My dear friends,
I write this September magazine letter at the beginning of August when the weather is hot and the roads are busy with holidaymakers enjoying the beautiful Sussex countryside and the south coast. However, it can be surprisingly cold first thing in the morning and there is marginally less daylight than a couple of months ago: all signs that the year is progressing on its course and that by the time our September magazine appears in print Autumn will not be too far away.
I once encountered an English lady who lived in Monte Carlo. One would think living there would be delightful, but she said she found she pined dreadfully for the English seasons. Monte Carlo, she said, was hot in the Summer and mild in the winter (on one rare occasion when snow fell, the municipal street sweepers hurriedly cleared it all up overnight). The lady said that what she missed most was the Autumn in England and the wonderful colours of the leaves on the trees. Perhaps this Autumn we might pause in our busy lives, look at the beautiful colours of Autumn, and give thanks to God for such a wonderful gift.
September is often a time of fresh beginnings for young people across the country. Could I ask you to pray for our two Church of England Primary Schools as they begin the new academic year and particularly for all the children who will be going to school for the first time. Let us not forget the older children who left our schools last term and who will be starting at their secondary schools. We also remember the young people who will begin courses at universities and colleges in the Autumn: another big milestone in their lives. We pray, too, for their families, for all teachers and lecturers, and for all who work behind the scenes in our schools, colleges and universities.
Last month St George’s Church, Crowhurst, held a lunch party and St Laurence’s Church, Catsfield, held an afternoon tea party. Both events were great fun and were enormously appreciated: may I offer a big ‘thank you’ to Pam Thomas and Sandra Shoobridge and to their wonderful teams of helpers for all their imagination and hard work.
There will be a coffee morning in aid of church funds at Catsfield village hall on Saturday 21st September between 10.00am and 12 noon.
With my love and prayers,
Father Robert.
Trinity 8 – 21st July 2024