The short annual service of Remembrance will take place around the flagpole in St. Giles’ Church churchyard at 10.55 a.m. on Thursday 11th November. If the weather is inclement the service will take place inside the church. We hope you will come.
If you are out and about, at that time, see if you can stop your busy life for just a minute, or two, to reflect upon those who gave their lives for their country and for your freedom. If you are working, or studying at school or college, can you persuade that institution’s management to hold a period of silence at 11 a.m.? Will your workplace, or office, cease its activity for just 120 seconds?
Both the U.R.C. and St. Giles’ Church will be observing a two-minute period of silence during services on Sunday 14th November. To accommodate this the U.R.C. Parade Service begins at 10.50 a.m. instead of the usual 11 a.m.
DROP-IN FOR THE BEREAVED. Third Monday of each month. St Giles’ Church Hall, 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. A friendly, informal opportunity for a chat, over a cup of tea, with other bereaved people and pastoral visitors. The next meeting is Monday 15th November (also Monday 20th December). Just come along, or ring the Rectory (622970), if you would like to talk to someone first.
ICKENHAM GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME exists to serve the whole of Ickenham. We’re here to assist in an emergency. If you need help, the daytime contact numbers are: 01895 633020 or 01895 235061.
FROM ST GILES’ CLERGY
Last month we said ‘Goodbye’ to Philip, and on behalf of us all, I wish to express our gratitude to him for his very supportive ministry in our Parish – we wish him a much-deserved rest.
November sees the beginning of a new phase in our church life – the interregnum. It isn’t as painful as it sounds! This is the gap in time between Philip leaving and the new Rector starting. It will be business as usual and if you need to speak to a member of the Clergy please either attend the weekly Surgery on Monday between 7.00-7.45 in the Rectory or ring one of the numbers above. Many churches find an interregnum a very positive experience, as it is an opportunity for them to develop further their support and care for one another. It will also be a time of looking to God for his guidance about the future of our church. Can I encourage you to pray regularly for the Wardens, our Bishop, Patron and the PCC as they seek to discern God’s will about this appointment?
God loves us to talk to him about every aspect of our personal lives too. God always answers our prayer. Sometimes in the way we want, like the Mum who was praying about her childcare needs. Other times, prayer changes the way we think and act. Recently I was stuck in very slow moving traffic on the A40 and late for an appointment and getting a little hot under the dog collar! I finally turned to God in prayer and entrusted the situation to him. I still arrived late, but calm, and much more able to pray for others around me en route.
An interregnum presents a period of waiting for St Giles’. In the same way, our individual lives often involve similar times. Waiting can be very hard, particularly if we are expecting difficult news. God understands and wants us to trust him during these times. The period when we remember the wait before the birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ begins at the end of this month. This Advent, we are recommending the book ‘The Art of Waiting’ by Wendy Bray (£6.99 published by BRF). It contains daily readings to be used during Advent that will help us grow closer to God in the run up to Christmas.
With best wishes,
Adrian
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