Dear Friends in Christ,

Reflecting on a British summer that seems to have consisted of more rain than sunshine, it’s easy to grumble about the ‘soft refreshing rain’ as the hymn puts it.

Yet without it we wouldn’t have the richness of the creation we experience in this country. We can take for granted the variety and wonder of nature, the profound and beautiful scope of creation. Even more so, it’s so easy to forget that whilst we can buy all manner of things from the local shops, many today cannot do so. We naturally (and rightly) think of those in countries where crops fail and extreme weather decimate harvests, there are other ways that people are denied the food that they need. Those places where there is violence and war destroy the wonders of creation and restrict access to food. Even in this country, many live on budgets that are stretched to the max, with the use of Food Banks proliferating.

But the text from Joel reminds us that God is with us, that even in the hardest times he does not desert us. He supplies us with all that is most necessary for our lives. Creation itself is a testament to God’s glory- a visual, sensual outpouring of his love, and a love that sustains us spiritually and physically.

This Sunday – 17th after Trinity

8.00    Holy Communion: All Saints

10.00  Harvest Holy Communion with Guides: St Marys

10.30  Cafe Church: All Saints

The Week Ahead

Tuesday 24th Sept    

9:00 – Celtic Morning Prayer: All Saints

Thursday 26th Sept

10:00– Holy Communion: St. Mary’s

Saturday 28th Sept 

10:00 – Coffee Morning, Book Sale & Bristol Repair Café:  All Saints

12.00 – 2:00: Saturday Lunches: St Mary’s

Sunday 29th Sept    

8.00 BCP Communion: All Saints

10.00 Joint Benefice Sung Holy Communion:  St. Marys with this year’s charity  “Through the Roof”.

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May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen

Blessings

 

Revd Kester de Oliveira