In last Sunday's 8am traditional Spoken Holy Communion, Reverend Liz's homily used much of the content from the prescribed Readings: "Lay not your treasures on earthly things." We can put too much provision for the future. The words of Ecclesiastes may seem bleak: "All is vanity." However, the Parable of the Rich Fool clearly demonstrates the fact that true wealth is found in our relationship with God and not upon the goods we gather during our temporary sojourn upon Earth.
During this week, the church has been gearing up for our annual Holiday Club which starts on Monday, 11th August. We are expecting over 170 children and one prerequisite is at least one marquee and a lot of fencing and much else besides. Our volunteers are ready once again for what will be a fun and positive experience. The daily timetable will end on Thursday, 14th August, followed by a special Holiday Club Service and afterwards a generous barbeque. Before all of this, on Sunday, 10th August, at 6pm there will be a Holiday Club Preparation Service. All are welcome.
On Saturday, 9th August, between 10am and 12 noon, there will be Coffee Shop in the Chapter House. On Sunday, 10th August, there will be 10am Family Eucharist.
On Tuesday, 12th August, at 2pm, there will be a Mary Sumner Day Service at Cople's All Saints Church to celebrate the memory of the Mother Union's founder. Then, at 10:45am on Friday, 15th August, there will be the VJ Day Service in the Market Square in Biggleswade, to commemorate and honour the sacrifice made by all those who fought in the Far East and which will mark the 80th anniversary. This is being planned by the Royal British Legion. Cathedrals and churches will be carrying out these services all over the country. At 6:30pm will be ringing all over the land commemorating the end of the Second World War in 1945. The bells will echo the national celebrations that took place 80 years ago and they will offer a moment of reflection and gratitude.
On Sunday, 17th August, there will be a 9:30am Parish Eucharist, followed by the aforementioned 11am Holiday Club Service. Into the first hints of Autumn we go with the two regular morning services on Sunday, 7th September. Harvest Festival will be on Sunday, 5th October.
Remember that during the coming weeks, unless otherwise mentioned, there will be times of Prayer and Reflection between 9 and 4, Mondays to Saturdays.