I wonder if you’ve ever had a moment were you’ve just watched the news or read the paper and seen what’s going on in the Middle East or somewhere else in the world and felt the absence of anything hopeful. The sense that things are going to improve and get better. I think we all as humans have that underlying need to have hope.If you search for songs with a theme of Hope within them the list is a little longer than you might expect. So, it seems to be something that a lot of us need. Emelie Sandé sings ‘I just hope I'm not the only one’, Jack Jackson sings ‘you better hope you’re not alone’.It’s said that antidote to any despair might be hope, experts say. It’s one of the most powerful—and essential—human mindsets, and possible to achieve even when it feels out of reach. “Hope is a way of thinking,” says Chan Hellman, a psychologist who’s the founding director of the Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma. “We know it can be taught; we know it can be nurtured. It’s not something you either have or don’t have.”As we begin our journey through Advent this year with the prospect of Christmas fast approaching. I wonder if we need to be reminded that the hope that God, our Heavenly Father offers us, is much more robust. It is rooted in the reality of all that he came in human form as a vulnerable baby to bring.As we enjoy time catching up with friends and family over the next few weeks and the Christmas period itself. Let’s take the opportunity to be thankful that we live in peace in comparison to others across the world and don’t often fear for our safety. Let’s take the opportunity to be generous with what we have. So that those in more vulnerable situations financially and otherwise might have the chance for that grounded hope to be nurtured in their situation and circumstance.Perhaps as you journey through Advent, you might join us in praying for the hope of the Christ child to stir our hearts and remind us that we are not alone. Together we can work towards making our community a more hope filled place.With Christmas blessingsKatie
As we enter November and the season of Remembrance, our hearts are heavy with the conflicts and struggles that we see across the world, displayed on our news channels. It prompts us to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the past and to hold onto the hope they held for a more peaceful and just future.The act of remembrance itself is a powerful and enduring tradition that binds us together as a community. It reminds us of the bravery and selflessness of those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces, often in far-off and dangerous lands. We honour their dedication to preserving peace and safeguarding our freedoms, and we recognize the hardships they endure. We will hold remembrance gatherings across our area both on Armistice and Remembrance Sunday itself.Remembrance is not just about the past; it's also about the present and the future. In our prayers and reflections, we consider the men, women and children whose lives are shaped by war, whether as victims, displaced people, humanitarian workers or armed forces. Their sacrifices, their physical and emotional burdens, and the toll that war takes on them and their families weigh heavily on our hearts.In these times of uncertainty and conflict, it is essential for us to maintain hope. Hope for an end to violence and division, hope for the safe return of those who are far from home, and hope for the healing of wounds, both seen and unseen. Hope for a world where the lessons of the past guide us towards lasting peace. As people of faith, we know that hope is embedded in God, who sees all and is with us in disaster. Who gives us a hope for a future with Him, both now throughout life but also beyond the grave and death itself. Hope that there is more and God who loves us will welcome us home. Hope is not a passive act but an active one. We are called to work towards peace, justice, and reconciliation in our own lives and within our community. In our town, villages and as individuals, let us be bearers of hope. Let us reach out to one another, especially those who may be struggling with the weight of current conflicts, offering comfort, support, and a listening ear, perhaps saying a prayer for God’s peace to be known. In doing so, we can help kindle the light of hope in the darkest of times.Together, we can be beacons of light and a source of inspiration for a world in need of peace.May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15.13
Rev David Capron will be mourned as a much loved and respected Rector in Alcester. He was priest here for 22 years and known and recognised by many of the townsfolk for his approachability, kindness, and love of a real ale as a CAMRA member. He was dedicated to serving as chaplain to both the Royal British Legion and local fire service, especially following the tragic fire in 2007 when local firefighters lost their lives.He was also a keen railway enthusiast, loving steam trains and models alike. He was a priest of the people, both inside and outside the church. He loved the church, both its strengths and weaknesses, and was not shy about sharing his views. He had a warm heart and a larger-than-life personality. Priest , Pastor, Man of God. David will be greatly missed by those who knew him, loved him and valued his priesthood. Our thoughts and prayers from St Nicholas church, the Alcester Minster team go out to Hilary and their sons at his untimely death. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.David’s funeral will take place at St Nicholas Church on Saturday 14th October at 11am followed by a burial at St James’s Weethley. Rev Katie Cross (Rector St Nicholas Church Alcester)
It is fair to say that our experiences of Harvest will vary according to where we live and what we have known growing up. It may also be that our understanding of Harvest has changed over time.Traditionally, Harvest was a time of the community gathering to work hard at bringing in the crops which had been carefully tended throughout the summer. This would be followed by the opportunity to celebrate everyone’s endeavours with a church service and a feast. For those living in rural areas, or who work in agriculture, or even perhaps those who grow fruit and vegetables in their gardens or allotments, Harvest will continue to mean much the same. Growing produce is no mean feat, as I have discovered this year, and those who live and work on the land very much know the delicate balance of the right weather, good soil and careful timing which results in a successful crop. This year our farmers have struggled with turbulent weather patterns, giving unseasonal bouts of wet and dry, hot and cold that have paid havoc with the growing crops and in some cases resulted in failure. A bountiful Harvest therefore is a true cause for celebration, for both the work of the farmers and the providence of God.Those who are less connected to how our food is grown and produced, will experience Harvest differently. Food is generally bought in a shop, which minimal knowledge of those whose energies have gone into producing it. Equally the ability to ship produce across the globe, means we are not always bound by what crops are in season and whether the weather has been kind this year. Some have argued that Harvest Festivals are less relevant these days, however, I disagree. I think it’s very important to consciously take time to pause and give thanks for the food we so often take for granted, and those who have laboured to produce it.Our Harvest Festivals have evolved quite a bit in recent years, perhaps with a greater emphasis on bringing non-perishable packets and tinned goods rather than the fat marrows, potatoes and cauliflowers of yesteryear, but the principle remains the same: to give thanks for our food, for those who have worked to produce it and for God’s goodness in providing it. Of course, our proper response to God’s generosity to us is to be generous to others. Traditional Harvest Festivals included giving to the poor and needy. Today we do the same as we share our food with our Foodbank and other charities that help those who are vulnerable. So please join with us in one of our team of churches as we celebrate Harvest this month, recognising God’s goodness to us, and generously sharing our food as we support these important projects.
