Cheddington Methodist Church
Minister Rev Noreen Daley-Lee tel no: 01525 240083
A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
The Rev Noreen Daley-Lee is currently on Sabbatical so,once again, we are most grateful to our Superintendent Minister, the Rev Richard Atkinson, for his contribution. His telephone number, in case of need, is 01296 339899.
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
This may seem a strange greeting but in schools, in the Methodist Church and in some other places as well we are transitioning from the old year into the new. Our church treasurers will be beginning the process of comparing their end of year again, various administrative delights will be coming across clergy desks and after the relative quiet of the summer months the pace of clergy life will begin to pick up.
Change is an interesting phenomenon. One way to exercise some clergy is to ask them to reflect on the merits and demerits of the different systems when it comes to clergy moving appointments. In methodism, unlike most other denominations, all our clergy move at the same time. We’re ready to take up our new appointment at the beginning of September. In the meantime the matching process for clergy moving in 2026 has already begun to kick in. In other denominations the search for someone new cannot begin until the old one has disappeared which means that an interregnum has to occur whereas in our Methodist system at any given point each church has a named minister. Change is an interesting thing to manage.
Within the school system there will be those taking their first tentative steps into formal education while others look to the joys of GCSE and A Level courses and begin to have to contemplate the question of what might come next. In September classes and new teachers will encounter each other and a whole new relationship begins.
Change covers whether we like it or not. This is seen in the reality of life; the lives of the people of Gaza have changed beyond recognition since the Israelis began their invasion. When love ones pass away everything becomes different. At times change can be brutal but we do seem to have an adaptability that enables us to cope. So this is not to forget the impact of experience but to indicate something of the resilience that people have. We just need to look at the example of the generation that went to war in which those are returned to civilian law and participated in the rebuilding of our country and laying the foundations of our modern society.
Some theories suggest that change is good for us, it encourages adaptability, allows new experiences and assists our development as human beings. This of course can be difficult when change is not what we want. Often though something new, a change can bring a new excitement to life. This week my one-year-old granddaughter had her first experience of eating a cherry, eating as many as her mother was prepared to put in front of her. The joy of the new experience, a change was joyfully evident.
Blessings
Richard
SERVICES FOR 2025
We welcome everyone to come along to our church to share in our worship and other activities. Services begin on Sundays at 10.30 am unless otherwise stated.
| Sunday 3rd August |
Local Arrangement |
| Sunday 10th August |
Mrs Frankie Fisher |
| Sunday 17th August |
Café Church – Local Arrangement |
| Sunday 24th August |
Rev Fred Ireland – Service of Holy Communion |
| Sunday 7th September |
Café Church |
| Sunday 14th September |
Rev Noreen Daley-Lee |
| Sunday 21st September |
Rev Richard Atkinson - Service of Holy Communion
3.30 pm Messy Church |
| Sunday 28th September |
Mr Ken Harris |
"THE TOAST” – FOR PARENTS, CARERS and LITTLE ONES
For all parents/carers of pre-school children and babies, join us in the Chapel schoolroom on Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.00 during term time for a gentle start to the week. There are toys, activities and refreshments (including toast!) and a warm welcome. Contact Cathy Craft email:
OPEN DOORS – Friday morning 10.30 a.m – noon at the Methodist Chapel.
All are welcome for a cup of tea or coffee, biscuits, a friendly chat as well as free WIFI.. Contact Stuart Minall email: for more information.
MEN’S GROUP: This usually meets on the first Friday of each month at 10.45 am to noon. Contact: Chris Shepheard on 661849.
The Singalong Café will be held on Tuesday 9th September 2.30 – 4.30 pm at the Methodist Chapel. It will be led by Karen, Cathy and Trevor who are all accomplished musicians. Do come along and join us and bring a friend or two, particularly those who might otherwise be at home alone. Refreshments will be included thanks to two willing volunteers. Please note there will be no Singalong in August.
GAMES AFTERNOON Wednesday 17 September 2-4 pm. There is a variety of games plus tea and cake! All are welcome.
BOOKS and JIGSAWS: A collection of paperback books and jigsaws for buying or borrowing; if you are able to make a small donation that would be appreciated. Do come and have a look to see if there is anything of interest to you. The schoolroom is usually open 9.30 – 11 am on Monday mornings during term time or Friday mornings 10.30 – 12 noon. If you have paperback books, in good condition, or jigsaws that you would like to pass on do bring them along.
WARM SPACES: This will continue on Fridays for all those who would like to meet together from 12 noon to 2.30 pm for soup lunch and a dessert. All enquiries to Cathy Craft email:
LOOP SYSTEM
For those people with hearing aids, we have an induction loop system installed and working in the chapel.
Schoolroom Bookings: A projector and screen are available. For all enquiries, please contact Janet Banham, Tel. 660205 or email .