Dear friends,
Whether we are enjoying a ‘staycation’ at home or somewhere else in the British Isles I hope that this spell of beautiful weather continues for us all. We are so blessed in this country to have stunning coastlines, tranquil countryside and hill-scapes to enjoy. Just think of the place or places which take your breath away… where you can gaze and wonder at the skill of God our Creator. Or perhaps think on a smaller scale instead and think of the intricacies of the flowers and the insects in your garden or in the fields. God’s creation is truly wonderful.
This summer we, at Holy Trinity, have been enjoying our role in encouraging and appreciating God’s creation. We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the beach clearing it of all that would spoil its beauty or harm the wildlife that live there. We have built a ‘Bug Hotel’ in the grounds and already there are many residents. Stewart, who mows the lawns, has deliberately left a small patch untouched where the grass is already growing tall and where wildflowers will be sown in due course. We have, and will continue to enjoy, each other’s company in our gardens and look forward to an informative talk at a local farm about sustainable farming practices. And during the month of September (which will be upon us very soon) we will, as a church, be celebrating the Season of Creation along with all our brothers and sisters throughout the world.
Back in 1989 the Season of Creation began in embryonic form when the Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios proclaimed 1 September as a day of prayer for creation. Now, that initiative has grown from one day to a month bringing together worshippers from the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
This year I hope this season will be particularly apt for Holy Trinity as a focus for what we have been thinking about during the last twelve months. During September we will be welcoming guest speakers at our main service including (on Sept 19th) David Coleman who is the Eco-Congregation Chaplain and (on Sept 26th ) David Graham-Service who is the Chair of Mission to Seafarers, Scotland. We will also hopefully be planting a tree to commemorate our 250 years anniversary adding our contribution to those planted by previous generations. It will be an exciting month and I hope that any small changes to the liturgy which occur during September will enhance your appreciation of creation as a God-given gift which we have been entrusted to care for and look after. Of course looking even further ahead, our Season of Creation will end with our Harvest Festival on October 3rd where we will also be welcoming and licensing our new Lay Reader, Sandra Wright.
So meanwhile, with September still a little while ahead, I wish you all a gentle and peaceful August surrounded by the staggering diversity of nature and the beautiful colours of summer… and of course the company and smiles of precious family and friends. Enjoy!
with love, Liz
