The next Two Weeks in the Benefice, and more

As I write this, we have gone from a day full of promise, with partly blue sky and sunshine, all looked good. Two hours later the sun had gone along with the blue sky and the rain had returned. However, the weather did not put off those who attended the Benefice morning service for All Saints day, held appropriately at All Saints Church in Sutton. This service of Holy Communion, celebrates the Patronal Festival for All Saints Church, but also the Patronal Festival to the whole Benefice of Potton, Sutton and Cockayne Hatley. The service was conducted by our Rector, the Revd Alex Wheatley and the choir from St Mary’s Church led the singing during the service.

Later in that day, at 4pm, there was a special All Soul’s Day Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for those who have died during the past years, held at St Mary’s Church. This service, as always, was well attended by those wanting to remember their lost loved ones, some recent but many from previous years. This was a nice way to remember family members from the younger days of those present today. Every name listed by the mourners, was read out by either Revd Alex, or Rdr Simon, and all those present were invited to come and light a candle and place on the table laid out for the purpose. It was a very moving time for all present and allows for reflection and remembrance of their lost ones from years gone by. The light for each candle, originated from the three Paschal Candles from the three Benefice churches. The table was certainly a beautiful sight once all the candles were lit.

Next Sunday’s service, November 5th, is of course our very popular Friends and Family all age service with a theme of Remembrance, as it leads up to our Town Remembrance service the following Sunday. The service next Sunday caters for activities from the young ones who will do art and craft items and we try to teach them a little in that respect during this session, of what Remembrance means and why we have this service every year at this time. The more senior members present are given the opportunity to go to a prayer session or simply chat with others over cake and tea or coffee, of their memories of lost family members from two World Wars. This is a lovely service and is open to all ages to attend.

The Remembrance Day on November 12th this year, will be the traditional service on Potton Market Square, followed by the Parade to the War Memorial for the laying of Wreaths and the Reading of the Names of Potton’s Lost Sons. The service starts on the Square at 10am, and the arrival at the War Memorial will be at 11am, just in time for the two minutes silence. There will be full details next week in your Chronicle so do please come along, and “Remember” with other town members. We have one of the largest processions in the area!!

Social Events. On November 4th, we are holding our annual bonfire evening on the church field with a BBQ and in the church hall, other hot and cold food and hot drinks, including soup. Please come along, entry is free, and food and drink prices are reasonable. However, we no longer can have the firework element of the evening because of restrictions on our field but it will be a great evening again, like it was last year! But, please do not bring fireworks and sparklers. All proceeds go towards the church maintenance, especially the tower. More details next Week.

Services for Next Sunday November 5th, 4th Sunday before Advent

9 am St Mary’s Church, Potton, Morning Prayer

10 am All Saints Church, Sutton, Service of the Word

10.30 am St Mary’s Church, Potton, Choral Holy Communion

3 pm St John’s Church, Cockayne Hatley, Evening Prayer

NB.This listing may change