Dear friends,
Before putting pen to paper this month, I took a moment to read through some of my July and August letters from previous years. I came across this reflection from 2022, and it still feels so relevant:
“As I sit to write to you, this time, I do so on a grey and overcast day on the 9th of June.
Today marks my first year with you. And what an exciting year it has been. I have so enjoyed getting to know you and sharing in life, worship and ministry with you all. I have learned already so much about how you express your faith and live out the call you have received to serve.”
I went on to say:
“I am also discovering that many readers of this magazine and of my letters, are not regular worshipers in our Churches. In conversation with many in this category, I understand that they, you, do support what you identify as your Parish Church well. It’s a wonderful thought to know that my congregation whilst not always gathered, is much wider that I had first realised. With this knowledge, I am inspired yet cannot help but wonder why many of you do not come to Sunday Services? I wonder out of a genuine curiosity here, not from a point of judgment, neither expectation. My pondering leads me to asking the question of why?”
Now here we are, 10th June 2025, and I’ve just quietly marked four years of being here with you all. It’s still a grey and overcast day (some things don’t change!), and I still find myself gently wondering the same question. I ponder, as in conversation with many of you over the years, I do see deeply spiritual characteristics along with such a wonderful, I would say, Christian attitude towards life, that I am simply surprised more of you do not attend Church. I do not share this because we need more people, although we certainly do, I share this, simply because of the deep joy and profound freedom I have discovered by praying, and listening to a God over the years of my faith and being connected to God through His church is what helped me to uncover a life of abundant joy. Yes its not without challenges, yet I am no longer alone in those darker times that life can often throw at us, I have the pleasure of walking alongside a God who is simply awesome. I would be very pleased to hear if there is something we can do to encourage you in your walk with God? Do reach out to me if that’s at all helpful.
That said, I remain deeply thankful for the many ways people across our villages continue to show their support, whether through subscribing to this magazine, attending special services and events, or simply by encouraging us along the way. Your quiet support means a great deal.
It’s clear that many of you value the presence of our churches and the ministry we share, whether through Pop-Up events, Tea at 3, Warm Space, Coffee Stop, or through the important moments of life such as funerals, weddings, and baptisms.
So I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. We are working on ways in which we can help our communities support us even more, enabling us to continue providing access to our historical buildings for years to come. Do watch this space.
We’re also trying a few new things! On the 4th Sunday of each month, there’s now a very informal and relaxed gathering at the Ruishton Inn, where we share breakfast and conversation, focusing on the stuff of life through the lens of Christian spirituality which offers so much depth to the lives we lead. We’re also delighted to be bringing back Messy Church, and our Evenings at Thornfalcon are also returning—do check the website or magazine for all the details.
You're also warmly invited to a community BBQ here at the Rectory on Saturday 23rd August, any time between 1pm and 4pm. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Nigel K Fords in Creech, Northend, we’re able to offer this on a donation basis. Just bring your own alcoholic drink and maybe a folding chair, (soft drinks will be provided) and come and enjoy some relaxed time together. And hopefully in the sun!
And finally, a reminder to all our budding photographers: our photo competition is still open! Do take a look here for full details on how to take part.
Whatever you’re doing this summer, I pray that those who need it find rest, relaxation, and maybe even a bit of glorious sunshine—and I look forward to writing to you again with all that’s planned for the autumn.
With all Blessing
Revd. Lee