News from Water Stratford

SPRINGTIME AT ST GILES

The Mothering Sunday service was one of reflection and thanks for mothers and all who care for us.  In this year when several in our community have lost their mothers, there was an opportunity to light candles in remembrance.  Thanks to Revd Liz for a thoughtful service suitable for all ages – though it was a sign of the changing make-up of our village (and country) that, unusually for this occasion, there were no children in the congregation this year.  Thanks also to Guy for the local organization and to Catriona for the very pretty posies which adult 'children' presented to their mothers and all ladies in the congregation.  We are also grateful to Pam Randle for coming to play the organ for us for the second time this year.

A few weeks later, Easter Day was celebrated with a service of Holy Communion, which included a thought-provoking mini-drama performed by three readers, and was followed by the traditional chocolate eggs.  We are grateful to Revd Chris Carter for preparing and leading this service, to Holly Purefoy for playing the organ and to Georgina Purefoy for taking the main part in the dramatic reading.

THANKS TO ANDY HACK AND OTHER UNSEEN WORKERS

Those who attended the above services, and other visitors, enjoyed a clean church and lovely arrangements of spring flowers: many thanks to those responsible.  It was also a treat to see the churchyard looking its best after its spring mow: thank you, Andy, for attending to this with your usual care.

MORE THANKS
We are grateful to the ladies of Dadford Women's Institute and to George Eaton for a donation made to St Giles Church following a WI visit to Rectory Farm.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

At this meeting on 21st March, Mike Edwards retired from the PCC and was thanked for all the work he has done for the church over a number of years.  Guy Brogden (Treasurer), Chris Hilsdon and Revd Liz Simpson (ex officio) remain on the PCC.  We are grateful to them, and to other helpers, for the work and inspiration they devote to keeping the church alive here for those who wish to use it or who are just happy to know that it's there.

DIAMOND JUBILEE

On Sunday, 3rd June at 11am there will be a service of 'Songs of Praise for the Royal Jubilee' at St Giles.  Come “in a spirit of celebration and neighbourliness” (Her Majesty's words) to give thanks with hymns, readings and prayers for sixty years of the Queen's reign and for our special part of her realm. 

CHURCH CLEANING AND FLOWERS
During May, flowers will be arranged first by Sarah Willis, then by Louise Staden.  Susan Ford and Sarah Willis will clean for the service on 20th May.

ST GILES ROGATION SERVICE, WALK AND LUNCH AT THE ROBIN HOOD PUB - SUNDAY, 20  MAY

Rogation has long been a favourite service in Water Stratford and this year we have decided to carry out the service “walking to the Robin Hood Pub”.

The service will take the usual form of readings and hymns along the way, starting at the Church and then “Beating the Bounds” (trying to memorise the parish boundary) on the way to the Pub, but it will be a gentle stroll.

Darren and Jess have got a reservation for us for lunch at which time we are hoping to auction off the Kindle they kindly gave us, depending on numbers, and have a good Sunday lunch! If any adults or children would like to do a reading please can they give Guy a ring by Friday 11th May

Sara Edwards