Rector:

• The Flower Festival was held on 12th and 13th July 2008. Photos courtesy of Kay Turrell.

  New Churchwarden

• Bob White has taken over from Mark Vale.

  Organ

• There is a meeting with the Diocesan Organ Advisor on 5 July at 10.30am to discuss the future of the organ. All who are interested are welcome.

  July/August Services

• 6pm on 6 July - Evening Service.
• 9.30am on 13 July - Holy Communion.
• 6pm on 13 July - Songs of Praise.
• 9.30am on 20 July - Holy Communion.
• 6pm on 3 August - Evening Service.
• 9.30am on 17 August - Morning Prayer.
• 11am on 31 August - SCAN Villages Together Service (not Holy Communion), followed by Teddy Bear Jump.

  Easter at St Laud's

• 18 March, Tuesday of Holy Week, 8pm - Stations of the Cross, Part One
• 19 March, Wednesday of Holy Week, 8pm - Stations of the Cross, Part Two
• 21 March, Good Friday, 7.30pm - Stainer's Crucifixion
• 23 March, Easter Day, 9.30am - Holy Communion

• Note: there are also services at the other SCAN churches

  Good Friday, 7.30pm - The Crucifixion by John Stainer

• SCAN Choir and Friends
• Soloists - Graham Breeze
• Accompanist - James Wharton
• Conducted by Rob Lawrence
• Retiring collection

  Easter Lilies:

• If you would like a Lily placed in Church in memory of a loved one, please contact Ella Field (tel: 610560) or Jill Burgess (Tel: 611163) by 9 March at the latest. Cost £3 per name.

  We need your help!

Dear Friends,

St Laud's is in financial trouble. Beautiful but ancient, the church has stood on its hill for over eight hundred years and it costs a fortune to maintain, to heat and to insure, let alone to staff and to provide regular and occasional services.

We anticipate a shortfall in our budget of approx £6,000 in the next financial year. We receive no help from government and have to find over £15,000 per annum towards ministry costs, nearly £3,000 to insure the church building and of course other costs so as to keep things in order.

This is a huge sum of money for the regular congregation to find, and so we are looking for your help in raising extra funds. We know that many people, church-goers or not, value the church for many reasons. For some it represents the history of the village, for others it has great historic, architectural or spiritual significance. The church is there for us all, both the building and the ministry offered, but it all costs money.

We have reorganised the finances where we can and have various fundraising events in place already. Other activities have been suggested but we need volunteers to organise or help organise these events to raise funds. And this is where you come in!! We know there are lots of gifted and talented people in Sherington and we are looking for you to help us.

In addition to the usual events throughout the year, we are wondering if there is anyone out there who would like to organise any of the following: a Bridge Party, a Safari Supper, a summer concert, a Barn Dance and/or a Barbeque or any other event which you might care to suggest. These events can be such fun and bring people together.

Please contact Mandy or Ella, or the Church wardens or any of our church family in Sherington with your ideas and offers of help.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

  PANCAKE PARTY

• Sunday 3rd February saw a new departure for St. Laud's. Instead of the usual Connections service in church, a pancake party was held in the village school. It was good to see so many parents with their children, and everyone enjoyed the pancakes and drinks. These were followed by jolly hymns and an amusing sketch. Mandy gave a short talk on the meaning of Lent, and why we practice self­denial. One small boy was heard to say that he would give up school!
• Mandy thanked those who had provided the refreshments, and also Mrs. Bourne for the use of the school. On Sunday March 2nd we revert to our normal Connections service. Children of all ages are welcome, with their parents. Come along at 4.45 p.m. for refreshments and a chance to chat to your friends - and make some new ones. This is followed by a short child-friendly service.

• The church register dates from 1698.