War weary

Dear friends,

A number of Ukrainian refugees have begun to arrive in our communities; located in Stoke Row, and also Goring. There are a couple of other visa applications in the system; but these are where there has normally been an existing connection. Most of the potential hosts across our team that have registered with the Home Office are still waiting to be matched with a guest. Those of you who have let me know that you are willing to be of help to hosts, once guests arrive, should simply note that the system is moving very slowly. Sadly the war and the needs that it is creating is not likely to be letting up anytime soon. A date for your diary is Sunday May 22nd, when Revd Emma Lowth will be sharing her experiences of working with refugees in London at the 11am service at Checkendon. Do come along if you are able.

Worship Services for Sunday 8th May

9.30am Morning Prayer at St John’s Stoke Row with Revd Kevin Davies

11am Holy Communion at Checkendon Church with Revd Kevin Davies. With hymns, a sermon and coffee.

6.30pm-7pm. Together at Home. A short 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!

Jazz and celebrations ahead !

Chjeckendon School PTA are hosting a Jazz Evening at the school on Saturday 14th May at 7.30pm, featuring the music of Tim Davies and his band. (Tim is a former pupil at Checkendon). Tickets are available via www.pta-events.co.uk/checkendonprimary and church members are warmly invited to come and get a taste of the London Jazz scene, in support of our local school.

Two further Sunday dates for your diary include 29th May, when there is a Team Service at 10.30am at St Leonard’s, Woodcote, and then there will be Platinum Jubilee Celebration services at all churches across the Team on Sunday 5th June. Do plan to support your local church, whatever else you may be doing over the Jubilee celebration weekend.

Lastly, please remember in prayer those in hospital at this time. Charlotte Snowdon is making good progress, now at the National Spinal unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Please also pray for Mike Lee, the treasurer of Stoke Row PCC, who is in the coronary care unit at the John Radcliffe hospital after a heart attack. Mike too is responding well to treatment. Thank God for those who serve in both these hospitals, who care for us and our loved ones with skill and dedication.

Your Rector, Canon Kevin.