We often associate September with new beginnings. This may hark back to the days when we remember school restarting after the long summer holidays. Some of you will have children or grandchildren for whom this time of year will mark something new, and it can be helpful to be reminded that God is always with us wherever we go.In the Bible, the leader of the Israelites Joshua, is reminded of God’s promises as he faced the prospect of entering a new place and leading the people into the Promised Land. He is told:‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ Joshua is reminded that God will be with him whatever he may face in the days and months ahead. We too can know those promises of God in our own lives, whether we are starting a new season in our lives or not, and September provides an opportunity to ask for God’s blessing on the places we will go and the people we will meet.Here’s a simple way to do this, if you have a child or grandchild that will be taking a bag to school. Look inside to see if there is a paper name label. On the back of the slip write a simple prayer - Dear God, please bless (child’s name) at school this year. Put the label back in place -with the name at the front! If there isn’t a paper label, you can use a keyring and attach it to the zip. No-one will know the prayer is there except you, the child and God.If you don’t have a child or grandchild, there is no reason why we cannot do this for ourselves. Grab your go to bag, whether it is a handbag, sports bag or briefcase and find a place to write a hide a blessing label for yourself.As we remind ourselves that God is with us and he wants to bless the places we go to and people we meet, we will become part of his blessing to our community.Perhaps then, at the end of the day, we will be reminded of the ways that God has blessed us, and we have been a blessing to others.So let us pray for our schools, those new opportunities and the adventures that await.Loving God, Thank you for our schools, for those who work there and the children they educate.Please bless them in their work and play.Thank you for my friends, neighbours and work colleagues. Thank you that I have the chance to learn new things every day.Please bless me too and help me to know that you're there for me.Amen
The month of August is a time when many people pack up a few important bits and pieces, heading off for some rest and relaxation.Whether it is a day trip to the seaside, a walk in the forest, a week under canvas or flying off to exotic parts, we all cherish the opportunity to take some time away from the usual rhythm of life and put our feet up.For some, a holiday begins on arrival at the destination, for others the journey becomes part of the undertaking and as soon as the door to home is shut, the adventure begins.In our house we often talk of going on a ‘Cross Adventure’ which basically means we are driving around without a clue where we are (no we’re not lost!), seeing what unexpected delights we might discover off the beaten track.The time to unwind also gives us the opportunity to think more deeply about things. Sometimes there is more space to read that book that has been sitting on the shelf for ages, or there is more capacity to talk with others, rather than those snatched conversations.The Bible tells a story in which Abraham and Sarah set off on a long journey, and wondered whether God would be there when they arrived. They knew God was with them at home, but would God be where they were going? Every place where they stopped on their journey, they prayed to God and found that God was already there, because God is everywhere. So, if you are heading out this summer, why not ask God to bless you on your journey? If you are off on holiday, you could take out the little card from your luggage label, if you have one, and on the back, write the simple prayer, ‘God bless us on our journey’.Replace the card in its holder, and nobody will know the prayer is there except you and God. If you are staying nearer to home, you could drop a note in with you picnic, that simply reminds you that God is with you as you spend the day.May God bless you this summer.Rev Katie Cross
Friendship is a beautiful thing. It can offer support when times are difficult and a place to share joy when life is good. Friends are often the ones who can speak truth to us when others might fade into the background. It is a relationship that is chosen rather than determined by location or bloodlines. We all need friends, however young or old we are.July can be a tricky time for many children and young people as they prepare to say goodbye to friends. Many children spend the last weeks of school saying farewell to classmates who will be moving on to new schools or colleges, saying goodbye to teachers or moving on in classes. The end of the summer term marks that transition to new horizons, although some will have forged friendships in those times that can last a lifetime.As adults, moving around can create a strain on friendships, getting together becomes harder, but true friendship will cover the distance and meeting up can be like picking up where we left off.Jesus had friendships during his lifetime on earth, we hear about his disciples and followers and the women who joined him on his journeys. One particular family of siblings comes to mind, of Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus. We don’t know how Jesus came to know them, but they seem to have become close friends of his. They lived together in the village of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem. For Jesus the traveller, followed by crowds, maybe they provided a safe refuge, a quiet place to stay – somewhere he could just be himself and be refreshed. On one of his visits Jesus brings some of his disciples and sits down to teach them. Mary joins in, sitting at Jesus’s feet, listening to him; but Martha is running about in the kitchen, annoyed because Mary isn’t helping her. She voices the age-old cry – it isn’t fair! But Jesus replies that Mary has chosen the better part. Mary gives us an example of seeing what’s important in the moment, despite the expectations of others. Perhaps the lesson for us, is to notice what is happening around us, not to get so caught up in busyness that we miss the opportunity to stop and listen to someone special. To take time to value our friendships and what they offer to us, and what we can offer to them. Perhaps that is a friend or family member, or even perhaps God who is reaching out his hand of friendship towards you. Rev Katie Cross
During this month, some will celebrate the longest day of the year. Many gather at Stonehenge to witness the sun rising. Though we may not actively celebrate the solstice, we appreciate just how many hours of daylight there are. Society is held in the pattern of seasons that have given a rhythm to life for centuries. Many of us have moved away from being linked intrinsically to the countryside. However, events like this one, put us back in touch with our natural world in a way that appreciates the warmer weather and ripening fields.Our Minster vision is to live LIFE in all its fullness and during this season we will be thinking about how we can invest in our Christian journey. Our faith should be one that effects our whole life, not just where we go on a Sunday. One of the areas we pay attention to, is our response to the natural world that God has created.As churches we are encouraged to care for the environment, to become recyclers and reduce our carbon footprint. God has stewarded this amazing planet into our care and part of our Christian faith should reflect this gift to us. One of the five marks of mission is ‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth’. The Church of England has made a pledge for all churches to move towards being carbon neutral by 2030. This is one of the targets we are hoping to achieve, both through our buildings, and also by encouraging congregations to look at what we can do personally to care for our world.There are many ways we can participate:· Stop wasting food, by using our leftovers to make soups and stews, or freezing extra portions for another day, rather than throwing it away.· Make use of the community fridge to use food that is near its sell by date and is still delicious.· Composting: those peelings will turn into beautiful compost if we leave them long enough!· Buy our utilities from renewable sources.· Recycling and re-using· Walking or cycling rather than driving when possible So why not think about using 21st June to see how you can better steward this planet for generations to come and play your part in looking after the world that God has given us. Rev Katie Cross
