OCTOBER LOOP 2025
Remembering our non-human friends
One of the things I’ve noticed after years in the Loop (and now that I have pets as well) is the grief we carry for our non-human companions. It is real, and it is profound. Sometimes I’ve sat with people and they simply break down at the memory of a horse or dog or cat who knew them, was a faithful companion to them, and who brought them such uncomplicated joy.
As the season of remembrance begins, we are introducing a new service that recognises this very particular kind of grief and reminds us that our pets, along with the whole of the cosmos, are held in God’s hands. Our service will be at Albrighton (26th October, 3pm), where we are surrounded by sheep and wildlife! We hope the setting will itself be a comfort. If you’d like to, please do bring along a photo of the pet/s you are remembering, and/or where a flash of purple- the colour used in remembrance to recall the animal casualties of war.
Please note, this is not a ‘Pet service’- we had that at Bicton the other week, and there will be another one next yearat Plex- those are the services to bring your pets to. This is a service of remembrance for animals who have died, whom we loved.
Remembering with love
As part of our season of remembrance, Our annual Remembering with Love service is coming up on 2nd November, 3pm at Leaton. Do let Hannah know by email (revhannahlins@gmail.com) if you would like anyone remembered by name during the service.
Harvest
Do join us at one (or more!) of our Harvest Festivals. In all cases, we will be collecting non-perishable donations for the Foodbank. Once all the school donations are in as well, Hannah will take them to the Foodbank.
Fitz- 5th October, 9.30am
Shrawardine- 12th October, 9.30am
Leaton- 5th October, 10.45am
Bicton- 5th October, 11am
Montford- 19th October, 11am
Albrighton- 19th October, 9.15am
Items in demand at the moment: UHT milk, Toothpaste, Biscuits, Soap, Toilet paper
Please note that there are no morning services at Montford or Shrawardine this coming Sunday- 5th October.
A Harvest Festival Celebration Ecumenical Supper
Bring and Share finger buffet
Monday 6th October, The Mission Church, Bomere Heath
7pm for a 7.30pm start
Book with Pat Hall- 01939 290637 (limited numbers)
Forest Church
Our next Forest Church will be on 23rd November at Bomere Mission Church, 3pm. Join us for some indoor festive woodland crafts!
A call to all knitters!
We have only one prayer shawl left! Patterns can be found on the website but you don’t have to follow a pattern, we would love some help making some more.
Save the date- Advent Lunch
Now a tradition! Join us for a lovely meal and a festive singalong. This year it’ll be on 30th November, Fitz Village Hall. More information in the November Loop.
Confirmations
Back in early September, we celebrated with Beverley, Immy, Olive and Clara, as they were confirmed! We had a wonderful time with Bishop Michael, and we’re very grateful to all at Leaton Church who prepared the building for this special service, and baked cakes for the occasion. It’s such a privilege to accompany those who are making a commitment to faith. Thank you all!
New groups and existing groups
We’re delighted to be starting a couple of new groups for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Groups like this give us an opportunity to deepen faith and friendships, with space for discussion.
A new small/home group for adults- meeting at the Mission Church in Bomere Heath on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 7.30pm. This term we are looking at Paul’s letter to the Romans. Get in touch with Dave if you’re interested (rev.latcham@gmail.com).
Seekers- is an existing home group that meets at Chris and Robin Oake’s house in Bicton on Monday evenings. They are always looking to welcome new members- do get in touch with them if you are interested (email Hannah, and details will be passed on).
Loop Explorers– a new group for primary-school aged children, meeting on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 4.30pm- 5.30pm at Bicton Church. Get in touch with Hannah if you have a child who would like to join (revhannahlins@gmail.com).
Loop Life– is our existing group for those in secondary school/ college. It meets at the Rectory in Bicton, on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 7pm-8pm. Contact Hannah for more information (revhannahlins@gmail.com).
Thank you!
Thank you to churchwardens and volunteers who were involved in this year’s Ride and Stride Saturday- it is so appreciated. A particular thanks to Pat and Matt Hall, who did their sponsored tour!
Diary Dates
CAMEO Coffee Morning at Bicton Church- 9th October, 10.30am-11.30am.
The Stepping Out Café in Bomere Heath- 29th October, 2.30pm-4pm
Filling Station– Knockin Village Hall is on 21st October, 7.10pm for a 7.30pm start. The next one at Rodington Village Hall (SY4 4QS) is on 27th October 2025, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.
REVS- Saturday, 18th October, 10am-noon, Holy Trinity, Leaton.
For Your Prayers
- For our local farmers.
- For peace.
- For the recently bereaved.
- For Forest Church and our ministry to children- particularly our new children’s group.
- For those in hospital, and for our NHS.
- For those sleeping on the streets as the nights get colder.
Readings for October
Date |
Psalm |
First Reading |
Second Reading/ Gospel |
5th October
Trinity 16, green |
Psalm 37. 1-9 |
2 Timothy 1. 1-14 |
Luke 17. 5-10 |
12th October
Trinnity 17, green |
Psalm 111 |
2 Timothy 2. 8-15 |
Luke 17. 11-19 |
19th October
Trinity 18, green |
Psalm 121 |
2 Timothy 3. 14-4.5 |
Luke 18. 1-8 |
26th October
Last of Trinity, green |
Psalm 119. 129-136 |
Romans 15. 1-6 |
Luke 4. 16-24 |
2nd November
All Saints, white |
Psalm 149 |
Ephesians 1. 11-23 |
Luke 6. 20-31 |
SUNDAY SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 2025
|
Albrighton |
Bicton |
Bomere
Heath |
Fitz |
Leaton |
Montford |
Shrawardine |
5th October
|
9.15am
HC |
11am
Harvest Festival |
|
9.30am
Harvest Festival |
10.45am
Harvest Communion |
|
NO SERVICE |
12th October
|
|
11 am
HC |
9 am
HC
|
|
10.45 am
MP |
NO SERVICE
|
11 am
Harvest Festival |
19th October
|
9.15am
Harvest Festival |
11 am
MP |
|
9.30 am
HC |
10.45 am
HC |
9.30 am
Harvest Festival |
|
26th October
|
3pm
Pet Memorial Service |
11 am
MP |
9 am
HC |
|
10.45 am
MP |
11 am
HC |
9.30 am
HC |
2nd November |
9.15am
HC |
11am
HC |
|
9.30am
MP |
10.45 am
HC
3pm
Remembering with love |
|
9.30am
MP |
HC- Holy Communion; MP- Morning Prayer
OTHER WAYS TO WORSHIP ON SUNDAYS- SUNDAY AT SIX 6 pm via Zoom – email Peter or Hannah to receive the link. DAILY HOPE – national phone line, see number above. LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL- www.lichfield-cathedral.org 10.30 am Eucharist