7.00 for 7.30pm. Harvest Supper in the Village Hall. Everyone welcome.

Tickets from Jill Cheadle, 720261, £3.50, £2.00 concessions.

September begins the long seasonal cooling process that leads into Winter. The glory days of sunshine and holiday are passed, but the prospect is not all gloom and doom. Autumn and Winter have a charm all their own and we know that in any case, the sun will return as the seasons roll around. 

The British Nation has had its share of dark and tragic times. This year we remembered the personal sacrifice of those who came through World War II and defended our freedom, often at the cost of their lives.

On 4^th September 1940 the London Blitz began and the city was bombed for the next 57 consecutive days. Residents sought shelter wherever they could, as many as 177,000 slept in the Underground night after night.

Now in 2005, the Underground has become the principal target of the terrorist suicide bomber, it seems likely that another campaign of hatred and murderous violence is underway. Once again a spirit of co-operation and a determination to "carry on" has come to the fore.

An interregnum is by comparison a very harmless affair but the same spirit of co-operation and drawing together in adversity is an essential feature. "What Would Jesus Do?" The Gospels show a caring, loving man, utterly dedicated to the work of His Father, prepared to go the extra mile, using his gifts entirely in the service of others. The heat and burden of the day falls principally on the wardens, but a great many people at Odell share the task, I know.

  On visiting Odell in July, I fell into a conversation with a lady who remarked in passing "We were praying together". Beginning the long process of seeking a new incumbent all over again, may seem pretty depressing, but as long as we can pray together, there is every hope for a happy outcome. What would Jesus do? He would most certainly pray. May God richly bless your going out and your coming in, your praying together and your work in His service.

John Woods, Reader, Clapham

The Prayer Chain is there if you need prayer for yourself, for others or for members of your family. Please don’t ask for prayer outside your own family without people’s permission. To have a number of people pray just telephone Dennis (822992).

Bishop's Harvest Appeal is launched. In July representatives from parishes and schools across our Diocese converged on Biddenham Upper School in Bedford for the launch of the Bishop's Harvest Appeal. This year the Appeal is focussing on supporting UBINIG, a partner of Christian Aid working to help poor rural families in Bangladesh.

"In the year of Make Poverty History, our Appeal is focussing on the impact of trade on developing countries," said Jonathan Ellis, World Development Adviser to the Diocese. If your parish or school is interested in getting involved in this year's Bishop's Harvest Appeal please contact Valerie Geldard by e-mail vgeldard@stalbans.anglican.org

Friday September 23rd 7.30pm in Odell Village Hall.

All are welcome to come to this free coffee and dessert evening to hear about Katie Corkery’s year in West Africa with the charity ‘Mercyships’. The evening will include information on the work of the charity which sends hospital ships to areas of the developing world. There will also be a slide show telling Katie’s own experiences as a teacher on board ship.

For more information call 720348.

St. Luke’s was originally a hospital dedicated to serving the clergy and their families, but has now expanded and welcomes anybody who wishes to join their medical scheme. However, their first priority is still with the clergy so that they can be treated and return to work in their parishes as quickly as possible. For more information you can write to: St. Luke’s Hospital, 14 Fitzroy Square, London W1P 6AH.

Do please give generously in our collection or in the plate at the back of the church.

Unfortunately Anne is unable to send her usual column this month due to ill health. We all hope that you are feeling better very soon Anne, and look forward to hearing from you next month!

The date for the churchyard tidy up and autumn church clean is set as Saturday September 24^th from 10.00 am Please come along to help, with gardening tools if possible!

4^th Jeanette Roche

11^th Tricia Hudson

18^th Doreen Wheeler

25^th Rachel Halton

5^th 2.30 pm Douglas and Molly visiting, Abigail House.

10^th 10-6.00pm Sponsored bike ride.

10^th 6-8.30 pm Bat detecting, Harrold-Odell Country Park.

13^th 7.30 pm W.I. Village Hall.

14^th 10.30 am Meeting Point at Doris Bannard-Smith’s, Goodly

Heritage, 10 The Bury, Pavenham.

15^th 7.30 pm Hatha Yoga Class Village Hall.

24^th 10.00 am Church and churchyard autumn clean.

26^th 10.00 am Harrold-Odell Country Park maintenance day.

27^th 10.00 am Charcoal making, Harrold-Odell Country Park.

Please send all entries for the October 2005 magazine to Tricia Hudson (patriciahudson at kbnet.co.uk), Anne Turner or Catherine Corkery by September 12^th 2005 at the latest. May we remind you that the editorial team exercises the right to edit, shorten or alter any items that are

submitted. Also, the opinions expressed in the articles are those of the

contributors and are not the responsibility of the editorial team.