How on earth is it November already!!!?
Looking for a little inspiration for this month’s letter to you all, I looked back at my first letter to you in November. It had a distinctive theme…. You won’t be surprised… CAKE!!!
I always find reflection a good practice to have, and reflecting… I am still eating too much of the yummy stuff, so will be looking at a NOvember, discipline again this year.
Am I simply making room for more Christmas pudding? Maybe, however I do find the discipline of giving something up, a very reflective and helpful practice. Not only is a little less cake good for me, it also helps me to remember that we live in a world that is in much need. Our TV news screens are full of disaster, war and unease. My not eating cake will not change that, yet it might change me as I reflect and then, often as a result of my personal reflection, I bring the world and its cares in prayer to a God who can bring about change. And whilst it can be difficult to see God in action at times, we can see Him at work. I see God at work through the men and women who work tirelessly to help those in great need, agency’s such as Christian Aid, the Red Cross and Red Crescent. God is God after all!
I see God at work at the local level too. I see God at work within our own communities. Another great year of coming together in fellowship and prayer with all we celebrated at Harvest again at Holy Cross. In 2021 I wrote.
It is on this harvest theme that I must remark on how wonderful it was to lead my first Service at Holy Cross, Thornfalcon. That too was a great joy. I met many people for the first time and felt so welcome. The lunch that was hosted by Mike and Sarah Small was enjoyed by around 60 of us and the puddings were amazing. I ate a little too much cake!
I went on to say:
Whilst my waistline has expanded a little, each slice of cake comes with it a memory, and a fond memory too! Each slice represents getting to know some of you better than I did before, each slice brings us closer in relationship with each other and in Christ.
Sentiments I continue to hold dear. I do love cake, yet I love the wonderful relationships that cake, food or whatever we enjoy, which brings us together, even more.
Coming together is so important on the Christian Journey, and whilst most of our gatherings are full of joy and happiness, we also gather to reflect with a more solemn tone on such occasions as All Souls’ and Remembrance Sunday. Please do feel personally invited to both occasions, the details of which you can find by clicking here.
Looking forward then, next month will see Advent and then Christmas. We are offering an Advent Course once again this year, and we will be looking at waiting. I shall be using clips from the popular T.V series, ‘The Chosen’, do look it up, it is very much worth watching and tells the story of Jesus and His disciples, in a very informative and engaging way. Our Course begins on Tuesday 26th November at 7:30pm in the Meeting Room at Creech. This will replace Zoom Evening Prayer.
As I write this letter, we are still waiting for permission from our Church authorities to begin the restoration of the Clock Tower at St. George’s. I had the good sense not to attempt this one myself, and did not need my wife to tell me not to.
I would like to thank everyone who helped raise the money needed to restore our clock. We now have what we need. All of your efforts are greatly appreciated, and you should see work begin shortly.
We also enjoyed an organ recital by our very own, renowned Organist, The Revd. John Guttridge, as part of St. Michael’s Gift Day, we raised well over three thousand pounds towards much needed Church funds. Thank you again to everyone involved. Without the support of our local communities, we simply would not be about to function in the way we do. Of course, giving cash is fantastic and helps us to remain available to serve you at those times you need us. Yet it is not the only way you give. A quick, yet sincere mention then to those of you who give your time. Thank you to those who keep our Churchyards in good order, our churches clean and tidy and those who ordain them with beautiful displays of welcoming flowers. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and the time and money you all freely offer is incredibly valued. Thank you.
Please then continue to reflect and give thanks for all that we enjoy as we move deeper into a time of darker nights and colder days, we remember the warmth and light of Christ.
Until next time,
Peace and Blessings
Revd. Lee