Important Dates in November

November is an import month in the Church's calendar. It begins with All Saints, a day when we remember all those who were 'here' on earth and have now gone to be 'there' in heaven. Saints who have lived earthly lives and whose faith and example have been an inspiration to us all. All Saints is quickly followed by All Souls, where again we remember our loved ones who lived 'here' with us on earth; Loved ones we miss dearly and whose lives have impacted on ours. We have entrusted them to God's safe keeping and believe they are 'there' in heaven.

On the Sunday nearest November 11 the nation pauses to remember those who died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts, paying the ultimate price for our freedom. We remember those who gave their lives 'here' on earth for the sake of a brighter future.

The month ends with yet another important festival in the Church's calendar, that of Christ the King. It is the climax of the liturgical year, which brings with Advent and our preparation for celebrating not only Christ's birth, but remembering his promise that one glorious day he will return and bring all things to himself in a wonderful completion. Until then we remember Jesus reigns both 'there' in heaven and 'here' on earth. He is the connection between 'here' and 'there' and through the power of his Holy Spirit sent from 'there' to 'here', we might know the joys of eternal life and God's infinite love.

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

Dates for your Diary

Our Folk

Please pray for: Roy Allen, Cellia Barnes, Mark Butterworth (Buttsy), Lesley and Joe Farndon, Ethel Gough, Daphne Halton, Michael MacLacian, Patricia Musgrove, Joan Pace, Jenny Ratheram-Brown, Stella Reece, Beryl Robinson, Rob Sale, Rick Smallwood, Derek Taylor, Ann Thomason, Chris Winters, plus any others you know who are sick, housebound or in care facilities.

Rest in Peace: Vicki Spedding, whose funeral is at 11 am on Monday November 2nd at Robin Hood Crematorium.

Community News

November is a busy month in the parish, beginning with a Service of Memories in St. Leonard's chruch at 3 pm on the 1st. A week later there is the Remembrance Day Parade which starts at St. Leonard's church at 10 am and follows with a street procession along Elmdon Road to the Garden of Memory for the laying of wreaths at 11 am and two minutes' silence.

St. Leonard's Christmas Craft & Gift Fair will be held on Saturday, November 21, 10 am - 2 pm, in the Parish Hall. There will be a wide variety of stalls, raffles & tombolas; enjoy a selection of food and refreshments in the Elmdon Lounge Cafe; take a look at Jim Campbell's Model Railway and be entertained by the Choir from Marston Green Junior School. We look forward to welcoming you.

Marston Green 50 Plus

There is only one meeting this month which is on November 9th, BBHistory make a return visit talking about The Falklands.

Literary Society

On Friday, November 20th, the topic is Witchcraft! A tale for Hallowe'en. 7.30pm The Elmdon Lounge. Please bring your own drinks and contributions for a shared supper.

Gardening Club

Monday, November 16th, subject: Christmas Craft. Competition: 1 branch of berries.

Marston Green Library

2026 Shoebox Appeal

We are launching the annual ShoeBox Appeal again this year alongside the charity Teams4U, to put a smile on the face of a vulnerable Child in Eastern Europe. If you would like to take part, further information and leaflets are available from Pat Raymer, 779 2987 or at St. Leonard's or Wednesday Welcome.

Eco Church

As winter creeps in, an adequate supply of food is important to all wildlife to keep them nourished and healthy. Do you provide food and shelter for our wild friends? Does your garden have a bird feeder or perhaps a bird nest box or hedgehog house/hibernation shelter? Planting dense hedges such as Privet or Hawthorn or letting Ivy and Holly grow will provide a great place for birds to roost in and shelter from the elements. Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing all year round. Tyr and keep your bird bath ice-free and topped with fresh, clean tap water. Ideal foods are fat items such as fat blocks, suet cakes, sunflower seeds, and unsalted peanuts to help birds maintain their body heat. Niger seeds are a favourite for goldfinches and other small finches. Mealworms provide critical protein and rich oils, especially for robins, wrens, and insect-eating birds. Halved apples or pears placed on platform feeders help attract thrushes, robins or blackbirds.