As we enter November and the season of Remembrance, our hearts are heavy with the conflicts and struggles that we see across the world, displayed on our news channels. It prompts us to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the past and to hold onto the hope they held for a more peaceful and just future.The act of remembrance itself is a powerful and enduring tradition that binds us together as a community. It reminds us of the bravery and selflessness of those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces, often in far-off and dangerous lands. We honour their dedication to preserving peace and safeguarding our freedoms, and we recognize the hardships they endure. We will hold remembrance gatherings across our area both on Armistice and Remembrance Sunday itself.Remembrance is not just about the past; it's also about the present and the future. In our prayers and reflections, we consider the men, women and children whose lives are shaped by war, whether as victims, displaced people, humanitarian workers or armed forces. Their sacrifices, their physical and emotional burdens, and the toll that war takes on them and their families weigh heavily on our hearts.In these times of uncertainty and conflict, it is essential for us to maintain hope. Hope for an end to violence and division, hope for the safe return of those who are far from home, and hope for the healing of wounds, both seen and unseen. Hope for a world where the lessons of the past guide us towards lasting peace. As people of faith, we know that hope is embedded in God, who sees all and is with us in disaster. Who gives us a hope for a future with Him, both now throughout life but also beyond the grave and death itself. Hope that there is more and God who loves us will welcome us home. Hope is not a passive act but an active one. We are called to work towards peace, justice, and reconciliation in our own lives and within our community. In our town, villages and as individuals, let us be bearers of hope. Let us reach out to one another, especially those who may be struggling with the weight of current conflicts, offering comfort, support, and a listening ear, perhaps saying a prayer for God’s peace to be known. In doing so, we can help kindle the light of hope in the darkest of times.Together, we can be beacons of light and a source of inspiration for a world in need of peace.May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15.13
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
