ALL SAINTS' ODELL CHURCH NEWS - December 2013 - January 2014
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Dear Friends,
Are you someone who relishes the great build-up to Christmas, the shopping, cooking, parties and present-wrapping, or do you secretly wish you could hide under the duvet until it’s all over? Once November was here, my daughter warned me not to venture into the Milton Keynes shopping centre until after 6pm at night, at which time you just might manage to find a parking space!
Speaking on the ‘Martin Lewis Money Show’ the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev’d Justin Welby, spoke of the ‘absurd pressure of Christmas’ commenting on the ridiculous over-the-topness of feeling we must have new this, that and the other to make sure our Christmas is as ‘perfect’ as possible.
Before you say “Bah humbug!”, “Scrooge”, “party-pooper” just think of the strain it can put on relationships, especially where money is short … the arguments … getting cross with the kids … the worry when the bills come in etc. etc. And do we really need all that food?
The Archbishop is no fool, he’s a practical man, with a family, and he realises that nothing he says will stop the Christmas shopping, a tradition that’s been with us for the past 200 years or so. What he does encourage us to do, is to give with generosity, the gifts that show we really care for someone, giving to show true love and affection, rather than trying to buy love or seeking to impress. One of the best gifts we can give is the gift of time – to be with our children, our families and friends, appreciating and enjoying them, sharing together.
Sadly, there are an increasing number of people in Britain today, who have no idea that Christmas is about celebrating the most amazing gift of all, God himself coming to live amongst us as a human being, sharing in our lives so that we might be able to share in His. I’ve heard of two instances recently (one in Sharnbrook), where on hearing the story of the birth in Bethlehem, each of the teenagers commented “It’s a shame they gave him a swear word for his name”!
Let’s celebrate with joy and understanding, all God’s goodness to us, especially at this special time of the year. Let’s give thanks for all that was good in the past year, especially the love of family and friends, and look forward with hope and faith to the coming year. Christine
PS: David and I would like to thank you for your continuing love and support over the past year, and pray that you may know God’s love and presence with you this Christmas and in the coming year.
Prayer Group
What is the Prayer Group? It is made up of members of All Saints’ Church who undertake to pray regularly, on an individual basis, for people who ask us for prayer support.
Who do we pray for? Anyone whom we are asked to remember; these might be people from our church, from our local community or others known to us.
What do we pray about? Anything which you would like brought before God; maybe anxiety due to illness, stress or loneliness. You can also tell us of a special day you wish to be remembered – perhaps for an interview or an exam. Any information will be treated in strictest confidence.
How can you let us know if you would like us to pray for you? You can telephone Christine (720234), drop a note through the Rectory door or send an e-mail to cmclark9@btconnect.com."
All Saints Amblers
Get some healthy exercise in after the Christmas excesses, and enjoy the company of others – join us on Bank Holiday Wednesday, January 1st for a walk in the country followed by a pub lunch. Meet outside The Bell at 9.45am – transport provided to start of walk if needed. Everyone welcome, including children and dogs on leads!
Meeting Point
December
4th 10.30am at Jill’s, Rectory Farm.
18th 12 o clock, Bring and Share Lunch at Madeline’s, Rivendell, Horsefair Lane
January
8th 10.30am at Madeline’s, Rivendell, Horsefair Lane
22nd 10.30am at Jill’s, Rectory Farm
February
5th 10.30am at Jane Eshelby’s, Newton House, Avenue Road, Newton Bromswold, Rushden.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Churches Together in Harrold & Carlton, with Odell
January 19th – 23rd 2014
“Has Christ been divided?”
The ‘Week’ begins with a ‘Churches Together’ joint service at 10.00am on Sunday 19th January at St. Peter’s Church, Harrold. This is followed by opportunities to meet together during the week for a short time of prayer and meditation on various aspects of the theme – at the following times and places:
Mon 20th 9.15am Church House, Carlton
Tue 21st 7.00pm Harrold United Reform Chapel
Wed 22nd 9.30am St. Peter’s, Harrold
Thu 23rd 8.00pm ‘The Rectory’, Odell
Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
The Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch will take place on Wednesday 11th December at 12.30 in the Village Hall.
Please let Jill know (720261) by 2nd December if attending.
All Saints’ Church Charitable Giving for the month of December
will be to the following Charities:
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children,
Christian Family Care – a Bedfordshire charity providing support and care for vulnerable children, and
The Bedford Area Schools Christian Support Trust which is affiliated to Scripture Union and provides schools workers offering teaching and support to children, teachers and parents.
Charitable Giving for January and February will be to:
Mission Aviation Fellowship – a Christian airborne mission serving remote and inaccessible places, transporting Christian workers and medical supplies.
Celebrating Christmas at All Saints’ Church
Sat 14th December
10.00am Putting up the Christmas Tree and decorating the church for Christmas – with hot apple toddy and mince pies to keep you in the festive mood (coffee & fruit juice also available).
Sun 22nd December
10.30am Service with Advent readings and meditations and communion, then,
6.00pm 'Carols by Candlelight ‘– a service of traditional readings and carols, followed by mulled wine, soft drinks & mince pies.
(you may find it helpful to bring a small torch)
Christmas Day
10.30am A service of Communion for all ages.
Sunday 29th December
10.00am A ‘Churches Together’ service for the 1st Sunday of Christmas at Harrold URC.
...and, for Churches Together in Harrold and Carlton
Saturday 7 December
12.00-6.00pm Churches Together Christmas Tree Festival with music and refreshments , URC, Harrold
4.30pm Carols on Harrold Green, followed by refreshments at the URC
Sunday 8 December
2.00-5.00pm Churches Together Christmas Tree Festival with music and refreshments , URC, Harrold
Sunday 15 December
4.00pm Harrold Village Carol Service, St Peter’s
Monday 16 December
4.00pm United Christingle Service, The Chellington Centre
Sunday 22 December
4.00pm United Christingle Service Carol Service URC, Harrold, 6.30pm Carol Service, St Mary’s, Carlton
Christmas Eve
3.00pm Crib Service, St Mary’s
4.15pm Crib Service, St Peter’s
7.00pm Family Carol Service, URC, Harrold
11.30pm Midnight Communion Service, St Mary’s
Christmas Day
10.00am Family Service for Christmas Day, St Peter’s
The Bible mini series on Channel 5
The hit United States TV series The Bible is to be shown in the UK. The ten hour mini-series broke records in the US as the most watched cable-TV series, attracting 100 million viewers. The series will be shown on Channel 5, starting on 30th November. Critics praised the series for its high production values and its international cast. Among the UK actors is Nonso Anozie from Hendon, who plays Samson. For more information, and a trailer, go to www.thebibleuk.org.
Coffee Morning at Hobbs Green Farm
Christmas Hamper coffee morning
On 6th December
At Hobbs Green Farm
From 10.30am – noon
In aid of Bedford Women’s Refuge
Admission free Please bring Christmas Fayre
All Saints’ Flower Rota
December
8th Tricia Hudson
Ann Hudson
January
4th All help to clear
Happy birthday to
Happy birthday to:
Hannah Hudson 23 on 17th January!
Charlotte Lloyd 11 on 24th January
And to everyone else with a birthday in December or January.
FAREWELL TO Margaret JONES
On Sunday, 17th November, members of the congregation of All Saints’ Church gave some farewell gifts to Margaret Jones, who was leaving Odell at the end of the month. Margaret, her late husband Jim and son Geoff lived at Yelnow Farm for many years, and will be sorely missed. With Jim, Margaret transformed Yelnow Farm and together they were awarded the prestigious CPRE Mark, the highest award given by the ‘Campaign to Protect Rural England’. Margaret is also renowned for her magnificent flower displays which so often graced All Saints’ Church, while Geoff regularly cut the grass in churchyard.
Margaret and Geoff are so much a part of Odell life that it is hard to imagine the village without them. We wish them many happy years in their new home, and hope they will often come back to visit us in Odell.
The photograph shows Churchwarden Jill Cheadle presenting Margaret with a book of beautiful photographs depicting life at Yelnow Farm, taken by Barry Halton, (also shown).
Diary
December
4th 10.30am Meeting Point at Jill’s, Rectory Farm
5th 10.30am Health Walk, HOCP
6th 10.30am Christmas Hamper Coffee Morning, Hobbs Green Farm
7th 12 – 6pm Christmas Tree Festival Harrold United Reform Church
7th 4.30pm Carols on the Village Green, Harrold
8th 2-5pm Christmas Tree Festival Harrold United Reform Church
9th 10.00am HOCP Friends Tasks Day
11th 12.30 Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch , Village Hall
13th 7.30pm Village Hall Christmas Party
14th 10.00am Church Decorating, All Saints’ Church
15th 2.00pm Harrold Village Carol Service, St. Peter’s, Harrold
16th 4.00pm United Christingle Service, Chellington Centre
18th 12 noon Meeting Point at Madeline’s, Rivendell, Horsefair Lane
19th 10.30am HOCP Health Walk
22nd 10.30am Service of Advent readings, communion and meditation, All Saints’, Odell
22nd 4.00pm United Christingle Carol Service, URC, Harrold
6.00pm Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols by Candlelight, All Saints’, Odell
6.30pm Carol Service, St Mary’s, Carlton
24th 3.00pm Crib Service, St. Mary’s, Carlton
4.15pm “ “ St. Peter’s, Harrold
7.00pm Family Carol Service, URC, Harrold
11.30pm Midnight Communion Service, St. Mary’s, Carlton
25th 10.00am Family Service for Christmas Day, St. Peter’s
10.30am All Age Communion Service, All Saints’
29th 10.00am Churches Together service, Harrold URC
30th 10.00am HOCP Friends Task Day
January
1st 9.45am All Saints’ Amblers meet at The Bell
2nd 10.30am HOCP Health Walk
8th 10.30am Meeting Point at Madeline’s, Rivendell, Horsefair Lane
16th 10.30am HOCP Health Walk
19th 10.00am Churches Together Joint Service at St. Peter’s, Harrold
20th 9.15am “Christian Unity” Meeting at Church House, Carlton
21st 7.00pm “ “ “Harrold URC
22nd 9.30am “ “ “St. Peter’s, Harrold
22nd 10.30am Meeting Point at Jill’s, Rectory Farm
23rd 8.00pm “Christian Unity” Meeting at The Rectory, Odell
25th 7.30pm Burns Night Supper, Village Hall
27th 10.00am HOCP Friends Task Day
February
5th 10.30am Meeting Point at Jane Eshelby’s, Newton Bromswold, Rushden.
Magazine Deadline
Please send all entries for the February 2014 magazine to Tricia Hudson (ed at odellbeds.net) or Catherine Corkery by January 12th at the latest. May we remind you that the editorial team exercises the right to edit, shorten or alter any items that are submitted. Also, the opinions expressed in the articles are those of the contributors and are not the responsibility of the editorial team.