Dear friendsIt's good to be back with you after a short break away, and to be back ready for Harvest. It continues to be a challenging time for God's people around the globe in terms of food production and rising costs, the impact of the climate crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia. Harvests are hugely impacted, food supply chains damaged, people's industries affected ... the struggle was already so hard. Coupled now with the terrible events in Israel and Gaza, we are living in a time of such suffering and pain. Our ongoing prayers must surely be for peace, safety, care and concern for all God's people, as we lament.We may feel there is nothing we can do, and so feel powerless and do nothing. However, I firmly believe each one of us can do something rather than nothing. At the very least, we can bring gifts of food to church to donate to the foodbank, who rely so much on the Harvest services in churches and schools to provide an ongoing supply for the relentless levels of need even in our Deanery in South Bristol. You could sign up to support the "Warm space" initiative that we will begin at the start of November, there are so many ways to be involved in this wonderful opportunity to connect with all in our community.And there are other things we can do. We can educate ourselves on what is going on in the world, listening to stories being told, being open to the other, or another point of view. We can be careful and caring in our conversations with each other, we can be mindful of the mental health well being of those around us. We can be curious about the things we don't know, slow to pass judgement, and swift to bless. We can give others the benefit of the doubt, assume people are doing their best, and seek love before all things.The Harvest that would come from living in such a way would be truly bountiful, both now in terms of our relationships and impact on those around us, and in the coming of a kingdom way of living.There is so much happening on Sunday this week, you're invited to it all. At 8.30am we have our traditional, simple Holy Communion service; at 10.30am we have a sung Eucharist and our young people have Sunday Spirit. We will then share lunch together - bring something along to share if you're able, but otherwise simply come. Then at 2.30pm we welcome the Safe Families charity to talk about their vital work with families in need, with inspirational ways in which you can provide support.I look forward to seeing you thenWith love in Christ, as everBecky