Dear Friends,
As the air cools and the vibrant colours of Autumn unfold across our beautiful East Lothian landscape, October invites us into a time of reflection, gratitude and forward-thinking preparation. This month there are rich opportunities to enjoy time together, contemplate our lives and actively shape the future of our community.
At the beginning of the month we celebrate Harvest Festival. This is always a beautiful and grounding moment in the year, allowing us to give heartfelt thanks for the abundance and blessings we have been given. Harvest reminds us not only of the fruits of the earth but also of our ongoing duty to care for creation and to share generously with those who are less fortunate. This year, once again, we will donate our Harvest gifts to Lammermuir Larder.
This theme of care for creation is picked up in our screening of the National Emergency Briefing Film, which is part of a growing movement of concern for what is happening to our climate, the effects of which are becoming more apparent each year. East Lothian Councillors will be shown the same film, as well as national government officials.
The following week sees us hosting our day on ‘Ageing with Grace’. This is a continuation of our previous Days of Discovery when we will be given time to reflect on the wisdom of later years, whilst confronting the challenges and embracing the joys of growing older. I am sure it will be a wonderful day of sharing.
We are also delighted to welcome Bishop Dagmar to Holy Trinity on 25 October. The Bishop will preside and preach and then we will share a Soup and Sweet lunch together. I am sure she will be delighted to meet you all and share the good news stories of our faith community.
It is wonderful that we have now been awarded planning permission for our new extension. It is another step along the journey. Vestry has decided to launch October as our ‘Pledge Month’. There will be slips of paper (or you can email revliz@talktalk.net) on which you are invited to indicate your personal donation. These pledges will be gathered in a sealed box at the back of church. As the supermarket slogan goes, Every little helps. All pledges, large or small, will be gratefully received. It will only be later, when official permissions are received, that we will ask for the pledges to be realised. Of course, grant funding will still be vital – but any money we can raise ourselves is looked on favourably by charity committees. I thank you in advance for your generosity. This project will help to secure the future of our beautiful church for many generations.
So God bless you all – for being who you are, and for the diverse ways you contribute to this community. I look forward to a joyous and fulfilling month of October with you all.
with love and blessings,
Liz