a note for your diary.
That’s all for now
GOD BLESS.
Richard.
