Fr Rob Wickham, Rector of St John's, Hackney, spent the morning at All Saints as part of his sabbatical study.

His particular interest lies in the area of the theology of the parish church and its relationship to the parish. He'd written to a number of Diocesan bishops asking for recommendations as to where to visit, and Bishop Christopher had kindly pointed him in our direction.

We spent a fascinating two-and-a-half hours talking about the theology and practicalities of parish ministry in particular contexts, not only here but also drawing on his experiences elsewhere and the conversations he's held during other sabbatical visits. Our discussions and his onward journey were sustained by excellent refreshments courtesy of Emily in the cafe.

All in all, a morning well spent, with plenty of food for thought. It will be most interesting to see what he writes once his visits are complete.

Thanks for coming Fr Rob - and keep in touch!

About 160 students from Warwick University gathered last night for a carol service put on by the Christian Union.

There had been a buzz in church all afternoon as the sound system was set up  and enthusiastic young people brought in orders of service and refreshments. Students were still arriving when the service was due to start, but eventually the proceedings kicked off with a video entitled 'The Children's Nativity'. Familiar carols followed, interspersed with a welcome from Fr Christopher, a reading from the book of Isaiah, a talk and a presentation. The service was followed by hot chocolate and mince pies.

Thank you all for coming to All Saints'! Come again! 

Funds for NightLight are very low indeed at present, the Finance Committee learned last night.

So the email which arrived out of the blue this morning, offering £50 from the charitable giving of a local company, was timely and welcome.

Such answers to prayer encourage our faith and build our trust in God. 

And might get us praying more faithfully for the £millions we need for the repair of the building, perhaps?

Sean Montgomery, Organist  1998-2007 and now occasional Visiting Organist at All Saints', has been commissioned to write a series of pieces for Pianist magazine. Congratulations!

You can hear his setting of Silent Night here.

We look forward to seeing Sean again on Sunday when he will accompany the Advent Carol Service at 4.30pm.

The photo shows Sean at the Sympony Hall.

Ian is delighted to be opening his new shop today, McIntosh & Paul on Regent Street. It's been a long journey getting there. A bereavement, the loss of his job, and other pressures weighed heavily upon him. But now a corner has been turned.

Ian says 'It's the next chapter in my life following eighteen very dark months, during which the people of All Saints and especially Fr Christopher have been particularly supportive. They've helped me come to terms with my loss and helped me cope with some extraordinarily difficult circumstances.'

We wish Ian every success in this new venture and continue to pray for God's blessing on his life.

Flowers express our love and appreciation, not only to one another, but also to God. And beautifying the church with flowers uplifts our spirits and can act as a focus for meditation. 

However, flowers are traditionally removed from church during the season of Advent, in order that we may not be distracted from the essentials of our faith and so that the Christmas decorations may, by contrast, seem even more glorious. 

Advent begins on the Sunday after next, so it's a good moment to express our appreciation to Dorothea and her team for their faithful hard work.

Today is the feast of St Margaret of Scotland, whose name means 'a pearl'. Jesus said 'The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.'  Just as a pearl is dirt or irritant which has been transformed, so by God's grace, our own areas of uncleanness and struggle can be transformed by God, bringing beauty and value to our lives.

That was the theme of the simple Communion service at Seasons Restaurant in Warwick Street this morning. We come from various churches and denominations, and worship together in the town centre twice per month - and have done now for several years. Afterwards we enjoy one another's company over a cup of coffee. Come and join us!

On the menu today in the cafe:

Leek & Potato Soup with crisped potato peel

Beetroot & Horseradish Soup with creme fraiche and crisped beetroot peel

Served with a home-made brown or white bread roll

A bargain at only £3!

Also today, for the first time, home-made brioche.

First come, first served!

Annabel was first to try it. She says it's very nice and recommends it.

All Saints' Choir sang for the Royal Leamington Spa Town Remembrance Service at the War Memorial this morning, alongside the Cubbington Silver Band. The Mayor and local dignitaries were also in attendance to remember the fallen from the town.

The choir performed "For the Fallen" by Douglas Guest and "There is an old belief" by CHH Parry.