FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ Sunday morning 1st December 1984, a bunch of young spotty English pop stars who were more or less just out of school and had taken over the pop culture of the world, ambled up a Ladbroke Grove street in London to record a song their friends had written for the starving people of Ethiopia which was considered to be a Biblical famine in the 20th century. We saw the harrowing pictures of dying children and adults daily on our news channels. They could never have understood the enormous consequences of that day but it became, however unwittingly, “the shout that rang around the world”. These were some of Sir Bob Geldof’s (Band Aid Trust) words recently heralding the fortieth anniversary of the song and a programme using unseen footage being made to celebrate their success which will be available to view from the 25th November. Sir Bob co-wrote the song with Midge Ure from the band Ultravox. He also said that Sunday was like a family day out, some of them brought their babies along and it was a fun day. Deprivation on our TV screens, internet facilities and newspapers usually mean those people starving and dying are not responsible, it is those in governments and power who cannot or will not agree to living peacefully. We have heard so much in the last three years, and longer, of war leading to all possible deprivations - we see death, injury, starvation and absolute hatred of fellow men in so many countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Lebanon, Yemen, Israel and Gaza to name but a few. As we approach Christmas 2024 we search for peace and goodwill - we can only do our part as we wait for the birth of Jesus by praying for peace and reconciliation and giving to Charities which give their all in extremely dangerous places. While we can enjoy our festivities we must spare time to not only reflect but to look forward with the love of God with us all the way by our sides and those all over the world. Those with so much hatred in so many hearts we have to ask “Do They Know It’s Christmas Time At All?” A few words from Isaiah 9: v2 ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of darkness but now light is shining on them’ Hazel Chittock, Lay Elder
FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM We are coming to the end of our harvest celebrations. The time when we show our gratitude, in churches and in schools, that the fruits of the labours of our farmers - and all those who contributed to growing and harvesting – are safely gathered in, as the old hymn says! A good harvest in countries across the world should mean that there is enough to be shared equally by humankind. But we need to remember especially, at this time of the year, that there are many people who have little or no access to the most basic of things which we take for granted, food, medicine, clothing and a safe place to sleep. Many, in this country, are still experiencing difficulties as a result of the cost of living crisis. This year the Foodbanks themselves have been worried about whether they will have enough to share and many people are worried that they will not be able to keep warm. In this region, there has been a wonderful outpouring of generosity with donations to foodbanks at harvest festivals, but we must not make this a harvest only event, but remember to donate during the rest of the year, too. It is good to celebrate Harvest, it is an occasion to remind ourselves of how fortunate we are to have food and the things that make our own lives comfortable. Yet, in our churches, we often read particular verses from the Bible’s New Testament at this time of year: those where Jesus warns that if our attention in life is geared towards material things, then, somewhat perversely, we will end up being empty not filled. He warns us about our priorities: that we need to care less about material things. Worry, anxiety, often accompanies too much of a focus on material possessions: it is better to focus on sharing what we have with others. We live in an age of unprecedented anxiety. I even heard about an advertisement on the Internet for a pet anxiety bed. Apparently, there is a Harvard University study that our anxiety is even transmitted to pets, that three out of four cats or dogs deal with character - affecting anxiety on a daily basis. So it's not just that the world is awash in anxiety. It's not just that we're awash in anxiety. Even our pets are anxious because of us. But Jesus says - do not worry about our life. There is so much to life. There is love and work and family and worship and service and relationships. There is health and rest and sleep and fitness and many other things as well. Often worry has to do with the future. Jesus’s message is clear: that we shouldn’t let worry about tomorrow rob us of our appreciating and enjoying the blessings that we have today. Of course we need to plan for the future, but we shouldn’t worry about it. And that brings us neatly back to our harvest celebrations. We live in this beautiful part of the world, in villages where people love and support one another. Let’s count our blessings. Rev Helen Norris – Assistant Priest
