A Churchwarden writes…

Autumn leaves in the Churchyard and pieces of a jigsaw fall into place for a seasonal feast of culture.

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Hitchinites have been eagerly awaiting the time when the majestic Churchyard trees take on their autumn tints, the sun slants through the dark red beech leaves and geese gather on the riverside.

Photographers have been spotted taking in the view of St Mary's from the hill and focusing on the squirrels who seem to enjoy posing on the gravestones in the old Churchyard. 

As the seasons turn our thoughts also turn away from the long summer days and towards Christmas, whether reluctantly or with anticipation.

This will be the busiest time of the year at St Mary's, as each weekend is filled with Concerts by local orchestras and choirs as well as our regular services. We will also stand still for Remembrance Sunday, when representatives of our community gather to pay their respects here.

But this autumn there will be added excitement for those who enjoy the arts, as the success of Hitchin Festival has encouraged the organisers to launch a 'Winter Festival'. Highlights are soon to be revealed including a wonderful theatrical performance in the church, so keep an eye out for more news! 

But before that, St Mary's Fundraising team has been working overtime to prepare for our first Jigsaw Festival, which runs this Friday and Saturday. 

As previously reported here, we have been receiving made up jigsaws donated from all around since February. These have been mounted on card so they can be displayed, making the Church into a sort of huge art gallery.

There is also a giant Jigsaw, wide enough to fill the space in front of the High Altar, made with 18,000 pieces.

Also on sale, it took three years to assemble. We had a delicate operation to bring it in, the secret was to carefully break it into sections which the owner, Chris, then reassembled for us. 

Doors open at 10 am on both days, don't miss this special treat, even if Jigsaws are not really 'your thing' it makes a great sight to experience the interior transformed with a constantly changing exhibition, the works of art replaced as each is sold! Prices range from £4 for 1000 piece puzzles, £3 for 500 piece ones and more for some new donated sets. We were delighted that Wentworth wooden puzzles have given some especially beautiful Christmassy boxes for sale. Entrance £2, Children go free.

Our Mothers' Union volunteers will be serving tea, coffee and cakes throughout the event, the profits will be shared between the Philip Veale Orphanage in Malawi, supported by the St Mary's congregation and Aquaid, and St Mary's fundraising appeal. 

Everything will be put back to normal for Sunday morning, our services the week ahead are as follows:

8am Said Eucharist followed by our 10am Sung Eucharist

There is no Evening Service

Other Services at St Mary's next week:

Monday 30th October - 9am Morning Prayer

Tuesday 31st October - 9am Morning Prayer

Wednesday 1st November - 9am Morning Prayer - 11am Mothers' Union Corporate Eucharist

Thursday 2nd November - 9am Morning Prayer

Sunday 5th November - 8am Said Eucharist - 10am One Bread One Body - 6:30pm Choral Evensong 'In Loving Memory'

LIVESTREAMED Services on Sundays are available to watch live at 10 am, 6.30 pm or anytime afterwards on our Youtube channel available on this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/stmaryshitchin

Further updated details of our services, opening times and events are found on our public Facebook page @StMarysChurchHitchin    .

Further information is found on our website:

https://www.stmaryshitchin.co.uk/

You can follow us on the following platforms 

www.facebook.com/StMarysChurchHitchin 

Instagram  stmaryschurch_hitchin

https://twitter.com/stmaryshitchin_

https://twitter.com/@stmarysBFL

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