Dear Friends

At our service at All Saints’ last Sunday we celebrated the saints and we also celebrated the ministry of Ann Males in the parish and her contribution to the community in Whitwell. It was a very special occasion for us all. Ann was nominated as a modern day saint by the congregation and although I know she was apprehensive about the celebrations afterwards she (and John) certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was lovely that David Dewey and Julia were able to be with us.

And I know Ann would want me to remind you that we were saying Thank you to her and John this morning and definitely not Goodbye. They are still here in the parish and we look forward to seeing her and John at church for a long time yet.

At the end of September we celebrated Harvest with the traditional Harvest Supper in the Village Hall,; two days later our Harvest Festival was spread over two services: a Family Harvest Service in the morning and Harvest Praise in the evening, The church was beautifully decorated with flowers and fruit and included this year a Harvest decoration made by children from Preston Nursery School.

Ten days later nearly ninety children and a good number of adults from the Primary School were present in church for the Primary School Harvest service.

The previous Friday was Harvest Auction time at The Red Lion; a great evening and a significant amount raised for the benefit of Preston Primary School, the Cricket Club and St Martin’s. Thank you to all who contributed to this.

Now it is almost autumn although it is very warm and when you read this British Summer Time will be over and November, the month of remembrance, will have arrived. We will be celebrating All Saints’ Sunday on 5 November at the first of our winter joint services at St Martin’s at 10.00am. The All Saints’ congregation are delighted with the warm welcome they receive at St Martin’s when we hold these joint services. Don’t forget the time – half an hour later than usual at 10.00am.

The following Sunday (12 November) is Remembrance Sunday when we will pay tribute to those who died in the two World Wars during our 9.30am service at St Martin’s.
And then it will be Advent – more about Advent and Christmas next month.
With my prayers and good wishes

Elizabeth