Last Sunday's Parish Eucharist started an hour earlier at 9:30am in order to finish prior to the Remembrance Day Service on the Market Square at 10:45am. The vicar and crucifer and choir, along with the congregation, as always, had to be in place by that time. Hence, the church service had to be shortened somewhat with no homily delivered on that occasion. The annual Service of Remembrance is always witnessed by a large crowd which included various of the town's brigades and church denominations and other organisations which in effect is therefore an act of worship and remembrance which quite rightly and traditionally is a shared event, representing many backgrounds from near and far. As is always done, the long list of the names of the 'fallen' were read out audibly around the quiet square, always arousing deep emotions and we are, as ever, thankful to those who have to plan for safety and success 'behind the scenes'. Prior to all of this, that day's readings at St Andrew's came from: Job 19. 23-27a, 2 Thessalians 2. 1-5
and Luke 20. 27-38. During our service, Sunday School took place after which youngsters returned from the Chapter House to join adults during Communion.
During the week, the Armistice Day Service took place on the Market Square, as always marking the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, when the guns fell silent in 1918.
This Saturday, 15th November, between 10am and 12 noon, there is Craft and Chat and Warm Spaces in the Chapter House. Then, on Sunday, 16th November, there is 10am Parish Eucharist plus Sunday School. On the same day, at 12 noon, the Baptisms of Elias and Alexander will take place. Finally, at 6pm, there will be our well-established more informal, lay-led service, called Sunday @ 6, with the theme of Care in our Community. This will be followed by hot beverages and Fellowship in the Chapter House.
On Saturday, 6th December, there will be Christmas Wreath-Making and a Soup and a roll Lunch. For those wishing to go, sign-up please in the foyer and we are requesting at least a £10 donation on this occasion which will go into church funds.
Looking further ahead, on Christmas Eve, 24th December, at 6pm, there will be a Crib Service. Meanwhile, in the Chapter House, the Christmas Bookstall is now open where amongst other things, there are Christmas cards and Advent Candles for sale.