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Public Worship Update We have recommenced public worship with services taking place inside the church on Sundays and Thursdays. I am mindful that 11:15 services on Sundays have not been reinstated since the easing of the lockdown.  This is because Mattins is dependent on a strong choral lead and with the ban on singing in confined spaces still in place it has not been viable to restore this important and lovely act of worship.  However here will be a special Holy Communion service (BCP) on Sunday 4th July.  Hymns and recorded music will form part of this service.  There will be no need to book for this service. When singing is allowed once again, it will be a joy to restore this service to the regular pattern of worship. St Giles Organ: Opening Concert Saturday 25th September 7:30pm After so much time and money had been spent, not to mention the inconvenience caused by months of scaffolding in the church, it seems such a shame that over the last year so little has been heard of the re-built organ. On the other hand, had the works not been carried out it is quite likely that the lack of use caused by the lock-downs would have resulted in the instrument becoming unplayable. The opening concert, which had been scheduled for May 2020, was a casualty of the first lock-down and we are expecting that by this coming September restrictions will have eased enough to make it a practicality. As originally planned, our performer will be Daniel Moult. Whilst Daniel is known internationally as an organ recitalist he also appears frequently in the Bexley and Bromley areas. He received critical acclaim for his recent unique venture entitled 'The English Organ' where, in a set of four DVDs and three audio CDs, he traces the development of the English organ, playing no less than thirty-three different instruments (some as far away as Australia) along the way. We have tried to make the programme something that will appeal to the non organ lover and it will include Mendelssohn's War March of the Priests as well as music by Mozart, Handel and Bach, a set of variations on 'I got Rhythm' and a dazzling piece for the feet only! All will be displayed on a screen, allowing us to marvel at the organist's art. When we drew up the specification for the re-building of the organ our top priorities had to be that it should be suitable for sensitive accompaniment of the choir as well as coping with large congregations so playing of organ music had to take a back seat. Actually, we have ended up with an instrument that is so much more versatile than before that it is possible to play music that would not have sounded any good in the past. So put it in the diary, come and have any preconceptions blown away, in an evening of great music, engagingly delivered and presented, and washed down with some wine! Clive Brearley Parish Fete Cancelled: Save The Fete Fund Over June you are invited to contribute to our Save the Fete Fund. Sadly, we are not able to hold our Fete again this year.  We will all feel its loss as it is such a good opportunity for our Church and village to come together in friendship and support of our lovely Church. The proceeds of the Fete play an important part in our income as it can raise as much as £4,000.  I know that many of you are very keen to donate what you would have spent if you could have attended the Summer Fete, and I also know that some people are not in a position to help due to the consequences of the lockdown.  If you are able to donate you are welcome to leave your donations either at the Rectory or the Parish Office (cheques payable to St. Giles PCC please).  Such is the importance of this event to so many of us that I am delighted to say that we have already had donations totalling £1,150.  It would be brilliant to get to the £4,000 mark, so thank you in advance for your help

Ray Jewkes It is with sadness that I have to announce the death of Ray Jewkes.  Ray was a long-time member of St. Giles before he moved to Croydon a few years ago.  Whilst at St. Giles Ray played a very active role in the life of the Church, particularly in the area of music.  Memorial Service for Ray Jewkes Friday 25th June, 3:00pm Emmanuel United Reform Church We have already had a funeral service for Ray, with only family present, who all said it was sad but beautiful.   We hope the next service, which is open to everyone, will be joyful, and that his friends over many years, who are able to travel, will join us and, perhaps, enjoy a pleasant reunion with old friends over a traditional "tea". Because we are engaging caterers to provide the refreshments, I'm including my mobile phone number and would appreciate a text if you hope to attend. (07950 605362).   Barbara Jewkes Read More   Arrangements For Services A booking system has been set-up to manage the numbers able to attend each service, as well as meet the Government's track & trace requirements. Please click https.stgilesfarnborough.setmore.com/  and select the service you wish to attend. I hope you will appreciate that with limited numbers able to attend each service this will be done on a 'first come, first served basis'. Please only contact the Parish Office as a last resort if you do not have internet access and, therefore, cannot use the on-line booking system.  Click Here for a step-by-step guide to booking on-line. See also  Covid Safe Services In the event of more people wanting to attend the Holy Communion services than we can accommodate on a particular Sunday then we will ask people to make their Communion on the following Sunday..  Please bear with us as we continue along this new learning curve.  If we are to maintain our Church as a safe place for the resumption of public worship, communication will be crucial.  So do expect regular notices and updates from the Parish Office and remember you must book in for services as detailed above. Comments The following comments are to be read in conjunction with the guidelines: * Holy Communion will be in one kind, bread only. * The wafers will be consecrated in a sealed container so no words are spoken over exposed elements. * People will be asked to remain in their pews and come out into the aisle after previous communicants have returned to their seats. * Holy Communion can be brought to people in the pew. * There will be is no laying on of hands for healing. *  Unfortunately we will not be able to have the use of our wonderful servers and chalice assistants. * There is no permission for the singing of hymns.  Organ and piano music will be available · * People are welcome to bring their own prayer books if they have one. * The peace is not allowed to be shared. * Please place your offering in bowl on entering the Church. Thank you. *  You are invited to light a candle, please bring your own matches or lighter.  Single matched will also be available. * People are welcome to attend the service without receiving Communion if they would prefer. * At the Open Air service Communion will be administrated in a line so that social distancing can be maintained.  * Sadly, we will not be able to have our wonderful choir or our bells rung and we look forward very much to the return of these important aspects of our Church’s life. * Sidespeople/Verger/Churchwardens will be on hand to guide and assist people in safe conduct. * Refreshments will not be served.   Can I emphasise that this is something of an experimental opening to help us understand the practicalities and challenges involved in the re-opening of St .Giles.  Can I also emphasise that the safety of all of us is of paramount importance.   I look forward very much to seeing you again.

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Charity in Focus:

Film Evenings

Charity Film Evenings are suspended until further notice.

Charities to be Supported

The List of Charities to be supported during the second half of the year has now been finalised.

Read More

Events Calendar:.

Important Note:

All Social Events are cancelled until further notice.

Carol Fryer
01689 855468 / 07951 725069
carolafryer@icloud.com

The Revd. Graham Shaw

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Graham Shaw, Rector of St Giles from 1988-1995. 



Graham was a much loved and respected Rector, parish priest and friend to many in Farnborough.  He is still remembered here with much love and affection. We shall all grieve the passing of a faithful priest and a good friend, who enhanced the lives of all those he met. May he rest in peace and be raised in Glory.  The funeral service for Graham took place on Friday 7th May at Mortlake Crematorium.  You may watch the service using this link:
White Rose Funeral Services
There you will also find an Obituary and the Order of Service. 

You are welcome to use this prayer for Graham at home if you wish:

Almighty God, on this day of parting we remember with love and gratitude Graham Shaw, former Rector of St. Giles, Priest and friend to many.  We thank you for the years of his ministry amongst us.  (A moment of silence for reflection).  For all that he gave, for all that he did and for the vision of your love and truth that he shared with us.  We thank you and praise you that through the resurrection of your Son you have promised eternal life to those who die in the faith of Christ.  We pray that you will receive the soul of this our dear brother Graham, that he may share in that vision of your glory that was his hope.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

When the current Covid restrictions are lifted a Memorial Service for Graham will be held at St. Giles later in the year, details of which will follow.

New Church Bells

It has been brilliant to see the addition of two further bells at St Giles.  Well done to Nick Wilkins and the team for all their hard work in helping with the installation. 



We are all looking forward very much to hearing them rung, along with our existing six bells. 

More Photos