STRICTLY COME INTO THE LIGHT

An alternative Halloween event celebrated the theme of light at an all age party held in St Giles’ Church Hall.  Called ‘Strictly Come Into The Light’, it was full of fellowship, fun and joy, and it was attended by 70 members of all ages from both churches. 

Halloween takes its name from the ‘Eve of All Hallows’, the day before All Saints Day and shortly before All Souls Day, both hallowed (or holy) days in the Christian calendar.  Adrian was keen to host an alternative event to the more familiar Halloween celebrations, so Jenny Reid and her committee came up with the light-themed party, during which thanks would be given for the lives of those who had gone before. 

The party started with games and crafts, continued with good food, then the singing of ‘I am a lighthouse’, tunefully led by Holly Blackman.  This was about being lit up by Jesus and His teaching, to help others by doing good works and spreading love and happiness.  Adrian spoke of Jesus being the Light of the World, a light that would never go out.  

A prayer room, beautifully set up by Liz Boyes. was available for individuals to offer and write their own personal prayers.  Meanwhile, more games, a quiz and crafts were available, the latter generating among other things a very large and colourful montage of a lighthouse (shown here, and still on display in the Church Hall). 

The evening ended with a disco and presentation of prizes for games winners, best light and sparkly outfit and the best crafts.

 

UXBRIDGE CHORAL SOCIETY Conductor Jeff Stewart at St Margaret’s Church, Uxbridge

Saturday 5th December Carols for Choir and Audience Two Performances 5pm (with Oak Farm Junior School Choir) and 7pm Tickets £7 on the door, or call 01895 847083

Saturday 30th January – 7.30pm Rossini – La Petite Messe Solennelle Tickets £10 on the door, or call 01895 847083

 

JOHN SERBY

With deep regret we record the death, after a long illness, of John Serby.  John, husband of Audrey, also leaves two children, Mike and Jackie, and five grandchildren.  At John’s memorial service in St Giles’ Mike, remembering his dad said he, “had an extraordinary ability to get on with everybody and enjoyed all things mechanical”.  A family friend movingly read the poem, ‘I’m Free’, which ends with the lines:
Lift up your heart and smile with me,
The pain has gone now and I’m free.

Audrey and her family would like to thank everyone who has supported and prayed for them during the past year.

 

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

On 8th November, the URC was packed for a very moving Remembrance Day service, in which a number of our young people (pictured below) played leading roles. 

Following the two minutes’ silence, seven year old Beaver Scout Adam Simms explained to the congregation how in May 1915, Major John McCrae witnessed the death of his friend during the Second Battle of Ypres in Flanders, and how, moved by what he had seen, McCrae later composed the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’.  The poem is a plea from those killed in battle there, to those who follow on: that we should continue the fight against injustice, so that their deaths should not be in vain. 

Flanked by his fellow 2nd Ickenham Beaver Scouts Vishal and Sean, Adam recited this poem beautifully from memory, and at the end, all three youngsters raised their hands in a scout salute and announced, “We promise – we will remember them.”  A promise all the more poignant this year perhaps, on the first Remembrance Day following the death of Harry Patch, the last living member of the British armed forces to have served in the Great War, and who himself fought in those fields in Flanders. 

The Bible reading was given by Scout George Childs.  And later, Catherine Edington told us that she and her fellow Guides had been reflecting on the work done by the Guiding movement during the two world wars.  Among other things, we learned that Guides were trained to work in offices, hospitals, soup kitchens and as cycle messengers (some entrusted with highly confidential information).  They also helped with meeting and welcoming evacuees to their new homes.

Three days later on Armistice Day, the outdoor service around the flagpole at St Giles was also well attended.