CONFIRMING THEIR FAITH

St Giles’ was full on Mothering Sunday to witness the joyful Confirmation of this year’s candidates by the Right Reverend Peter Broadbent, Bishop of Willesden. 

Bishop Pete, who is distinguished by his friendly manner, told us about the origin of Mothering Sunday. “Not Mothers’ Day,” he stressed, “which is an American invention.  Traditionally, it was the day during Lent when families were re-united in their mother churches and the children honoured their mothers by the giving of presents.  Today, we remember that it is the mother church which holds us all together.”

To the candidates he said, “This is a really exciting thing you are doing.  It’s not easy to be a Christian but the wonderful people in this church will be with you and praying that God will walk with you.”  Leading the service, Anne Whitlam drew attention to the words of one of the hymns:  “O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end;  O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend.
AFN
                       

A JELLY GOOD EVENING!

The ‘Ickermen’, Ickenham’s answer to the Yeomen of England, did a great job organising a Fish & Chip Supper in St Giles’ Church Hall recently.  Some seventy happy people, aged from two years to a great deal more, enjoyed an evening full of laughter and enjoyment, whilst feasting their ears, minds and tummies!

Led by Glyn James and the jelly-king Keith Arnold, the occasion included a plethora of quizzes and games and food!  However, the real stars of the evening were undoubtedly the Hillingdon Youth Big Band, fielding a number of debutantes, which nonetheless gave memorable performances, including many solos and improvisations.

The band led off with the ever-popular, “Fly Me to the Moon”, and a full half hour later, after the audience had shown their appreciation for a thoroughly enjoyable and professional performance from these talented young musicians, the fish and chip suppers arrived and the feasting began.  Surely no one will forget the jelly, said to be made to an ancient formula, handed down to Keith by the Vikings!

The Ickermen, representing men from both Ickenham churches, meet up to enjoy convivial company at a variety of undemanding but interesting activities throughout the year.  To know more, please contact Keith on 01895 672987.
AFN

UGANDA REVISITED

Around 80 people came to hear more about the recent visit by eleven church members to Rukiga, Uganda.  Squeezed into St. Giles’ Church Hall, they listened intently to several fascinating slide-show presentations and commentary by those who went; the talks including personal and often very moving memories.

Ugandan-style food was served in the interval and gifts of crafts presented and brought back from Uganda were auctioned and sold.  The generosity of the audience meant that over £230 was raised for CLICK Rukiga (Charity Linking ICKenham and Rukiga).  Thanks to all!