Rev David Capron will be mourned as a much loved and respected Rector in Alcester. He was priest here for 22 years and known and recognised by many of the townsfolk for his approachability, kindness, and love of a real ale as a CAMRA member. He was dedicated to serving as chaplain to both the Royal British Legion and local fire service, especially following the tragic fire in 2007 when local firefighters lost their lives.He was also a keen railway enthusiast, loving steam trains and models alike. He was a priest of the people, both inside and outside the church. He loved the church, both its strengths and weaknesses, and was not shy about sharing his views. He had a warm heart and a larger-than-life personality. Priest , Pastor, Man of God. David will be greatly missed by those who knew him, loved him and valued his priesthood. Our thoughts and prayers from St Nicholas church, the Alcester Minster team go out to Hilary and their sons at his untimely death. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.David’s funeral will take place at St Nicholas Church on Saturday 14th October at 11am followed by a burial at St James’s Weethley. Rev Katie Cross (Rector St Nicholas Church Alcester)
It is fair to say that our experiences of Harvest will vary according to where we live and what we have known growing up. It may also be that our understanding of Harvest has changed over time.Traditionally, Harvest was a time of the community gathering to work hard at bringing in the crops which had been carefully tended throughout the summer. This would be followed by the opportunity to celebrate everyone’s endeavours with a church service and a feast. For those living in rural areas, or who work in agriculture, or even perhaps those who grow fruit and vegetables in their gardens or allotments, Harvest will continue to mean much the same. Growing produce is no mean feat, as I have discovered this year, and those who live and work on the land very much know the delicate balance of the right weather, good soil and careful timing which results in a successful crop. This year our farmers have struggled with turbulent weather patterns, giving unseasonal bouts of wet and dry, hot and cold that have paid havoc with the growing crops and in some cases resulted in failure. A bountiful Harvest therefore is a true cause for celebration, for both the work of the farmers and the providence of God.Those who are less connected to how our food is grown and produced, will experience Harvest differently. Food is generally bought in a shop, which minimal knowledge of those whose energies have gone into producing it. Equally the ability to ship produce across the globe, means we are not always bound by what crops are in season and whether the weather has been kind this year. Some have argued that Harvest Festivals are less relevant these days, however, I disagree. I think it’s very important to consciously take time to pause and give thanks for the food we so often take for granted, and those who have laboured to produce it.Our Harvest Festivals have evolved quite a bit in recent years, perhaps with a greater emphasis on bringing non-perishable packets and tinned goods rather than the fat marrows, potatoes and cauliflowers of yesteryear, but the principle remains the same: to give thanks for our food, for those who have worked to produce it and for God’s goodness in providing it. Of course, our proper response to God’s generosity to us is to be generous to others. Traditional Harvest Festivals included giving to the poor and needy. Today we do the same as we share our food with our Foodbank and other charities that help those who are vulnerable. So please join with us in one of our team of churches as we celebrate Harvest this month, recognising God’s goodness to us, and generously sharing our food as we support these important projects.
We often associate September with new beginnings. This may hark back to the days when we remember school restarting after the long summer holidays. Some of you will have children or grandchildren for whom this time of year will mark something new, and it can be helpful to be reminded that God is always with us wherever we go.In the Bible, the leader of the Israelites Joshua, is reminded of God’s promises as he faced the prospect of entering a new place and leading the people into the Promised Land. He is told:‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ Joshua is reminded that God will be with him whatever he may face in the days and months ahead. We too can know those promises of God in our own lives, whether we are starting a new season in our lives or not, and September provides an opportunity to ask for God’s blessing on the places we will go and the people we will meet.Here’s a simple way to do this, if you have a child or grandchild that will be taking a bag to school. Look inside to see if there is a paper name label. On the back of the slip write a simple prayer - Dear God, please bless (child’s name) at school this year. Put the label back in place -with the name at the front! If there isn’t a paper label, you can use a keyring and attach it to the zip. No-one will know the prayer is there except you, the child and God.If you don’t have a child or grandchild, there is no reason why we cannot do this for ourselves. Grab your go to bag, whether it is a handbag, sports bag or briefcase and find a place to write a hide a blessing label for yourself.As we remind ourselves that God is with us and he wants to bless the places we go to and people we meet, we will become part of his blessing to our community.Perhaps then, at the end of the day, we will be reminded of the ways that God has blessed us, and we have been a blessing to others.So let us pray for our schools, those new opportunities and the adventures that await.Loving God, Thank you for our schools, for those who work there and the children they educate.Please bless them in their work and play.Thank you for my friends, neighbours and work colleagues. Thank you that I have the chance to learn new things every day.Please bless me too and help me to know that you're there for me.Amen
The month of August is a time when many people pack up a few important bits and pieces, heading off for some rest and relaxation.Whether it is a day trip to the seaside, a walk in the forest, a week under canvas or flying off to exotic parts, we all cherish the opportunity to take some time away from the usual rhythm of life and put our feet up.For some, a holiday begins on arrival at the destination, for others the journey becomes part of the undertaking and as soon as the door to home is shut, the adventure begins.In our house we often talk of going on a ‘Cross Adventure’ which basically means we are driving around without a clue where we are (no we’re not lost!), seeing what unexpected delights we might discover off the beaten track.The time to unwind also gives us the opportunity to think more deeply about things. Sometimes there is more space to read that book that has been sitting on the shelf for ages, or there is more capacity to talk with others, rather than those snatched conversations.The Bible tells a story in which Abraham and Sarah set off on a long journey, and wondered whether God would be there when they arrived. They knew God was with them at home, but would God be where they were going? Every place where they stopped on their journey, they prayed to God and found that God was already there, because God is everywhere. So, if you are heading out this summer, why not ask God to bless you on your journey? If you are off on holiday, you could take out the little card from your luggage label, if you have one, and on the back, write the simple prayer, ‘God bless us on our journey’.Replace the card in its holder, and nobody will know the prayer is there except you and God. If you are staying nearer to home, you could drop a note in with you picnic, that simply reminds you that God is with you as you spend the day.May God bless you this summer.Rev Katie Cross
