Random Reflections

Yesterday's Remembrance Service went well. We began by the War Memorial - Mark, from Chapel, and former serviceman,  read the names of those listed on the memorial.

I was very moved to realise that the surnames of villagers killed the Great War began with Amiss, and ended with Stroulger - and we still have folk from those families very involved in the church. 

Outside Holy Innocents there were rows of poppies - not ceramic ones like the Tower of London. These are made from plastic bottles, painted with red acrylic. They are very effective.

The service inside was 'traditional' and I climbed into the pulpit to preach. There was quite a bit of positive feedback afterwards. We enjoyed our first Christmas mini stollen bites and a warming cup of tea. Not saying it was cold in church, but by 11.45 I had lost all feeling in my feet.

Two random moments,

...a lady clutched my arm with both hands and muttered something inaudible. I thought she was speaking about the sermon, so I said "Thank you, God bless you" - she looked at me weirdly, and said crossly "That dog is too big, I almost fell over it" [how was I supposed to know she was grabbing me to save herself from falling? every other person in front of her had been talking about my sermon!]

...I had to 'sign the book' - fortunately I had been told this would happen by my Vicar friend. The lay reader had to sign as "presiding minister", and I had to sign as "preacher" . Then I was asked to fill in the next space. "You have to write about the theme of your sermon, what was it?" I suggested it was "Remembrance Sunday"  [had the church warden not been listening???]

Grandson George is doing a lot of Lego with his other grandad lately. 

I made some chocolate Lego figures and posted them off to him. 

With a note explaining they were special afternoon chocolates, not to be eaten for breakfast or before lunch.

Spotted these in Aldi last week- "specially selected wagyu dripping roast potato flavour crinkle cut crisps"

Are they really trying to sell us potato flavoured crisps?

 I have been beavering away making more products to sell in my 31:13 shop, including flower brooches made from recycled tape measures.

The Care Home next to our Dr's Surgery is having a Christmas Fair in December and I have booked a table. I'm not planning to do any other fairs this year, my Saturdays are getting pretty filled up! Todasy marks the start of the UK Anti Bullying Week, which 'kicks off' with Odd Socks Day, led by Andy from CBeebies.

Find out more HERE . I thinking Andy and co are doing a great job - raising awareness and helping children to stand up for one another, and stand up to bullies [yes, and helping the 'bullies' to make better choices too]

The dictionary defines bullying as "Seeking to harm, intimidate or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable"

Does that include poor people in difficulties who find themselves with nowhere to live except a tent?