The next great saga in Vicarage Life, the ongoing drama in which I find myself cast, is the arrival of Fudge’s six puppies last week. It’s been chaotic, exhausting, uplifting, traumatic, surprising, and delightful. All of life is here, in squeaky miniature. I have been amazed at the capacity creation builds into animal instinct, from Fudge knowing to lick them clean at birth, and how to feed them, all without ante-natal classes, to the blind and deaf pups finding their way to teats when they need to. It’s quite awesome to behold.

As we reposition them and weigh them, snuggle and care for them, do these tiny puppies, blind and deaf as they are, have any real sense of who is loving them? What is their sense of Fudge, or the big human hands that appear as if from nowhere. It reminded me of our relationship to God - so far beyond our senses that even the theological ramblings of a vicar are like instinctive snufflings. It gives me hope, that the things which are beyond me are in bigger, wiser hands.

Let me leave you with this quote...

“The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it.
Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.”
- Frederick Buechner.

God Bless,
Rob

Sunday Services
Join us this week in church at 10:30am for our Remembrance Service where we will give thanks and ensure the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten. At this special service we welcome local members of the Royal British Legion, young people from the uniformed organisations, and local councillors. This year booking is not required. Refreshments will be available after the service.

Looking ahead to 20th November, service times will be at the usual times of 9:15am and 11am. We’ll have A.M.A. and in the 11am a Christening.

At the end of the month on 27th November, we welcome Bishop Arun, the new Bishop of Kirkstall, confirming several members of the congregation.
Join us for this special joint service at 10am.
Then to celebrate the start of Advent we have Advent Praise in church at 5pm.
Do come and mark the start of the season by giving praise to God at this time of expectation and preparation. Afterwards, mulled wine and mince pies will be served.

Clothes Swap
Our first Clothes Swap is today, 10am–1pm in church. Come along for some guilt-free swapping therapy. Swap your old items for something new to you, have a go on the tombola, and enjoy cake and a coffee with friends.
Entry £3.00. Drop clothes between 10-11am, and swapping starts at 11am.

Flowers in Church at Christmas
Can you help the Flower Team with some foliage from your garden for the Christmas flower display in Church? We require cuttings of laurel, holly with berries, non-drop Christmas tree spruce, an evergreen foliage.
So, don’t do your winter pruning just yet! Please drop any donations at church on Friday 9th December at 12pm or Saturday 10th December at 8:30am.
Thank you, Julie Horan & Kim Pollard.

Spring Harvest (10th - 14th April 2023)
We are now making enquiries about booking at Spring Harvest in Skegness.
It’s not too late to sign up, prices are from £139, and more information can be found online here. Please contact the [email protected] if you would like to go.

Beer & Carols
Our very own Steve Simkins will be playing at a Beer & Carols evening on 19th December at Left Bank Leeds in Hyde Park. It sounds like an absolute blast – tickets are available here.

Coffee Morning
The next coffee morning at The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association in Bradford is on Wednesday 23rd November, 11:30am–12:30pm.
This invitation is open to ladies from church and in the local community who would like to meet for refreshments and a chat about faith and life.
If you would like to attend, please speak to Sally.

Bradford North Foodbank
Thank you to Calverley Village Nursery, the children & their families for the kind donation of food collected at their Harvest Appeal.
It was greatly appreciated and will help somebody in need.
This week, can you help with any of the following?

DEODRANT
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
DOG & CAT FOOD
LAUNDRY POWDER/PODS
WASHING UP LIQUID
SHAVING FOAM/DISPOSABLE RAZORS

Items can be left in the cage at the back of church at Friday coffee shop or between Sunday morning services. If you need help from a foodbank, information is available in church.

Rotas
The Sunday Service rotas for November & December are now available at the back of church. As always, we would like to thank everyone for all that you give in support of our worship on Sunday’s, it is appreciated!

Prayers
Please remember in your prayers the family of the late Barbara Thompson of Calverley, as they mourn the loss of a loving mother, grandma, and friend.
The funeral will take place at Rawdon Crematorium on Monday 14th November at 12:15. Our Licensed Lay Minster, John Corbin will take the Service of thanksgiving and celebration for the life of Barbara.

We also remember in our prayers David and Sonia Badger.
David had a fall at home this week and is now in St. James Hospital, if you wish to send them a card please pass on to the Wardens.