Last Sunday, those attending the 10am Parish Eucharist at St Andrew's were informed that we were keeping the 'Environment' very much in our thoughts and prayers and this current issue of great concern was reflected in the content of the homily which had been previously composed by Reader Rosemary and duly read by Reverend Liz. It is reasonable to suppose that we have all 'heard it before' but it is of course, well worth repeating and still needs to be. Humanity is mistreating our planet, God's gift, and the consequences are becoming more dire every day. Aspects of our individual lifestyles could be adding to the global disruption. We can however all take the initiative. It is not simply someone else's problem. Individually and collectively we can make a positive difference. Opportunities to do so are infinite, such as, saving energy, eating less meat, getting involved in Fair Trade and even, if not especially, in our immediate neighbourhoods, declaring war on for instance on plastic pollution. Here, at St Andrew's, we are trying to take a greener road, as other establishments are of course doing, such as in households, workplaces, schools and every unsung hero who is mindful of the consequences of the actions they take. Last Sunday, young people were literally planting seeds outside. We have a 'bug hotel', a wild meadow patch, a compost bin and on the way, a water butt. The Eco-Group here is currently at Bronze Level. With God's help, everything is possible. We are simply his stewards in loving and praising his creation.
Also, during the course of this present week, we have been in that spiritual interval, witnessed by the early apostles, between Ascension Day and Pentecost or Whitsun. Christ in physical form departed this world but will return. Meanwhile, there was that brief time when followers awaited the arrival of the Holy Spirit and which we will celebrate this Sunday. Therefore, on the 8th June, there will be 8am Traditional Communion, based upon the Book of Common Prayer. At 10am, there will be All Together Parish Eucharist, followed by fellowship over 'a cuppa' in the Chapter House. Then, in the early Summer evening, Sunday at Six for Pentecost will take place, more informal and lay-led.
This Saturday, 7th June, between 10am and 11:30am, our Parochial Church Council will be enjoying an Away Brunch at Jordan's Mill, that lovely confluence of waterways nearby. Meanwhile, between 10am and 12noon, at St Andrew's, there will be the usual Coffee Shop in the Chapter House. At 6pm, there will be the Mafambisa Fund Raising Supper with Games and a Quiz Night, also in the Chapter House.
At present, we are very pleased to welcome Reverend Gail who is with us for a short placement and who is a Curate in the benefice of Ickleford, Holwell and Pirton. We wish her well and hopefully Gail will enjoy her time sharing worship with us in Biggleswade.
On Trinity Sunday, 15th June, during the 10am Eucharist, there will be Confirmation and Admission to Holy Communion, presided over by Jane, Bishop of Hertford. Looking further ahead, On Thursday, 19th June, at 12noon in the Chapter House, the Mothers' Union will be putting on a Ploughman Lunch. On Sunday, 22nd June, the 10am Parish Eucharist will be celebrating Friends of St Andrew's Renewal Day and for those wishing to know more, at 6pm, there will be Biggleswade Deanery Summer Worship.