From the Vicarage  

There is a distinct magic that arrives with October. The air starts to carry a sharp, refreshing crispness, the green canopies of summer give way to brilliant blankets of amber and gold, and the days grow visibly shorter. It is a month of transition. Nature is openly showing us the beauty of letting go and preparing for a season of rest.

In our modern, fast-paced world, we often try to maintain the same high-energy output all year round. But October invites us to do something different: to align ourselves with the changing season and embrace a slower, more mindful pace of life.

As the nights draw in, our focus naturally shifts from the outdoors to the sanctuary of our homes. The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-ga)—finding comfort, warmth, and togetherness in the simple things—feels particularly relevant right now.

Embracing October doesn’t require grand gestures. It is found in the small, deliberate rituals that bring warmth to a chilly day:

• Lighting a candle at dusk to create a soft, inviting glow.

• Savouring a hot drink, whether it’s a spiced chai, rich hot chocolate, or a classic pumpkin spice latte.

• Reaching for layers, pulling out favourite chunky knit jumpers and soft blankets. This one will be especially useful this year as energy prices are set to rise – again!

These small acts of comfort are not just indulgent; they are simple ways to anchor ourselves in the present moment. They also give us the space to listen to that small voice inside our heads and heart – the voice of God that is too often drowned out in our modern, busy, noise world.

While the weather might tempt us to stay indoors, October is actually one of the most rewarding times to get outside. A walk through a local park or woodland during the "golden hour" - just before sunset – frequently offers a spectacular display of autumn light filtering through the changing leaves.

It is also a time of abundance. Autumn harvests bring an array of rich flavours to our kitchens, from pumpkins and squashes to crisp apples and blackberries. Cooking comforting, slow-cooked meals become a joyful way to spend a rainy afternoon, filling the house with rich, warming aromas.

This year though, due to the very hot Summer, much of the harvesting has already taken place. Pam at Rostherne, and my own family were already picking delicious blackberries in July, and by the end of August they had all gone – is this a sign of global warming?

…./bf

However, just as trees shed their leaves to conserve energy for the coming winter, October is the perfect time for us to reflect on what we want to carry forward. What projects or habits served you well in the brighter months, and what do you need to let go of to protect your own energy as the year winds down?

Instead of fighting the shorter days, try leaning into them. Use the longer evenings to read that book you’ve been putting off, start a journal, or simply enjoy quiet conversations with loved ones.

October reminds us that change can be beautiful, that rest is necessary, and that there is deep joy to be found in the warmth we create together.

This year has also seen the 25th anniversary of the terrible 9/11 attack in America and I have been using some of my prayer time to continue to pray for peace. There seem to be so many conflicts in our world at this present time that it is will be hard, I think, to seek the stillness and peace that Christmas should bring to us all. But, let us keep faith and keep following that star which leads us to that quite stable door and the Peace that can be found in Christ.

I wish you all a joyful Harvest time, and pray that God will continue to bless you all.

Yours in Christ

Robert..