In 2017 we continued to offer services including the Reynolds memorial, two funerals and a christening.  We made the building available to the Bell Ringers and Whilton Warblers, organised coffee mornings, the Christmas Tree Festival and Carol Service.  It was a year of change and we welcomed David Painter as our new Rector.

For 2018 we hope to play a greater role in village affairs but don’t always have the people to help us.

Therefore we aim to:

• Involve more of you in what we do, including an increase in attendance at our services
• Inform the village of our activities
• Run more community focussed events, starting with our Quiz on 23 March
• Increase membership of the Parochial Church Council
• Complete essential repairs to the roof

All of this costs money.  Did you know that last year it cost us over £10,500.  This includes paying for our Rector, insurance, electricity and general upkeep and repairs.  We have to raise all these funds from your giving, donations, bequests, fees and fund raising.

In 2018 we will also have to pay for the roof repairs.  We have the reserves to pay for these works.  The church and the building are an integral part of the village and we need your help with ideas about how we can keep it so and increase our revenues to pay for our day to day costs.  If you can help in any way please let us know.

You are also all invited to St Andrew's AGM on Monday 23rd April at 7.30 pm in church when drinks and nibbles will be served.

Jon Brierley on 843380 or email

Linda Treacy on 07752 885900 or email

Churchwardens

A message from David Painter

I write this shortly after the successful Snowdrop Sunday venture at Harlestone, which attracted a large number of visitors to the churchyard and the nearby woods.  Warmest thanks go to all those who served tea and slices of delicious cake in the church – it was lovely to see so many people coming in and out during the afternoon.  (Not to be outdone, Brington are planning a primrose week-end in April, so look out for further details in due course.)

Snowdrops have undoubtedly lifted our spirits on some particularly cold and grey days in February.  The little white flowers seem so frail, especially when the wind catches them, and yet they are a powerful reminder that spring really is on the way.  But this in turn is a reminder that spring is a traditional time for a spot of cleaning!  Just as our houses (and churches) can all do with a good clear-out from time to time, so spring and Lent is an appropriate time of the year for a cleaning and decluttering of our spiritual lives.  Do take time to reflect this Lent on what really matters, both in your personal life and in the life of our church, and may this season be one of growth and discovery for each one of us.

Above you will find details of our services in March, including special services on Mothering Sunday and in Holy Week.  This year there is to be a Walk of Witness on Good Friday in which we shall take it is turns to carry a cross for a short distance and pause at intervals to remind ourselves of the events surrounding our Lord’s passion and crucifixion.  After careful consideration and consultation, it has been decided to walk from Little Brington to Great Brington, this being the route with the fewest number of potential traffic hazards.  Do come along if you can, even if only for part of the way, for it is important to enter, in whatever way we can, into the reality of Christ’s sufferings on that first fateful Good Friday.  Our Easter celebrations will as a result be all the more profound.