OCTOBER 2026 NEWSLETTERDear FriendsIt has been good to move to Formby and begin getting to know this beautiful area and veery friendly people of Altcar & Formby. Phil and I want to say a huge thank you for your warm welcome, kindness, practical support and prayers which have made such a difference.Autumn is a season for thankfulness: conkers, apples and berries, leaves turning golden and fiery orange and harvest, when we thank God for his faithful provision and the farmers who work so hard.Researchers have found that gratitude helps our wellbeing, sleep and relationships. God, of course, knew this first, and throughout the Bible God’s people are encouraged to be thankful. It isn’t always easy when there is much in the world to concerns but gratitude isn’t saying those things don’t matter. Rather, it changes our perspective, opens our eyes to all God gives us and leads to generosity as we remember: “All things come from you and of your own do we give you”(1 Chronicles 29:14) So why not try practising thankfulness this Autumn? Say a prayer of thanks each morning, give a thank you card, or write down three things your grateful for at day’s end. These can be small glimmers of light: warm sunshine on your face: hot buttered toast, a favourite song. May this season be filled with gratitude, generosity and God’s blessing in our communities.Kath
'Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.' Isaiah 43:19We continue to give thanks for Kath and Phil who have come to minister in our parishes. We pray for all newcomers, all who come through our doors, that they may receive the warmest of welcome and find themselves during God’s own family.Harvest is with us and we pray for all farmers and shops that distribute our food. The hot weather in the summer has made it difficult for growing, and there may be shortages, so we pray for all who struggle to afford the necessary things in life, as the prices will rise. We pray for all food banks and charities that support those who are in debt or homeless.We pray for our country, that any reforms that are promoted by the government, are fair and merciful, considering everyone, not just those who are able to cope with change. We pray for our world, that the peace of God will settle in the hearts of all the rulers who at present simply want more power and more wealth.We pray for the house-bound, and those with mobility issues, who are less able to get out and socialise and keep up friendships. We pray that we, who are mobile, will ensure that they are regularly visited and included in the life of the church, so that the love of Christ is shared with all our lovely friends, not only the ones that can do things for themselves.We pray for the youngsters, for those tiny folk that have just started school, and who are beginning the big adventure of learning about the world, and those who have taken the big step of leaving home, and are tentatively making friends with people they have never met before. We ask God to keep them all safe from harm, and to guide them in all their actions and lifestyle.'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.' Matthew 9:37-38:
