Hello to you all, 

I wonder what you got up to for the bank holiday weekend last week? For me it brought a weekend of camping as we attended a music festival called Greenbelt. As I sat beneath the trees listening to loud music I was so struck by God’s delight and involvement in all parts of our lives. Last Sunday we reflected on worship and this coming Sunday we will think about prayer and I feel my experience at Greenbelt included both. Not so much in a literal sense but because worship and prayer can flow into everything we do. A song that longs for the end of war and the blooming of flowers from the mud can become a prayer. A waving flag can be part of our worship of a creative God. I think the writer of 1 Thessalonians captures this idea too:

 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

For me a music festival like Greenbelt is a place where I find God and fresh inspiration in faith. I wonder where you find those things? Are there activities you do as well as church that draw you closer to God through prayer and worship? 

Whatever you did over the bank holiday I hope you have found refreshment. For those who are now looking ahead to a new school year, I pray you will find peace despite what can be a rush of final preparations and emotions. I hope everyone starting this new school year, and especially those starting for the first time, have a fun and exciting start to this new chapter. 

This Sunday the Licensed Lay Ministers will lead us in Morning Prayer at 8:30 and then at 10:30 we will share Holy Communion with Sunday Spirit as we continue our series on the building blocks of church with our final topic: Wonder. Why is prayer important and how can we do it even when it’s hard? What does it mean to embrace mystery and wonder? Our additional opportunity this week will be an evening for Centering prayer on Wednesday at 7:30pm, all are welcome. No experience needed! 

See you on Sunday! 

Rev. Phil