September is here. New journeys are beginning; first tentative footsteps are about to be taken.
School uniforms have been bought; new pencil cases are being put in new school bags. Well, that is the case for most children, but not all. I am reminded at this time of year of new beginnings, thousands of children returning to school, a new year group for so many. And for so many others a new school, a new year group. Do you remember when that was the case for you?
As a Church family we continue to walk in faith through ordinary time. We turn our thoughts to harvest, praying and giving thanks for those who produce our food. Over recent years we have come to celebrate Creation in our churches, giving thanks to God for all that he has given to us and seeking ways in which we can steward the wonderful world he has entrusted to us. Back to Church Sunday happens too, although this year I have taken the liberty of renaming it Invitation Sunday. A time when we encourage and invite our communities to come together too, in celebration of our God.
During July and August new journeys started for lots of families as they brought their children to be baptised and there is more of those joyous events in the following pages. We have, as a Benefice, journeyed together on pilgrimage to Lincoln Cathedral where we prayed, learned, broke bread and worshipped together. Again, more of that in the following pages. Thank you to Corinna for organising that event. And we explored footsteps with Jesus at Sunday@3.
What is September going to hold for you, us, as we travel together with Jesus? I pray that you might take the opportunity to step out in your faith, thanking him for all that he has given us and taking one more step along the world with Him.
Blessings. Reverend Al.