November 2006

Dear Friends,

A number of people are meeting at the Rectory through the autumn to do the Alpha course, and one of the topics we’re looking at is prayer. When the question is asked "What is prayer?" – everyone has their favourite definition. "Talking to God" is a popular answer, and while that is certainly true, there is so much more to prayer than that.

Prayer is a two-way communication; so there is a listening to God as well as a talking to him – but before we even get to the words (which are not always necessary) prayer begins in the heart. It is a reaching out, a deliberate turning towards God. My favourite definition comes from a classic little book on prayer, first published in 1948 and very probably out of print now. Written by O. Hallesby (no clue as to his first name, but if anyone knows please let me know!) and it says this –

"To pray is to let Jesus come into our hearts."

Simple isn’t it – yet deeply profound.

So often we find it hard to pray, and there could be several reasons for this. We may (mistakenly) think that we have to pray in a certain way, use special holy words, or be in a special place – but the most sincere prayers are usually the simple ones, direct from the heart, that can be prayed at any time, and anywhere. We may (mistakenly again) think we are not ‘good enough’ to pray – but it’s not about being good enough, its about reaching out to our heavenly Father who loves us and longs for us to return to him, just as the father in the story of the prodigal son longed for his ‘lost’ son to return home. It’s Jesus’ death on the cross that opens up the way for us, making this direct access to the

Father possible – and it’s Jesus who helps us when we pray.

O. Hallesby again …

There are of course those particular times of need or difficulty when we really value the prayers of other people too. And there will be times when we also pray for the needs of others, near or far. This type of

intercessory prayer is about inviting Jesus into the situation, turning it over to him and trusting him to act. Sometimes a change in the situation comes quickly, other times it’s a bit like planting bulbs, and nothing seems to happen for a while, but later it becomes apparent that God has been at work. The outcome of our prayers is always in God’s hands, it is our part to turn to him, to open the door of our heart and invite him in.

The All Saint’s Prayer Chain is now becoming the Prayer Group – do read the short article below and get in touch if you would like prayer for yourself or a loved one.

With love and prayers, Christine

What is the Prayer Group? It is made up of members of All Saints’ Church who undertake to pray regularly, on an individual basis, for people who ask us for prayer support.

Who do we pray for? Anyone whom we are asked to remember; these might be people from our church, from our local community or others known to us.

What will you pray about? Anything which you would like brought before God; maybe anxiety due to illness, stress or loneliness. You can also tell us of a special day you wish to be remembered – perhaps for an interview or an exam. Any information will be treated in strictest confidence.

How can I let you know if I would like you to pray for me? You can either telephone Christine (720234), or drop a note through the Rectory door, or complete a card (anonymously if you wish) and place it in a box kept near the church door. Prayer requests will be collected from the box each Sunday morning after the 10.00 am service.

Interested in learning more about Christianity?

Want to brush up on basics?

The Alpha course may be just the thing to help you.  It is now run in churches all over the world and many have found it led to a life-changing experience.  Each evening consists of a meal, a talk and

discussion. Locally arranged by Churches Together in Harrold and Carlton this is a 10-week course, which started in September. To find out more contact Rev'd Jean Burrows (720262).

In support of Christian Family Care

Friday 8^th December

Hobbs Green Farm

Church Lane, Odell

From 10.30am to noon.

Admission Free

Very many thanks to all of you who brought your filled boxes to church or to the Rectory - we collected 35 in all.  These were taken over to Emmaus where teams of volunteers, including two from Odell, checked all the contents for customs and shrink-wrapped them ready for transportation. In total, over 800 boxes were received from the villages of Harrold, Carton & Odell - a truly magnificent response which will bring much comfort and joy to needy children in Belarus.

Many thanks to Martin and Helen for organising an interesting walk in the Nene valley - and vetting the beer at the Dukes Arms, Woodford - where we enjoyed a hearty pub lunch around a log fire. Roberta and Nick have volunteered to arrange the next walk (between 4-5 miles) on Saturday 18^th November. Meet outside the Bell at 9.45am. Transport available to the starting point if required … dogs on leads and children welcome.

On the first Sunday of every month, at 6.30pm, an informal evening service will be held, initially for the next six months. This is partly in response to those who would like more time for quiet reflection, and partly in response to another request for opportunity to pray together for the ongoing ministry of All Saints’ and the needs of others. During the colder months the service will be held at the Rectory.

will be shared between the British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society.

Many still depend on these two organisations for all kinds of help including medical care and your generous giving enables continuous support for those damaged in body, mind and spirit by the ravages of war.

Wed 8^th 10.30am at Eileen Shakespeare’s, Corner House,

Wymington Park, Rushden.

Wed 22^nd 10.30am at Sarah Bennett’s, 9 Horsefair Lane, Odell.

Wed 6^th 11.30am Bring and Share lunch at Doris’s, Goodly Heritage,

The Bury, Pavenham.

Saturday 4th November 10.00 am-12 noon -

FAIRTRADE CAFE - with delicious drinks and eats, lots of Christmas goodies and gifts for sale. 

Village Hall; £1.50 entrance to include coffee, tea and cakes/biscuits.

Carlton Village Hall

Saturday 18^th November, 11am – 3pm

Lunches from 12 noon

Entry £1 (includes coffee and biscuits)

In aid of St Mary’s new toilet and kitchenette

Georgina Ardley on the 29^th,

and to everyone with a birthday in November.

09.09.1921 – 27.09.2006

Geoffrey Ardley who died suddenly in Sharnbrook on September 27^th aged 85, was a well known figure locally. With his trademark leather hat and, in his later years, his long white hair and stylish beard, he was quite unmistakeable. He often could be seen making his way to his usual place in The Bell where he liked to have his pint topped up with

another half, a generous ‘half’ – a ‘Sussex half’, he called it.

Geoff had the gift of friendship. He liked people and he liked being with young people. He moved into the modern world easily but still kept the courteous and gentlemanly style of an older and kinder age. He had friends of all ages and creeds and many of his young friends came to mourn the loss of a valued friend. Many of his old friends were too frail to attend, including a venerable aunt of 101.

He had an interesting life, enrolling as a very young man in the Army with his brother Ronald, whence he was shipped off to Afghanistan. It was here that he had his first taste of danger when a sniper’s bullet narrowly missed him and killed the man standing behind him. He went on to serve during the war in India and in Burma, working with guerrillas. His only comment on this was that "It was not nice". Then he was transferred to military intelligence in India and later in Germany where he became a Nazi hunter. After Germany he went to East Africa and finally returned to Germany where at the age of 42 he met and married his beloved Tricia. They came to live in Harrold in the Christmas of 1965 and their two boys Jonathan and Christian were born in the house in Meadway.

Geoff and Tricia entered into the life of the village and became regular attendees at Odell Church where Geoff was treasurer for many years and later churchwarden.

Tricia’s early and sudden death was a hammer blow for the family and Geoff took a long time to recover his spirits. But he did – and with his usual courage he began to put his life together. He made new friends and developed new interests. He learned to cook; he learned about antiques and took easily to using a computer. When he moved to his garden flat in Sharnbrook he became the Company Secretary for the complex, which he ran with attention to detail in military style. He was modern in outlook and enjoyed the challenge of the digital age.

Geoff lived his life with style and with courage. I consider myself privileged to have been his friend. Jackie Stubbs.

5^th Carol Ormond

12^th Remembrance Sunday

19^th Carol Ormond

26^th Margaret Jones

<- The beautiful display of flowers (left) was arranged by Doreen Wheeler for the funeral of Geoff Ardley.

Sat 4^th 10am Fairtrade Café in Village Hall.

Sun 5^th 3pm Time To Remember Service in All Saints’, Odell.

Wed 8^th 10.30am Meeting Point at Eileen’s, Corner House,

Wymington Park, Rushden.

Tues 14^th 9.30am Christmas Sale, Village Farmhouse.

Tues 14^th 7.30pm W.I. in Village Hall.

Sat 18^th 9.45am All Saints Amblers meet at The Bell for walk.

Sat 18^th 11am Christmas Bazaar, St Mary’s Church, Carlton.

Wed 22^nd 10.30am Meeting Point at Sarah Bennett’s, 9 Horsefair

Lane, Odell.

Sat 25^th 7.30pm Time of Our Lives Music Theatre, Village Hall.

Sun 26^th 2pm Christmas Decoration making, HOCP.

Mon 27^th 10am HOCP Conservation tasks.

Sat 2^nd 7.30pm Quiz, Village Hall.

Wed 6^th 10.30am Meeting Point Bring and Share lunch at Doris’s,

Goodly Heritage, The Bury, Pavenham.

Fri 8^th 10.30am Christian Family Care Coffee & Hamper Morning.

Wed 13^th 12.30pm Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch, Village Hall.

Please send all entries for the joint December 2006/January 2007

magazine to Tricia Hudson (mag1@odellbeds.net) or Catherine Corkery by November 12^th 2006 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.