News

St. Peter’s Patter (March)

February has seen a mixture of weather, and so work in the churchyard has been on hold for the time being, despite the appearance of a group of snowdrops pushing their way through the wet grass. Is it spring yet?

During the month we welcomed a group from the NHS who were holding a seminar in the hall over a two day period, during that time they required a place where they could hold small workshops. They were happy to make use of the church; of course the heating had to be left on from the early hours of the morning to make it warm enough for them to use.

Earlier in month, we held “Teas with Style” in the church; unfortunately the refreshments for a funeral were being served in the hall for the family of a local lady. Hilda Ruggles was a Nevendon lady who had many tales to tell about the area, she had helped us during our history research and she was known by many who live in the district of Nevendon.

I could have sworn we were entertained by Pam Ayres during “Teas with Style”, well done Kay, and thank you for those very “morish” sweets from Iran. “Pam Ayres” had us rolling about the aisles.

When this magazine goes to press, we will have held our first quiz night for a long time, we desperately need to raise funds for the church as the bills just keep coming in. If anyone has an idea about fundraising, please let the “Entertainments’ Committee” know. We look forward to further events in the hall as well as looking forward to welcoming Simon and his family for the short service on Tuesday 2^nd March in St. Peters before the installation service at St. Gabriels.

During the month, the churchwardens assisted in a poll for the residents of Nevendon, and Jean together with our contact in The Moat House Housing Association, delivered questionnaires throughout the area. Now we await the results of the returned papers to tell us what is needed in the Nevendon location.

Jean and John

St. Gabriel’s Gossip (March)

Hello to everyone in our Parish and local community.

What a wonderful Service we had in early March for the Institution of our new Rector, Rev Simon Law. Welcome Simon, Sarah and family. Grateful thanks to everyone involved for providing support to enable the various parts of the Service. Thanks also to those who provided the refreshments at the evening reception.

Our fundraising year kicked off with a quiz night in the Community Centre on Friday March 12. Looking forward to May 15, there will be a 60s/70s evening with a live band. More details will be available soon, please keep a lookout on the noticeboard for further announcements about this and other events.

The Prayer Group's regular meeting date is the first Sunday of the month at St Gabriel's from approximately 2.00-2.45pm. We especially remember those who have gone before us and support those who may be grieving. We continue to pray for our Parish and wider community: please remember them in your prayers. Please also pray for the Prayer Group members as this ministry starts a new year.

We look forward to Easter and ask you to remember and pray for all the children from local schools who may be visiting the Church during this time.

As Spring approaches, thoughts turn to our gardens to witness the many glorious plants which God has provided us with. This year will be the first full year of our Sensory Garden at St Gabriel's: if you wish to consider providing a plant or a donation for the garden do please let us know. Tom Latchford will be taking good care of the garden during the coming months, so please discuss any ideas about plants with him. Thank you Tom for tending this area of the grounds, and thanks also to everyone who continues to help with the garden areas, the cleaning and the many other jobs around the Church.

Thank you for your continued support with our work here at St Gabriel's.

With our prayers and blessings, Moses and Wendy