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 (26^th 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 2^nd 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- 5^th October, 9.30am

Shrawardine- 12^th October, 9.30am

Leaton- 5^th October, 10.45am

Bicton- 5^th October, 11am

Montford- 19^th October, 11am

Albrighton- 19^th 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- 5^th 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 23^rd 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 30^th 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- 9^th October, 10.30am-11.30am.

The Stepping Out Café in Bomere Heath- 29^th October, 2.30pm-4pm

Filling Station– Knockin Village Hall is on 21^st October, 7.10pm for a 7.30pm start. The next one at Rodington Village Hall (SY4 4QS) is on 27^th October 2025, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

REVS- Saturday, 18^th 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

SUNDAY SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 2025

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

For the past 3 weeks, Maple class have enjoyed Football coaching lessons courtesy of Coach Simon from Shrewsbury Town Football Club; as part of their Premier League Primary stars programme. All of the children have really enjoyed the sessions and have shown real perseverance to master new skills.

As part of the Reading the Game programme delivered by Coach Neil at STFC, Birch Class received a visit from Shrewsbury’s very own Amber!

A group of our Y6 children went to the Corbet school on Wednesday for the first sports event of this year! Both teams played their socks off and finished 4th and 13th.  Well done Team Bicton!

Dear parents/carers,

We have had a lovely week in school enjoying the sunshine and even managing to play on the field a couple of times! It has been lovely to see our new Reception children getting to know the other year groups.  As the weather turns colder, please ensure named coats are brought into school.  We are already accumulating a lot of unnamed school uniform so please make sure jumpers/cardigans are labelled with your child’s name.

Some dates for your diary:

Wednesday 8th October 9.15am: Harvest Service at Bicton Church

Friday 10th October: ‘Hello Yellow’ – wear yellow for World Mental Health Day (non-uniform)

Wednesday 22nd October – Parent dropins

Thursday 23rd October 2.45pm: Reception – Year 6 PE Dance Showcase in the school hall

Monday 3rd November: PD Day – school closed to pupils

Wednesday 10th December 9.15am: Reception, Year 1, Year 2 Nativity performance at Bicton Church

Wednesday 10th December 1.15pm: Whole school Pantomime trip ‘Dick Whittington’

Wednesday 17th December 6.30pm: KS2 Carol Concert at Bicton Church

Have a great weekend,

Mrs Mavin