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September 26

Dear Friends,

Are you a ‘September person’?  When I was a child, I was always excited to go back to school at the end of the holidays, I looked forward to seeing my friends and what I was going to learn in the coming year.

Even as an adult I always have a sense of ‘newness’ in September. This might be something to do with having a September birthday which marks a new year of life. In the other half of my job, when I’m not in the parish, I teach people who are preparing to be ordained and we work on the same pattern as university terms. So, whether it’s a new age or a new academic year, I always have a sense of anticipation in September.

Sometimes, though, new things can come with anxiety. At this time of year especially I pray for the young people in our village who are going into new classes in our village school, or who are starting at secondary school. Even in adulthood new things can be intimidating, but during times of change we can be reassured that God walks alongside us through all of life’s changes and He knows what’s coming next – even if we don’t!

We are reminded of change as we celebrate the harvest season in September. The fields are full of good produce, and we give thanks for all that we have. This year the Goat Harvest Auction will be on the 13th of September, and St Giles harvest service will be on Sunday the 27th.

We are also running Café Church Extra at 4pm on Sunday 20th in the PMH, with a ‘back to school’ theme but there will be things for all ages.

You are very welcome to join us! Whether or not you consider yourself a ‘September person’, this is a good time to take stock of the way that, in the words of the hymn, ‘all good gifts around us are sent form heaven above’. 

With my prayers and best wishes,

Rev’d Christie