Last Sunday, 26th October, saw the clocks go back; British Summertime was officially over whilst British Half-Term was officially starting. Looked at another way, many of us enjoyed an extra hour's rest. Whatever the case, our 10am Parish Eucharist began with several familiar faces absent. Perhaps the school break mid-term presented the opportunity to travel to different places. We were very pleased to welcome Reverend Anthony who officiated throughout, including the homily, based in part on the readings marked for that day. These were: Jeremiah 14. 7-10 & 19-22; Two Timothy 4. 6-8 & 16-18 and Luke 18. 9-14. A connecting theme noted was the subject of 'Prayer'. This is in all probability a fairy frequent topic for sermons and last Sunday was a case in hand. Prayer shouldn't just be about a 'wish-list' to be granted. Prayer is far more than that. It is also about 'listening' to God. "Thy will be Done". God is always listening and present and we should 'engage' with the Father, remembering that any prescribed ways, as important as they may be, is not the only route to reach our Maker. In that sense, there is no right way. The familiar and long-established Holy Communion Service is connected up with a long sequence of prayers: unity, confession, Gloria, collect and so forth. Our intercessions include a Big Thank You to God. One of the readings made thorough mention of the rather self-righteous and smug prayer of the Pharisee and that of the humbled tax-collector who acknowledged his shortcomings and unworthiness. Which one was the real prayer? No prizes for guessing. In short, listen to God in this two-way process, whatever our individual approaches in prayer might be.
Peter, one of our ECO church 'administrators' (probably not the correct word) who is ever concerned about St Andrew's living up to having real and tangible respect for the environment, in our buildings and grounds, gave those present a reminder to help in providing further background in our journey to being awarded with the Silver level. This coming Sunday, 2nd November, will be a very busy day indeed. 8am Said Communion will be followed by our All Together Eucharist at 10am, during which 'shoeboxes' will be brought up to the chancel step which marks the first stage of their eventual transportation to vulnerable youngsters overseas. Many thanks of course go to all who have filled the said boxes in the first place and particular thanks go to Mary who over countless years has made this her personal outreach, doing all the behind the scenes stuff and her tireless hours in checking that all is done properly. Thank You again Mary. Then, at 11:15am in the Chapter House or church, there will be our annual presentation of cheques, made from the Country Fayre donations, to our chosen two charities, amid no doubt, a lot of hand clapping. Then we have our monthly Hot traditional Roast Luncheon for those who have booked. Finally, in the evening at 6pm we have our beautiful All Souls' Service during which time, we think of and pray for the departed, many having had their names printed on special cards and thus being identified during our prayers.
Once again, for further details about our approach in St Andrew's and of course, what's ahead, go to our website and/or read our notice boards, both in and outside the church building. Plenty is going on. Things are going 'full steam ahead' to Advent, Christmas and beyond and all things between. Here are just some: On Saturday, 8th November, St Andrew's is having a Quiet Day, the details of which were summarised last week. It begins at 10:30am and ends at around 3pm. A Day of Prayer, Contemplation and Addresses. Refreshments are provided but it is suggested you bring a packed lunch. There is time to pray, read, walk or just to sit. Donations would be appreciated.
On Sunday, 9th November, our Parish Eucharist begins a little earlier than usual, at 9:30am and at 10:45am, there follows Remembrance Day Worship in the market square. On Tuesday, 11th November, also in the market square, the Armistice Day Service will begin at 10:45am.
Remember - all are welcome to 'come to church' from Mondays to Fridays between 9am and 4pm, for private prayer.