From Cop to Criminal to Christ

Stoke Poges Men’s Group Dinner

What a superb Men’s Dinner we had on Friday, 17^th November, at the South Buckinghamshire Golf Club (in Stoke Poges).  An excellent buffet meal followed by a truly inspiring talk from Simon Pinchbeck, a Regional Director with Christian Vision for Men (he is the guy in the middle of the photo).  The following are Simon’s own thoughts on the event:-

“It was a brilliant and blessed night – where I believe that The Lord spoke to many… the best part of a talk is the conversations afterwards, so I believe that The Spirit stirred many guys…

I loved the interaction between you guys, & the enthusiasm you all have for men’s stuff. Friday was one the highlights of my year – and I speak over 70 times…”

The next event for the Men’s Group is the Beer & Skittles Evening – Saturday 3^rd February 2018 for lads, dads and granddads. With lots of other games, Fish & Chip supper & desserts. Bar open from 6.30pm, games start at 7pm. Book early as it’s a very popular event – see Nigel Lowe or Tony Shortman.

Christmas Elves in the Coffee Shop

The Christmas Elves have been hard at work transforming the Coffee Shop with all sorts of knitted and crocheted goodies – but as fast as they make them, they fly off the shelves again! Pop down soon to grab yours.

Our pop-up gallery has also landed, with original paintings by Heather McDowell lining one wall. The plan is to keep changing the paintings for sale with different artists’ work, so there will be new items on a regular basis.

Of course, the coffee and company are what people really appreciate about the coffee shop. Stop by and share a story and browse all the other gifts and cards, including locally made jams and marmalades, turned wood treasures and upcycled creations, cakes by Bellaroo Bakes, second hand books and jigsaws.

Coming soon… Christmas craft sessions. Watch out for details on the Sunday Noticesheet in church and the Friday Email. To subscribe to the Friday Email, click here.

Remembrance 2017

St Giles Church was full with families of all ages joining together for the Remembrance Day service on 12th November.

Members of  youth organisations from around Stoke Poges paraded their flags while Parish council members and others laid wreaths before the Act of Remembrance.

A Remembrance Focus, told the stories of the 18 men from Stoke Poges, who all died in 1917 “The Saddest year for Stoke Poges”.  As the story unfolded, one by one, a wooden cross was placed at the front of the church by different members of the congregation.

Students from Teikyo School accompanied their Headmaster, Mr Nakayama (pictured above) and English Teacher, Ms Mari Kubo. They joined 7Up members to welcome people into the church and afterwards presented a cheque, donating a percentage of the proceeds from their school fete to the St Andrew’s Youth Club. The Youth Club have been forging links with a few students at the school and we are very grateful for their support. Teikyo students will be joining us again for Leaf Raking at St Giles’ on 25th November.

Bouncy Castle on Tour

Thanks to Ruth Rooley for this summary and photos of the Stoke Poges, Wexham and Fulmer Horticultural Society’s Annual Show back in August, in which many members of the congregation participated. With apologies for omitting the article from the last edition of the Church Magazine.

Rain did not dampen the spirits, nor spoil the enjoyment, of people who braved the elements to attend the Society’s Annual Show. The number of entries was up and the quality of the entries praised by the judges. There was quite a buzz in the marquee as everyone viewed the entries and in some cases found they were winners! The scarecrows and other exhibits entered by local school children were much admired, as were the cakes, preserves and handicrafts. The flowers and vegetables were outstanding considering the wide variations in the weather, that we have experienced this year.  Visitors also enjoyed looking at the wonderful photographs exhibited by the Photographic Club.

Outside, the Reading Spring Gardens Band continued to give much pleasure, even with the rain coming down!  John and Ed Rabbitt,  with Debbie in assistance, provided the barbecue and Pinewood Nurseries ran the tea tent, while the Crocker family manned the bar. The stallholders and outside exhibitors had a bit of a damp day, but we are grateful for their support and for those who supported the tombolas and raffle, or helped in any way.

The Church, very generously, provided the bouncy castle, which had to be blown up again inside St Andrew’s Church the next day to be cleaned down and dried off!

The Horticultural Society’s AGM is on Wednesday 15 November in the School at 8 pm. www.hortsoc.org