Last Sunday was a special day for us at St Andrew's Church because we celebrated the 10am Parish Eucharist with Confirmation with The Right Reverend Richard Atkinson, Acting Bishop of St Albans and Bishop of Bedford, officiating. Heather was the young lady confirmed who will no doubt, always remember that occasion and its implications and we wish her God's Blessing on her pilgrimage through life. The Bishop's address was profound and upbeat and was addressed not only for Heather but also for us seated in the pews and the choir stalls as well. He went on to state that Bedfordshire cannot officially claim to have its own traditional saints, unlike the North-East of England and the peninsula that is Cornwall, but nonetheless its has had its evangelists, like John Bunyan and its missionaries, such as, the Polhill Brothers who were part of the so called Cambridge Seven, famous for setting forth for China and spreading the Gospel. Yes, and no doubt, we continue, as elsewhere, to send such Christians who answer the 'call' and 'spread the Good News'. The earliest disciples were called by Jesus to follow him and today, we too listen for the call, whatever our status or job description. Bishop Richard stayed briefly - ever the busy man - to share cake and a beverage in the Chapter House afterwards.
This Saturday, 20th June, between 10 and 12 noon, there is our usual Coffee Shop in the Chapter House where also there will be our well-established 'craft and chat.' For those of you who are quietly but keenly creative in your needle work or restorations or any sort of art, painting or putting things together, this is an opportunity for you not to hide your light behind a bushel, but to show all and sundry what project you are doing and just continue with it, compare notes and whilst the chit-chat is in full flow, you can simply carry on. You are very welcome.
In the evening, at 7pm, there is Quiz Night and Bangers and Mash. Judging from the signed up list of names, there will be plenty of competitive teams. People love a quiz. On Sunday, 21st June, there is10am Parish Eucharist and also Sunday School where anybody who is of school age is welcome. At 12 noon, Holy Baptism will take place for Reggie, Romeo and Elias-Joe. We wish all who attend well and God's Blessing. At 5:30pm, there is Taize Worship at Cockayne Hatley Church, a truly beautiful location.
Three more quick reminders: 25th June, 12-2pm: MU Ploughman's Lunch. Same day: 7:45pm Exploring Silence, St Peter's Church. Notice in Foyer. 27th June: 7:30pm East Beds Chamber Concert. Have a good week.