'CHORUS OF LIGHT'

'CHORUS OF LIGHT' a concert of classical and contemporary songs by community choral society 'Vox Holloway'. Including Tavener's 'Ex Maria Virgine' conducted by Justin Butcher and songs on a winter theme, from Coldplay to Broadway, arranged by Harvey Brough.  Sunday November 28th, 8pm, St Luke's church, Hillmarton Road, Holloway, London N7 9RE. Tickets £10 (£5 concessions) to raise money for the Islington Churches Cold Weather Shelter at St Luke's, and Crisis.  07970 785641 voxholloway@gmail.com To read the press release please click here.

Gift Day - 7th November 2010

Hi everyone, I’m glad to report that I’m at home now, resting and recovering after a minor heart attack, and doing really well. The deluge of love, prayers and get well messages from friends at St Luke’s and elsewhere have brought me great support and encouragement and underlined just how important our community in North London is. Last year when I wrote to you about our annual Gift Day I remarked how rapidly we seemed to have grown as a church. This year it seems to have continued with more new faces arriving and new ways to develop friendship from the Lent home groups to the burgeoning life of the Vox Holloway choir.

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Once a year we have a church Gift Day and last year we focused on raising funds for new chairs which have now arrived – easier to store if a little heavier to lift. This year, we need to focus on our heating system which, after its most recent emergency repair, we have been told is in the last chance saloon. This is a big ask and it might take us some time to raise the funds but we can’t wait any longer to make a start.

Of course what we raise from Gift Day goes into our general income budget (totaling £187,000 this year), more than half of which is then spent on our Common Fund payment to the Church of England and our loan repayments on the refurbishment of the building. But we put aside around £13,000 of our income for our own charitable giving (8% of expenditure) – which this year includes several projects in developing countries.

So for Gift Day 2010 , which is on Sunday 7th November, please can you give generously – and hopefully this time next year I will be writing about an effective and eco-friendly new heating system. .

There are lots of ways you can give: •    You can change your standing order – hopefully upwards – or begin one. •    You can give a CAF cheque. •    You can give cash or a cheque, but if you pay income tax, please sign a gift aid form if you haven’t done so before so that we can get the additional percentage from the Chancellor. (Download a Gift Aid Form) •    You can pay directly into the church bank account.

The details can be found by downloading a BANK STANDING ORDER FORM: Please add the Reference; “Gift Day ’10”

You can make your gift on St Luke’s Gift Day, Sunday 7th November, or you can do this by post or direct through your bank. Whatever’s best for you. But please don’t forget. We need your help.

Thank you so much for all you give to St Luke’s in so many ways.

With much love and appreciation,

Dave Tomlinson Vicar

Home Again, Home Again....

Yes, I know I gave you all a big shock - I gave myself a very big shock! But I'm glad to report that I am at home now, resting and recovering, and doing really well. Few phrases are more scary than 'heart attack', but the deluge of love, prayers and get well messages from friends at St Luke's and elsewhere have brought me great support and encouragement - and plenty of smiles. Of course there will be changes in the future, but I am feeling stronger by the day, and hope to see you very soon. Thanks again for your overwhelming love and concern. Dave xx

News on Dave

As you may have heard our vicar Dave was taken ill at the weekend following what the doctors describe as a 'minor heart attack'. The good news is that he is now recovering well and - as his many visitors have seen - is in fine form. The tests have been completed and he should be back home shortly. More news when we get it but Dave wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the kind messages and prayers.

Speakeasy 8-11.30pm Friday 15th October

A social community evening with a lounge feel and easy listening music.Drinks & nibbles, a live cabaret and a secular sing-song. The only agenda is to have a friendly, relaxing time. £3 donation on the door (£2 concessions) Age 16+ Bring a joke to tell if you fancy it.

The Insatiable Moon

THE INSATIABLE MOONSunday 10th October 7.30pm St Luke’s

This film is being premiered in London in the second week of October – we have a preview showing of it at St Luke’s Church. The film is based on the original novel ” The Insatiable Moon” by an old friend of St Luke's, Mike Riddell and directed by his wife Rosemary Riddell. They’ve created a deeply emotive movie and when you consider the difficulties they overcame you realize what a remarkable achievement it is. Mike’s novel – published in 1997 – is outstanding and controversial. It was based on his experiences working with psychiatric patients in halfway houses while he was the minister at Ponsonby Baptist; in particular a big Maori called Arthur who believed himself to be the next son of God. The novel cost Mike his position at Carey theological college but gave him freedom and impetus to teach, write, travel and begin the saga of bringing The Insatiable Moon to the big screen. Both Mike & Rosemary will be at the screening and there will be a Q & A session following the film.

Admission is free/donations are welcomed.

150th Anniversary Quiz Night

This coming Friday, October 1st, radio DJ Simon Mayo is hosting a community quiz night at St Luke's as part of it's 150 year anniversary celebrations. Tickets cost £10 per head (£5 concessions) and can be reserved by emailing stefcag@blueyonder.co.uk. The evening starts from 7pm, food (meat or veg chilli) will be served from then until 8pm and the quiz will start promptly at 8.15pm. There is a maximum of 8 players per team & you can make your own up and bring them along or join another team on the night. There will also be a bar. All welcome.

Holloway - Past, Present and Future

As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, on Friday 24th Sept at 7.30pm in the church, leaders in our local community will present a special event looking at how the parish has changed over the past 150 years and how it might change in the future - with our help. Speakers include Councillor Andy Hull, vice chairman of the Islington Fairness Commission.

Drawing Room - Autumn Term

This term artist in residence Rob Pepper will be running the Drawing Room as part of the St Luke's Breathing Space programme. It will be on Wednesday nights from 7 - 9pm. The focus will be on longer poses for those with some experience of drawing. Rob will be there offering advice and guidance but the idea of the classes are to take a more self directed approach. The cost of the classes will be £110 for the 10 weeks, this will include some materials. If you want to drop in for the odd session that may be possible but please email Rob first to see what the availability is for that week and to discuss materials.