Back to Church Sunday

Imagine receiving an invitation to a dinner party at a golf course where you have never been to before. Whilst you may be thrilled to have received such an invitation, you may be a little anxious about going. You may be wondering who else might be going; will you know anyone and if not, will that make you conspicuous? What about the dress code? After all, you don't want to appear scruffy, but at the same time you don't want to be overdressed.

You might be wondering about where to park the car or where the entrance to the club house might be. Although there may be a time stated on the invitation, you don' t want to arrive too early, nor do you want the embarrassment of being late. It would probably come as a relief when a friend who has been to one of these functions before, offers you a lift.

The last Sunday of September is known as Back to Church Sunday. It was originally intended to say to those who may have stopped coming to church that they are missed and we would love to see them again. It has now expanded to include all peoples, even those who have never gone to church before. It is an opportunity to invite and welcome old friends and also new ones into our church family.

Whether you were a regular member of a church and have drifted away or haven't been for so long, long time or have been at all, it may feel quite daunting coming to church. Some of those concerns described in the opening paragraph equally apply; what to wear, time to arrive, where to sit and when to stand or sit during the service. To have a specific Sunday to be invited may make it a little easier, especially if accompanied by a friendly welcome. I am confident that whatever Sunday you decide to come you will always find a warm welcome, with people on hand to help guide you through the service and put you at ease.

All are welcome at St. Leonard's, so why not use Back to Church Sunday as an opportunity to come and meet us and perhaps join us at other key moments in this busy time, with Harvest and Remembrance, Advent and our Christmas programme. But more than that, be part of a loving community that aims to support one another and to draw closer to God through our prayer, worship and acts of service.

Rev. Tony Rindl, Vicar of St. Leonard's

Future dates for you diary:

• Back to Church Sunday - Sunday September 28th
• Harvest Festival - Sunday October 5th
• Parochial Church Council meeting - Thursday 11th September 19:00
• Parochial Church Council Away Day - Saturday 27th Semptember

Our Folk

It is sad to say that Doreen Rose, after a recent fall in the Channel Islands, is going to live with her daughter in Somerset. She has lived for many years in Marston Green and will be greatly missed. Good luck Doreen!

Congratulations to Alice and Kayle on the birth of Theodore Edward Marsh, to Natalie Flint and Jay Chatworthy on their forthcoming marriage and to Maddison Mullins, daughter of Holly and Chris, on her baptism.

We remember all who are in hospital, in retirement home, or confirmed to their own homes:

• Jean Burnard
• Pat Musgrave
• Ethel Gough
• Elsie Goulden
• Roy Allen
• Shirley Evers
• Doreen Rose
• Shirley Mellish
• Vicky Spedding
• Avril Warwood

__RIP __:

• John Hobbs
• Ann Haines
• Keith Holt

Marston Green Fifty Plus

The annual meeting takes place on Monday, September 8th and will include a shared supper. Between September 15th and 19th, members will enjoy a busy five day trip to Sidmouth.

Ladies Fellowship

Monday, September 15th, 14:00 - 16:30 in the Elmdon Lounge. Speaker: Paul Powell on his time working on the Royal Yacht Britannia. All ladies are welcome!

Literary Society

Friday, September 19th, 19:30 in the Elmdon Lounge. 'A Book You Associate With Holidays.' Please bring your own drinks and an item for a bring and share supper.

Marston Green Library

• 4th September Remember When? Reminiscence Group 14:15 - 15:15
• 6th September Councillors' Surgery 10:30 - 12:00
• 11th September Reading Cafe. Topic: Books That Make Us Laugh 10:15 - 12:15
• 13th September Knit and Natter 10:00 - 12:00
• 18th September Writers' Group 14:00 - 15:30
• 25th September MacMillan Coffee Morning 10:00 - 12:00
• 27th September Knit and Natter 10:00 - 12:00

Linda Poulson's Book Stall at 69, Elmdon Lane in aid of Marie Curie has attracted a wide variety of customers. It has raised more than £700 and will be closing on Tuesday, September 2nd with the onset of autumnal weather.

If you are interested in the creative crafts, the Library is hosting Mindful Crafts a six week Solihull College course from Monday, November 3rd.

Forthcoming Events

The Parish Hall has numerous events booked already up to Christmas:

• September 7th Afternoon Tea between 14:00 - 17:00 Cost £7.50
• September 21st Action Man Fair
• November 1st Afternoon Tea
• December 6th Christmas Party
• December 20th Afternoon Tea