Dear Friends,

It is good to be back following a period of annual leave - I am very grateful to all who led services and responded to pastoral issues and administrative matters in my absence.

Creationtide ends on 4th October which is the feast day of St Francis so I have attached the prayers for this season once again. Through October we will be celebrating Harvest across the Mission Community so I will create a liturgy for that to come out next week. This is a time to be praying for all our farmers, those involved in food retail and hospitality and all who are anxious about provision for this winter. St Francis' example of simplicity and trust, learned from the life of Jesus may be a good guide for us in the times we are facing.

This week's gospel needs careful thought, its language doesn't make it easy reading, until we remember where Jesus placed himself in society - the one who takes off his robe, takes up a towel and washes our feet as an act of love, not drudgery. May we find glimpses of God's love for us in our dailiness so we can grow in trust and love and become signs of that love for those around us too.

God bless

Samantha