1 Dec 09:  Advent season is well and truly underway, with a series of three Sunday talks looking at the run-up to Christmas from different perspectives.  We've also recommended a set of bible readings called "Anticipating the Coming King", but don't have any left now - sorry.  The Christmas service dates are set and our usual Christmas leaflet will be available soon (so we'll be looking for volunteers to deliver it around the parish - great exercise and cheaper than the gym).

1 Nov 09:  For almost a decade Fairtrade has become the norm at Wiford Church.  Lindsey Barnes and Shirley Jones run the Fairtrade stall week-on-week, bringing in new stock for us to try and to enjoy.  As we move into the build up for Christmas we are again holding a Fairtrade sale in the church hall - on Saturday 14 November.  This year we also have a new name to consider, "Created".  It's a reminder of why we are such supporters of the organisations that bring the work of Fairtrade to us.  Finally, today is All Souls (or All Saints) Day.  An appropriate day to hold our Bereavement Service for the families of those who have died.  We hope to make this an annual event.  Hear Margaret Kidger's message for those who attended.

18 Oct 09:  The traditional church Harvest celebration last weekend has allowed us to distribute food gifts to both The Arches and to the Friary Drop-in Centre.  As well as these local gifts, we collected enough to send a donation of over £450 to Tearfund to help them with their work in the developing world.  Following on from Harvest, we're going to spend a couple of weeks looking at aspects of the stewardship of our resources - including how we use our money, both individually and as a church family.  Phil's latest message and his talk today start us off.

1 Oct 09:  After a software glitch (that's fixed now, obviously) we have updates working again - and there is a bit to catch up with.  We commissioned Dawn Nicholson as the headteacher of S Wilford Primary School, at a service where pupils, parents, staff and governors all pledged to support Dawn and the whole school community.  Then we were in school a week later for our Holiday Club Reunion service.  It was great to meet again some of the new friends we'd made in the summer.  The church's youth have been on another successful Weekend Away at The Briars centre in Crich.  And finally, we launched a new initiative to find out what your vision is for Wilford Church in the future.  We have some questions to help you think about this - make sure you pick up a copy when you're next around.

6 Sept 09:  Well the summer holidays are over, schools have re-started and activities are beginning again - see the Events Diary for details.  One update from August is that the new venture, our 'Holiday Club for the Mature', went really well.  Nearly seventy were there and a great day was had by all.

11 Aug 09:  Only one week to go before our new 'Holiday Club for the Mature'.  Don't be shy, you know who you are!  It promises to be a fun-filled day with lots of activities including bowls, a quiz, an afternoon sing song - and there'll be a cooked lunch too.  It's all based around the church hall.  If you're interested in signing up to come along (on Tuesday 18 August), or to get more information, please contact Margaret Kidger (tel: 981 6159), Janet Raymond (tel: 981 8330) or Irene Cheslett (tel: 981 7436).

2 Aug 09:  Well, it's over for another year.  What is?  The 2009 Moonbase Mission of course.  Three big patches of faded grass on the paddock are the usual and only physical remainder from what has happened over the last week.  The photos and memories will last longer; the changes in those who were part of it will last forever.  Read Base Commander Phil's final holiday club message and take a well earned rest (because remember the 2010 holiday club is only 51 weeks away!).

28 Jul 09:  We're off!  Moonbase Mission is underway, with around 300 children and helpers journeying together through time and space - with lots of fun, challenges, games, songs, crafts and sports along the way.  Look out for our daily updates and don't forget to join us for the BBQ on Thursday and our celebration service on Sunday.

26 Jul 09:  Excitement is rising as we're on the eve of this year's Holiday Club.  The preparations are over, our launch site is ready and Moonbase Mission blasts off at 10 tomorrow morning.  The weather is not great at the moment but that won't dampen down the fun and games throughout the week.  If you have children at primary school then bring them along to take part - or just join us for coffee in our cafe or perhaps for the BBQ on Thursday evening - it would be great to see you during the week.

5 Jul 09:  Congratulations to Diane and Jono who were ordained yesterday at a wonderful service in a packed Minster in Southwell.  They celebrate their first communion as Priests with us today.

29 Jun 09:  There are some events coming up that you should consider for your diary.  First, we are delighted that our pioneer curates, Diane and Jono Tregale are being ordained as Priests on Saturday at Southwell Minster.  It would be great if you could be there to support them - the service starts at 5pm.  Then on Sunday, join us for a celebratory shared lunch after the morning service.  If you eat too much at the lunch then swim off the calories at the "Fellowship and Inflatables" swim party on the following Saturday - see the Events Diary for the details of everything that's happening.

7 Jun 09:  Ah, technology can be wonderful.  (How could anyone who writes on a website be against it?).  But when it goes wrong, it's a real pain.  Today in church the data projector bulb broke and so we missed the presentation that went with the talk.  To try and make up for this, you can download Jono's presentation on the Trinity here (505KB).  The pace is picking up on holiday club preparations - don't forget to play your part and pick up registration forms for any children you know who would like to come along.

31 May 09:  The weather is getting hotter and the excitement is rising because we're now less than two months away from our summer holiday club.  Registration forms for children are available from today - pick one up from church or from Sue in the church office.  (Why not pick one up for a friend or neighbour's child too).  Today is Pentecost and we have a very special guest to mark that very special day for Christians everywhere.  Our archdeacon, Peter Hill, will give the talk in this morning's service.

26 Apr 09:  The annual meeting was held today, after a shared lunch that was up there along with the best shared lunches.  Eddie Mason and Simon Massarella were re-elected as church wardens and Peter Brown now takes up his role as Treasurer.  Thanks are due to those stepping down from the church council for their service over the last three years, and who were replaced by Rose Brown, Ian Cranefield, John Edmonds, Janet Penney and Chris Smith.  Phil ended our review of the last year by setting out how we, as a whole church family, should move forward with God through 2009 and beyond.

19 Apr 09:  A lot of news to squeeze in this week so here goes .... with the wonderful announcement that baby Zacharaiah Marsh was born on Friday evening (7.17 and 9lb 4oz to be exact).  Many, many congratulations to Mandy and Phil from the whole church family.  Next, you should read the piece by Caitlin Shewell-Cooper in the latest newsletter (download it). She describes how the money donated by you (£322) was put to really good use by the New Generation group of Christian pupils at the Emmanuel School just before Easter - inspiring stuff.  Don't forget the church annual review next Sunday, so come for the shared lunch and then stay for the meeting.  Finally, congratulations to the Dad's team who this year were victorious (2-1) in the Easter Monday Lads v Dads football match.

3 Apr 09:  As we approach Holy Week and Easter, there's a reminder of what it all means from Phil in this week's newsletter.  Pick one up from church on Sunday, or contact the office and get on the mailing list.  Over the Easter break, as well as reflecting on spiritual things, you might want to think about some practical things too.  Our annual review meeting is at the end of the month and we'll be electing new members to our church council (the PCC).  If you think you're being called to serve as a council member then contact the wardens or the church office and put your name forward.  If you're not on the electoral roll then it's a good time to join that too so you can vote at the meeting - the office can give you details.

22 Mar 09:  Today was one of those significant days in the life of our church community.  Bishop George, Archdeacon Peter Hill, representatives of the deanery, of our church schools and from the parish of Werrington in Peterborough joined us to celebrate the licensing and installation of our new vicar, Phil Marsh.  With a Mothering Sunday service before and a celebratory gathering after, it's been a really busy day too.  As well as moving into the rectory, getting the children settled in new schools and preparing for the new baby, Phil did find some time to write his first official message to us.  We all look forward to sharing in his ministry at Wilford Church.  We welcome Phil, Mandy and their family and extend them our support and love.

1 Mar 09:  It was great to see our new vicar, Phil Marsh, his wife Mandy and their family in church on Sunday for the first time.  Although they've moved in to the rectory, Phil doesn't start with us for another three weeks yet so keep dealing with the church office and the curates during that time.  Remember to come to the Spring Fairtrade sale on Saturday, from 10 o'clock in the church hall.  If you can help set up then talk to Lindsey Barnes or Shirley Jones.  Cakes are also welcome - drop them into the hall on Friday or Saturday.

8 Feb 09:  The Bishop of Sherwood, Tony Porter, visited our all-age Parade Service today.  If you missed his inspiring talk you can download it from our Godcast page.  Now for a couple of reminders - don't forget to complete your Holiday Club helper application in the next couple of weeks, and keep watching the diary for new events.  You might particularly want to make a note of the Spring Fairtrade sale day on Saturday 7 March.

25 Jan 09:  This year's Alpha Course has started, with a good turnout at the first session on Thursday night in the church hall.  But it's not too late to join in if you want to come along.  Give Megan Smith, our curate, a call or just turn up this Thursday at 7:30 pm.  Looking further ahead, the application forms to be a helper at this summer's Holiday Club are now available.  If you're interested then pick one up from church or get one from Sue in the church office - the date for their return is Monday 23 February.

11 Jan 09:  It's great to start a new year with some good news - and we have some.  The Diocese has announced the date when our new vicar, Phil Marsh, can take up his post with us.  It's 22 March, so put that date in your diary for Phil's Licensing by Bishop George at a service in church.  Other news includes the impressive turnout at Hannah Edmonds' concert in church last night - your contributions have put her well on her way to Ghana in the summer.  Finally, remember it's the Burn's Night social event on Saturday.  There's still time to get a ticket.

Below is the last 2008 entry - read more from the archive