I can remember summer holidays spent visiting family and going to the seaside, staying with friends, playing in the garden, making up games, and enjoying being outdoors. Hopefully, these are still experiences that many families share today. Yet, as this hot and dry summer continues, the heat is certainly on.Some of the things we normally do to relax and enjoy ourselves cannot happen in quite the same way. Many of us are having to adapt to the hot weather, whether that means walking the dog early in the morning, keeping the curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, or simply taking life at a slower pace.There are also those whose work we continue to rely upon and who cannot easily change their routines: those working in care homes and social care, delivery drivers, shop workers, and staff in our hospitals and GP surgeries.As we face this prolonged spell of hot weather, may we pay attention to our own needs and do what we can to look after ourselves. But may we also remember the needs of others. We are all interconnected, and our daily lives depend on the dedication of many people whom we may never meet, yet whose work contributes to our wellbeing and to the wellbeing of our local community.If you are a person of prayer, why not pray for those whose work we rely upon? Or, if you meet someone serving the community, offer a simple word of thanks or appreciation. Small acts of kindness and gratitude can make a real difference, reminding us that we are all part of one another's lives.Jonathan
One of the many things I am enjoying about living in Alrewas is the greater connection with nature, listening to the birds sing- and sometimes it feels like they are shouting – the dawn chorus, seeing the days lengthen and the plants grow. As I look out across the fields there is a beauty to the natural world. Yet, this tranquil scene belies the repeated heat waves and high temperatures that we are experiencing which are in keeping with the man-made Climate Change. It is a reminder that we are to care for the world around us. Like the many beautiful gardens of Open Gardens Weekend, where people have tended and cared for their garden, we too are to care for, and be stewards of the world around us. We may not all have ‘green fingers’ but we can all play our part in our life style choices; for the choices we make impact others and impact the world around us.I am very much looking forward to visiting some of the gardens myself, but lets hope that the weather is not too warm for us or the plants!JonathanFor information and Resources about responding to the climate crisisEco Church - An A Rocha UK Project Climate Crisis: What is the climate crisis, why is it still happening, how does it affect us all, and what can you do?
I have been made to feel very welcomed, as myself and my wife Sian have moved into Alrewas. Thank you to all who came along to the Licencing Service at All Saints Church, at which Bishop Michael licenced me as the Priest in Charge of Alrewas with Fradley and Wychnor. I am enjoying getting to know people in the local area, and am looking forward to meeting more people at the various church and community events coming up in June- including the Choir Concerts at All Saints on 6th June, the Dedication Service with Bishop Michael and the RAF at St Stephens on the 13th June, the 1st Alrewas Scout Duck Race on the 20th or the Open Gardens weekend.If you are interested in what I and the churches are up to over the coming weeks, as well as following us on Facebook @alrewasallsaints.church @ststephensfradley you can now also follow us on Instagram.To contact me directly e-mail vicar@alrewasallsaints.church or call 01283 384 000Jonathan
Au Revoir! I had the task (a pleasant one! And a privilege) many years ago, of giving a ‘farewell sermon’ for one of my colleagues at St Chad’s. Several of us ‘learned our trade’ there – our high aspirations and theological training hadn’t really equipped us for ‘servant’ ministry! Reality did kick in very soon!! We became movers-in- chief of heavy objects as we carried paschal candles round the church, filled fonts with buckets of water...emptied bins…..fancy ideas about what it meant to be ordained went out of the window. And rightly so, because ordained ministry is about enabling...humble, sacrificial service. Now I know that not everyone agrees with me but I think this is ‘Jesus’ ministry. He washed people’s feet………. ...and he developed collaborative ministry! In my view this is the only way church grows. It is an ‘every member’ ministry because everything helps and everyone has a gift or talent to offer. But this is a farewell day….the end of my 25 years with a Common Tenure Licence. I hope that this is not the last time I will see you all- in short, I have good reason- very many good reasons to hold you all in great affection. I will no doubt miss these churches, their busyness and activity... (although one acknowledges that at my age 60 hours a week is a bit much!) but I will miss you greatly. But, the church is a pilgrim community and pilgrims must travel on for time to time. May God bless all of you in your journey of faith and thank you for allowing me to travel with you for the last 12 years. Yours, Elizabeth
