As I write, the trees are losing their beautiful autumn foliage and are looking barer and barer. It’s a melancholy sight and reminds us that winter is fast approaching. The other day I heard someone describe ageing as being like a tree in autumn. The leaves gradually disappear, he said, revealing the essential structure of the tree that has been hidden all summer.

I found this intriguing. We only ever hear of old age in negative terms, with frequent conversations about creaking bones, hospital tests and long waits for operations. Should we instead perhaps be thinking of our characters, more and more evident as the gloss and fuss of youth falls away? And if what’s left is less than beautiful, shouldn’t we be doing something about it?

As always, you’re warmly welcome to all our services at Barmston Church. Service times this month are as follows:

Sunday 3rd Nov – Holy Communion at 9.30 am

Sunday 10th Nov – Family Remembrance Service at 4.00 pm

Sunday 17th – Holy Communion at 9.30 am

And do please come to our Craft Fair on Sat 23rd Nov, 10 am – 2 pm. It’s in aid of Barmston Church but will be held at Emmanuel Church, Cardigan Road, Bridlington. Crafters can book a table for £10. Drinks, snacks and light lunches are available to all.

Our weekly services on Sundays at Emmanuel in Bridlington are at 11.00. They are livestreamed on our Facebook page and are available shortly afterwards on YouTube.