Tree Cathedral Service – a message from the Rev David Lewis

Following Thursday’s news of the death of the Queen, and having had a brief conversation with one or two colleagues, I have sadly taken the decision to cancel the Tree Cathedral service on Sunday.

I know that some of our churches will perhaps want to be opening up on Sunday afternoon for visitors from the community, with condolence books being open and people being given an opportunity to pray quietly and to remember together, and other of our folk will have their minds elsewhere.

So unfortunately, I think it’s for the best that we cancel the service on Sunday.

With my very best wishes

David Lewis

The September issue of the SEP’s newsletter detailing events across the Partnership has been published.

The Tree Cathedral will see Rev David Lewis host his final Partnership service there on September 11.

Among news featured are details of an opportunity for members of all six congregations in the Stantonbury Ecumenical Partnership to say goodbye to the Rev David Lewis when he leads the Tree Cathedral service on Sunday September 11 at 4pm.

Rev Lewis retires after conducting his final service at Christ Church, Stantonbury on October 3 but he is keen to see members of other churches at the Tree Cathedral at Newlands.

Ministers from each denomination will say goodbye him on September 11.

Milton Keynes Heritage Week runs from September 9 to 18 – with the Bucks Ride and Stride visiting churches all day on Saturday September 10. ST Mary Magdalene, Willen has a full programme of events, as detailed elsewhere on this website.

To read the full SEP newsletter please download it here.

A whole host of activities will be taking in St Mary Magdalene Church, Willen, as part of Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days from September 9 to 18.

From 10am to 5pm on Friday September 9 there will be the opportunity to visit the historic church and take a look at the before and after photographs of the recently reclaimed church garden, restored by a team of local gardening volunteers. There will also be a plant sale with some bargains to be had.

The church is open every day during the Heritage Open Days from 10am to 5pm allowing visitors to see the Grade 1 Listed building designed by Robert Hooke.

On Monday September 12, you can enjoy an afternoon in the church being entertained by the Willen Hospice Choir. The choir is made up of hospice supporters, patients, relatives, friends, volunteers and staff.

On Tuesday September 13, it will be children’s story time at the church from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. A local storyteller will be telling some tall tales for small children.

The following day there will a talk on the fascinating history of St Mary Magdalene Church with speaker John Figg. There will also be a quiz at the event which is scheduled for 11.30amto 1.30pm.

Thursday September 15’s event is the turn of Rollin Home band to entertain with a wide range of songs. This will be followed by a presentation from Willen Hospice about their works and future plans. This takes place from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Robert Hooke will be joining the church for the day on Saturday September 17 from 10am to 5pm and he will be available to ask about his astounding inventions and the church he created.

During the day, from 2pm to 3pm there will be a choral performance by Quorum, who specialise in Renaissance and contemporary sacred choral music. The choir has an outstanding reputation for singing challenging unaccompanied music.

A Family Church Service in praise of Robert Hooke on Sunday September 18 from 9.30am to 10.30am will bring the heritage events to a conclusion. Licensed lay minister Margaret Moakes will give a unique take on how Robert Hooke and Mary Magdalene influenced the world.

Willen’s part in the Heritage open days is highlighted on thie events snapshot available to download.