JULY 2026 NEWSLETTERJulie Writes...You may remember before her installation as the Archbishop of Canterbury in March Dame Sarah Mullally undertook a six-day pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral. A journey of some 140km, following in the footstep of many earlier pilgrims. The ancient practice of pilgrimage seems to be enjoying quite a revival. Whether it’s the ancient paths of Britain, the famous Camino de Santiago, or simply walking the boundaries of our parish as we did during Rogationtide at St Michael’s praying for those within the parish, there seems to be a renewed interest. Of course, as Christians, the whole of our lives is a pilgrimage, a journey with and towards God and to our ultimate home in heaven. A real Odyssey. The earliest followers of Jesus were not called Christians but followers of the Way, living their lives according to the teaching of Jesus. I’d like us to explore this journey together over the Summer.Of course, like all journeys there are markers along the way, experiences of God all around us which help. Maybe it’s those places where we feel closest to God – those’ thin places’ as they are sometimes called. These may not necessarily be great religious sites, what’s the saying – ‘you’re nearer to God in a garden than anywhere else in the world.’ Or maybe it’s that time spent with family relaxing after demanding work. Well, whatever it is for you, it would be good to hear about it. Julie
Matt 25:40 ‘The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”We pray for those around us who will benefit by the Holidays at Home programmes, making new friends and feeling included in society. We pray for all who are struggling with debt and low income, single parenting and caring for their elderly or disabled family. We pray that we can find ways of serving them, just as Jesus has commanded us to be servants to others.We pray for our new Vicar, Kath, and her husband Phil, that they may enjoy their holidays and come to lead us in the autumn, full of enthusiasm and grace. We pray that they will settle in quickly with many new friends from the start.The school holidays are starting early this year because so many of our young people have finished their serious external exams and are taking advantage of going away earlier than usual. We pray for their safety during this unstructured time, that they will find it invigorating and special.The usual holiday places abroad have become unpredictable, many locals rebelling against the culture of hedonism that tourists often consider acceptable. We pray for safety for all and a change in the behaviour of those responsible for the upset.The whole world continues to rebel against Jesus’ command, to love one another, with wars, exploitation, modern slavery, famine, cruelty and division. We pray for the leaders of the countries, that they may reset their moral compasses and realise that they are there to serve the people, not the other way round. We pray earnestly for peace, nothing can be accomplished without peace, not just cessation of war, but lasting and genuine peace between all the peoples.Judges 2:19 The people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshipping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
