The next in this series of very interesting talks, and well-attended breakfasts, is on Saturday 14th October at 8.30 a.m. in St Giles’ Church Hall. Geoff Lumley, a teacher and youth worker at Twyford C.E. High School, Ealing, will speak on “Knocking Down the Walls to Build the New Church – For Youth”.

We hope to see you there. Tickets are £2, which cover the cost of a continental breakfast, from Don Gwilt on 01895 673704.

Each week at St Giles’ Church we pray for all the people who live or work in a particular road in the Parish. During September we will pray for the following roads:  1st October - Pepys Close. 8th October - Pynchester Close. 15th October - Rectory Way. 22nd October - Roker Park Avenue. 29th October - St George's Drive

If you live in one of these roads why not join us at our 8 a.m. or 9.45 a.m. services. You will be most welcome.

 

The death of someone who is significant to us is one of the hardest things we experience in our lives.   Whether it is expected or a shock, the enormity of the loss has a profound impact. Grief takes as long as it takes but as a general rule it takes longer than we expect.

It can be difficult to accept the range of intense feelings, which arise following a loss. It is common to feel guilty about the things left unsaid or undone and about those areas of neglect in the relationship. Strong feelings of anger may be present, as we rail against the apparent unfairness of being abandoned and left to cope alone with the heartache that death brings. All these feelings are normal and, however strange, are part of the healing process. There is no right way to grieve. Talking about the person who has died is recognized as being helpful and can bring relief.  We may need to go over and over the details of the death, trying to make sense of what has happened. Sometimes we worry that we are burdening our family and friends with our unhappiness.

It is for this reason that the Ickenham churches hold a monthly drop-in session for people who are bereaved.   It is held on the third Monday in each month from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in the St Giles’ Church Hall in Ickenham High Road. Some members of the churches’ Pastoral Support Group are present who are ready to listen to you. They will treat you with sensitivity and respect. You will be offered a cup of tea or coffee.

Some people who attend the drop-in sessions have been coming regularly for a few years. They find companionship and support within the group. When asked to explain their reasons for coming, their comments included:

“I come for the benefit of companionship and conversation; it’s nice to be able to talk to people.”

“At the time of my bereavement, the drop-in was a lifeline.”

“Contact with others in a similar situation is helpful.”

If you are uncertain if the drop-in would be helpful for you, do not hesitate to discuss it on the telephone with Adrian Guthrie at the Rectory on 01895 622970. If you wish, he can arrange for one of the Pastoral Support team to ring you back.

Jenny Reid  (Ickenham Churches’ Pastoral Support Group)

On Saturday 7th October the Festival Team is organising another ‘Family Race Night’ in the Village Hall. This is a great fun night for all ages. Sponsors are required for races and for horses. A bar will be available and tickets price £6 (adults) and £3 (children) will include a Fish & Chip supper.
Booking Forms and further details available from Doug Neilson (Tel. 01895 633217).

The Biannual General Meeting of the Festival Committee will be held on Thursday, 19th October in St Giles’ Church Hall at 8 p.m. This important meeting will hear reports from the Committee of its activities and financial situation, and to elect a new committee (including a new chairman following David Millen’s retirement after 30 years service), which will continue to organise the Festival events for the Community. Please put this date in your diary.