I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all who helped at the harvest celebrations with gifts of money and harvest produce and decorating the churches. Although we make a great effort at this time of year, the people we help need all year round support. So lets not wait until next year to give that helping hand, why not put that extra packet or the BOGOF in the food bank or collection baskets at the supermarket the next time you are out, just to show that you continue to care.
October kicks off our autumn bible study groups which will meet weekly until Advent (December). We will meet in the five villages at various times and locations. The exact details are being finalised and will be found on the website www.astwickvale.co.uk and will also be published in our weekly electronic Newsletter called Pews News. If you would like to be included in the latest information send an email to astwickvale.office@gmail.com with Pews News in the subject line and we will add you to the circulation. You are free to unsubscribe by a link in each email at any time, no questions asked. Following on from Harvest we will be exploring what the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ are with the help of a course booklet for £5. A warm welcome and good company guaranteed.
We will all have heard the phrase, if music be the food of love.. play on, it reminds us of the important place that music plays in our worship. Over the years the instruments and songs may have changed but music has always been important. I would like to thank all who play or sing to help enhance our worship in all our churches. Maybe you would like to join the robed choir at Aynho, or if you would like a different commitment why not join the group of singers known as the BFC (full title Benefice Festival Chorus). The BFC meet on a Thursday evening from 7:30pm to 9pm either in one of the churches or Aynho village hall when it gets cold. And then they sing at one or two services each term. This autumn they start to think about Advent and Christmas with possible events on
26th November and 10th December and maybe even on Christmas Eve at Midnight Mass if people’s diaries allow it. Rehearsals will start in October, no previous experience required, no ability to read music required, although it does help but you can learn by singing along. No auditions required, just a wish to sing with others. Look out for more details on the website and Pews News. Come along and bring a friend.
November 1st is All Souls Day when we remember our loved ones departed. Our annual All Souls service this year will take place at Aynho on 29th October at 6pm. Here we will remember our loved ones and light
candles in their memory. Everybody is invited to come, but if you cannot attend and would like a candle lit for a loved one, just let me know and I will arrange it for you. We will also be collecting names in church of those to be remembered.
God Bless you all Simon