Dear friends,

Sometimes there are good days. Early on Sunday morning a large owl flew majestically and gracefully across the road only a few yards ahead of me. I had a superb view of him (?her) for a good four seconds. Huge eyes in a great round face, matched only by my open-mouthed wonder. Everything, it seems, is out and about in the clement weather. Church Councils (Checkendon, 24th May, in church), School Governors, even the Bishop of Oxford (Shiplake parish hall – “The Ark” – Wed 18th May 7.30pm) are all doing their stuff, making, shaping, upholding worlds. And on the smallest scale, our gardens bring light and hope, and keep us grounded – in the dirt, but also in the love.

Worship Services for Sunday 15th May

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Revd Angela Linton

11am Family Service at Checkendon Church with Revd Kevin Davies. A service for all ages, with the music group, a short talk and coffee.

6.30pm-7pm. Together at Home. An online evening service with Revd Kevin Davies.  Zoom numbers 636 645 195 and passcode 000162. Music, prayers, and a word from Mark’s gospel.

Other service options for elsewhere in the Team can be found on the Langtree Team Ministry Churches website. Do join us for worship either in person, or online, or both. Don’t forget that you now can support both Checkendon  and  Stoke Row churches via dedicated and secure online card donation pages. Just click on the link. It is very easy! Thank you!

To look forward:

A busy few weeks lie ahead: next Sunday (22nd) at Checkendon Church at 11am we welcome Revd Emma Lowth, who will be interviewed concerning her experiences of working with refugees in London. Do come!

Sunday 29th May is a fifth Sunday, and we will be enjoying a Team Service at St Leonard’s Woodcote, at 10.30am (Note the time!). The preacher will be the Revd Linda Smith.

The Jubilee Weekend (June 5th) has celebration services for Her Majesty at Stoke Row at 9.30am and Checkendon at 11am, followed by refreshments and the village picnic on the green.

…and Jazz in aid of Checkendon School this coming Saturday! See last week’s mailing for ticket details.

Whatever you are up (or down) in the Spring bustle, remember that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. (Psalm 89:1-2) Every blessing

Your Rector, Canon Kevin.