Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal 2023
Once again, I hope to be busy receiving ‘shoeboxes’ (or goods/donations) and that we can exceed last years’ total of 130 boxes: already I have got 27. Leaflets are at the back of the church and 31st October is the closing date. Also on display on the kitchenette door is a poster showing ‘all year round projects’ supported by ‘Link to Hope.’ Thanks! David Hunt 01273 303 236

Did you know…
it costs nearly £300 every day to keep the church doors open, the churchyard maintained and the parish running? Our income comes only from the congregation, church fees, donations and legacies. We do have other funds which are legally restricted to our Development Project. It is not an easy time for anyone just now, but if you are able to increase your giving to St Margaret’s, please consider doing so to help secure our future.

Authorised Lay Ministry Training 2023/24
Applications for the Diocesan ALM training course are now open. In 2023/24 there will be training in: Chaplaincy, Care for Creation and Eco Church, Mission Enabler, Pastoral Care, Preaching, Small Group Leader, Rural Mission and Ministry, and Worship & Liturgy. Full details, application forms and the course prospectus can be found on the Diocese of Chichester website. Closing date for applications is 6th October 2023. If you would like to explore any of these areas of lay ministry, please have a word with Fr Anthony.

Church Flowers 2023 – Harvest Festival
Our next workshop is on Saturday 23rd September at 1000-1200. The aim is to assist those who would like to arrange flowers for the Harvest Festival who may want some tuition, guidance or support.

If you would like to bring some flowers and foliage along with your scissors, using autumn colours for the harvest – browns, oranges etc., and have a go, you will be most welcome. Some flowers will be available. Let’s decorate the church for our harvest celebration!

Please email Duncan with any queries at info@boxworthflowers.com
Remembrance workshop on Saturday 11th November at 1000.
Christmas workshop on Saturday 23rd December at 1000.

Thelma Cooper RIP
Thelma’s funeral will be held in church on Monday 2nd October at 1500.

A Bit of Byrd
To help celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of the Tudor composer William Byrd, a group will come and present a short recital of his music on Saturday 23rd September at 1545. Details to follow.

Macmillan Coffee Morning…
… after church on Sunday 24th September, the day of our Harvest Festival. A raffle is being organized.

Important Special Event at the Whiteway Centre
‘Understanding Climate Change and What to Expect in the Future’ by
Dr Melissa Lazenby. Friday 6th October at 1930-2130. Tickets £12 available at https://www.rwc.org.uk/special_events

Brighton Guitar Quartet…
… is booked to give a concert in church on Saturday 7th October at 1300. Works by Ravel, Andrew York, Boccherini and others.

Our Lady of Walsingham Festival
Please see the poster in the porch for details of the Festival to be held on Saturday 14th October at St Bartholomew’s, Brighton. Registration is at: www.olwfestival.uk

Quiz Night…
… in the Village Hall on Saturday 11th November at 1800 for 1830. Fish & Chips too! Details to follow.

Parish Christmas Lunch…
… at Ye Olde Black Horse on the High Street on Tuesday 5th December. Details to follow. Three courses for £25 per person, plus drinks.

Shepherds Arise!
A return visit by this popular group on Saturday 16th December at 1430. Details to follow.

Knit & Natter
The group meets on Wednesdays at 1900 in church. New members always welcome. Some of us knit, and we all natter. Just come along!

Bible Study
The group meets in church on Tuesday mornings at 1000 for an hour or so of discussion, reflection and fellowship, currently working through the Gospel of John. Do feel free to dip in and out.

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS
24TH SEPTEMBER – HARVEST FESTIVAL
Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Luke 17:11-19
Related readings: Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 9:6-end

READINGS FOR THURSDAY WEEK – 28TH SEPTEMBER
Haggai 1:1-8; Psalm 149:1-5; Luke 9:7-9