June 2010

Dear Friends

I would like to start off this month by thanking everyone for your kindness and support over the weekend of my being installed as a Prebendary. Pat & I were overwhelmed by the number of you who joined in or wished us well. It was lovely to hear the bells being rung in Weobley and I think I am right in saying that it was the first time that a full peal had been rung there for many years. Thank you everyone.

We now drift in to the (hopefully) lazy hazy days of summer. The next major Christian festival is Harvest in September \ October and so we have a few months of relative quiet.

Actually its not quiet at all. Summer is the time of growth. The main growing season of the year. All about us plants, animals and crops are growing like mad. Gaining strength from the sunlight, the soil and the care of those around who look after them on a daily basis so that when they are ready they are in prime condition to be harvested and shared.

Maybe the summer is the time for us to grow as well. Those long days and evenings provide plenty of opportunity for us to concentrate on ensuring that we are in prime condition both mentally and physically for whatever lies ahead.

In the bible Jesus often used farming stories to illustrate his points and teaching. He often reminded us of the need to sow on good ground and to be at one with nature as we journey though life. Summer is the time when we can do just that. Prepare ourselves and enjoy what we have as we share it lovingly with those around us.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always on your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall gently on your fields, and until we meet again may God hold you all in the palm of his hand