Remembering

Isn’t it lovely when you sit around with family and or friends and the phrase “Do you remember when you…” comes up. It’ll invariably be some funny story from your childhood or some equally funny story of a calamity, that at the time was a “Oh my goodness”event; but afterwards made for good storey telling.

Our churches remember stuff as well. We remember, recall, celebrate and re-enact stuff. Re-enacting,at our communion services – as it were –Jesus’ last meal, with his disciples, where we say the words he uttered and eat bread and wine as his merry troop did all those many years ago, that Thursday’s last meal with his friends and family, before the first Good Friday.

And I would say most importantly that we are a church that welcomes

Our churches are opened every day to all who might need a bit of stillness or coolness in the heat of the day.

We offer churches that are steeped in hundreds of years of prayers from those attending services or those who have entered into an empty church to find and experience a bit of alone time, with God.

We have just celebrated Easter and we are now in Eastertide a period of 50 days until we hit Pentecost; where we read about the apostles feeling the amazing force of the Holy Spirit for the very first time. Coming to them not as a gentle breeze that caresses their cheeks; oh no the Holy Spirit comes with the force of a mighty wind and they see what appears to be tongues of fire. The wind, God’s presence, comes to us also, unseen yes but ever present, even when we only experience a stillness – God is with us, with his Holy fire coming to purify and to claim us as his own.

And as we do trundle into May and look forward to sunshine and bank holidays; our thoughts are turning – just to let you know to the Bainton & Ashton festival that will be run in September once again, the 13th to be precise. Pop that in yer diaries. A Fly past has been requested; fingers crossed for another spectacular amazing and brilliant flight from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight or the Red Arrows if they aren’t available; you never know….!!!

As usual some of the monies raised will be split between local charities and a thank you to all those who will once again help make this brilliant village event such a huge success.
Coming together, working together for the common good. As our churches endeavour to do- the very same thing – day in and day out, not just on Sundays.

Springtime blessings to one and all.