🍂 A September Reflection 🍂 A Time for New Beginnings As September arrives, the days begin to shorten, the mornings can feel a little cooler, and we notice the first signs of autumn appearing around us. The trees slowly begin to change, crops are gathered in, and nature reminds us that every season has its purpose. September can also be a time of transition in our own lives. Children return to school, holidays come to an end, routines begin again, and perhaps we find ourselves wondering what the months ahead might bring. Yet there is something comforting in knowing that we don't have to see the whole path ahead. … We can take it step by step. Perhaps September is inviting us to let go of something that has served its purpose, to make room for something new, or simply to pause and appreciate how far we have already travelled. As we look at the changing season, may we remember that change does not mean that God has left us behind. Just as the trees let go of their leaves in their own time, perhaps there are things we too can gently release … worries, regrets, disappointments or fears about what lies ahead. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1 So, as September begins, perhaps take a quiet moment and ask yourself: 🍂 What am I ready to let go of? 🌱 What would I like to make room for? 🙏 Where might I need to trust God a little more? And finally: What small blessing can I notice today? May September bring you peace in times of change, gratitude for the blessings already around you, and hope for the season still to come. May God walk beside us as we step gently into this new month, reminding us that every ending can carry the seed of a new beginning. 🤍
Dates for Your DiaryThere are lots of lovely events taking place at Nicholforest Church and Village Hall over the coming months. Please put these dates in your diary and, where you can, please come along and support our church and village community.🌾 Harvest FestivalSaturday 17th October – Church DecorationsFrom 2pm at Nicholforest Church.We will be decorating the church ready for the Harvest Festival service. Anyone who would like to help is very welcome.This year we will be collecting for the Longtown Pop-up Pantry. Donations of canned and dry goods can be brought along to the church.Those wishing to decorate one of the church windows with flowers, vegetables and fruit are especially welcome.Sunday 18th October – Harvest Festival Service 11am at Nicholforest Church.Friday 23rd October – Harvest Festival DinnerNicholforest Village HallBar opens: 5pmDinner: 6.30pm£12 per personChildren under 16: £5There will be a raffle on the door, followed by an auction after dinner and dessert.🌺 Remembrance DaySaturday 7th November – Church DecorationsFrom 2pm at Nicholforest Church.Come along and help us prepare the church for our Remembrance service.Sunday 8th November – Remembrance Service10am at Nicholforest ChurchPlease note the earlier start time.💕 Thanking Our Church VolunteersSunday 6th December – 11amA special service at Nicholforest Church to give thanks for all our wonderful church volunteers and the time, care and support they give throughout the year.🎄 ChristmasSaturday 12th December – Christmas DecorationsFrom 2pm at Nicholforest Church.Come and help us decorate the church ready for our Christmas services. Everyone is welcome, whether you can stay for the afternoon or simply pop in to lend a hand.Sunday 13th December – Christmas Carol Service4pm at Nicholforest ChurchCome and join us for an afternoon of Christmas carols and festive celebration.Saturday 19th December – Christmas ConcertAt Nicholforest ChurchTime to be confirmedMore details will follow nearer the time.Thursday 24th December – Christingle Service4pm at Nicholforest ChurchThe Christingle service will be led by Val Tyler.🌿 Come and Help Us Decorate!Over the coming months there will be several opportunities to help decorate Nicholforest Church for our Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas services.Whether you are a regular helper or have never decorated the church before, you will be very welcome. Come along to one Saturday — or all three!Harvest: Saturday 17th October, 2pmRemembrance: Saturday 7th November, 2pmChristmas: Saturday 12th December, 2pmIt is always lovely to see the church transformed by the colours, flowers and creativity of our community. We look forward to seeing you!
Our lovely Church will be opening to visitors this July and August.Come and enjoy the quiet rural setting and the peace to be found here.Take time to reflect and enjoy the surroundings.Our opening dates for July are as follows:Saturday 4th July, Sunday 5th JulySaturday 11th July, Sunday 12th JulySaturday 18th July, Sunday 19th JulySaturday 25th July, Sunday 26th JulyKeep an eye out for our August opening dates - coming soon… Wayne Burrows
April can feel like a gentle change. The earth that lay quiet through winter now begins to show its transformation. Blossom appears on branches that seemed lifeless only weeks ago. Gardens brighten. The light grows stronger. We see more colour in nature around us now.Creation speaks clearly in April: renewal is possible.And April, as a month, holds deep spiritual significance. We journey through remembrance and rejoicing … reflecting on sacrifice, and celebrating resurrection hope. The message at the heart of our faith is written in Scripture and we feel it too, in the rhythm of the seasons: what appears finished is not always the end.There are times in life when we stand before what feels like a sealed tomb … unanswered prayers, personal struggles, uncertainty about the future. April gently reminds us that God’s work is often happening beyond the stone we cannot move ourselves.Resurrection follows surrender. It follows trust. Perhaps this month we might quietly consider:Where do I need to trust God with something that feels closed or hopeless?What new beginnings might He be shaping, even if I cannot yet see them?April reveals its message slowly in blossom, in birdsong, in longer evenings filled with light.May we enter this month attentive to the signs of new life around us, and open to the renewing work of Christ within us. For the same Lord who brings spring from winter is always at work bringing hope from sorrow, and life from what seemed lost.
