‘Vision for Action – the way forward for the Diocese of St Albans.’

This is a new and exciting initiative in the Diocese, which is to be formally launched in the autumn. In his foreword to the resource handbook, Bishop Christopher says, ‘The aim of Vision for Action is to focus our energies and commitment through five key priorities, to help us face the challenges and opportunities of proclaiming the Kingdom of God in changing times’.

These are the key priorities set out in the handbook:

Mission – to work together in love and commitment to proclaim the kingdom of God

Ministry – to encourage, support and develop the ministry of each person

Church buildings – to encourage each parish to develop the use of church buildings as places of worship and mission

Stewardship – to strengthen the commitment to Stewardship amongst the clergy and laity in order to further the mission of the church

Children and Young People – to encourage and develop the necessary skills within parishes and deaneries to bring the gospel to children and young people through worship, schools and other contexts

We are asked to identify one or two of these areas for growth and see what they might mean for our own parish – the Diocese will support us with ideas and resources to encourage our work.

The PCC has already begun to think about our Vision for Turvey – where do we want to encourage growth in the village – what sort of church do we want to see here in two, three, even five years from now – a church in decline? – or a vibrant growing community of worshipping Christians? Two of our PCC members will be going to the launch meeting in Bedford and we are having a special PCC meeting in October to consider our priorities. BUT – the church is there for us all! Your views and ideas count. Please will you begin to think what you would like to see happen – and how you might help to make it happen. Talk to me, the wardens and any member of PCC about your ideas – and above all, collect a prayer card from the back of the church and pray for the success of the campaign throughout the Diocese.

Yours in Christ

Jo

Young people going away from home for the first time

All new residents in our village.

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The Church and the Village Hall are joining together again this year to take part in ‘The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ in aid of Cancer charities. It is on Friday 30^th September in the Village Hall from 10.30am – 12.00pm. There will be coffee, cakes and a Bring and Buy stall. All proceeds will go towards cancer care in Bedford. Last year we got a special mention for being so successful – come and help us do the same again!

Family Eucharist is at 11.00am and Festival Evensong at 6.00pm

The children’s Harvest Workshop is on Saturday 1^st October in the Manor Room from 3.00pm – 4.30pm.

The Harvest Auction will take place this year on Wednesday 5^th October in Ye Three Fyshes pub - and the Harvest Supper on Friday 7^th October at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

The Turvey Mysteries. If you are ‘of a certain age’ you may remember the wonderful production of the Mystery Plays that were produced by The National Theatre. We are hoping to be just as good here in Turvey! We plan to present the first of the cycle of plays ‘The Nativity’ in church in January next year. We would like it to be a real community activity. We want people who want to act and sing, people who want to act but not sing and people who want to sing but not act! In fact, if you are keen, on stage or behind, we hope there will be a slot for you. If you want to know more, please contact me, Jo Spray, (881312), Cathy Swift (88818) or Jane and Tim Brewster (881484) and watch out for more details in the autumn edition of Turvey News.

All Saints’ Christian Fellowship – The Autumn meetings commence with a communion service in All Saints’ Church on 15^th September at 2:30 pm, followed by tea in the Manor Room.

Coffee Mornings. Our coffee mornings resume at 10.15am on Saturday 10^th September at 9 Carlton Road, by invitation of Cindy Woods. There will be a raffle and bring-and-buy stall for which contributions especially of cakes and produce would be very welcome. Please do come and support us.

Harvest Festival Flowers. The church will be decorated for Harvest on Friday 30^th September (NOT Saturday, when there is a wedding). Contributions of garden produce, Autumn foliage, berries etc. would be much appreciated and can be left at the church on the Thursday and Friday, or some fresh produce could be brought in on the Saturday, after 2 pm.

If you would like to help with the decorations, please contact Anne Claypole White (881661) Extra pairs of hands are always welcome!

Advance Date. The British Legion Band Concert will take place in church on Saturday 15^th October.

Apologies. There were a number of wrong dates given in the August newsletter. The September coffee morning is on Saturday 10^th September and the Harvest Supper is on Friday 7^th October. Little Lights went swimming on the Tuesday, not Monday – many apologies for the confusion!