A View from the Pews July 2026
Steam room in a church? Sticky pews ruining dresses? Water pools after thunderstorms? Welcome to the heatwave! Our buildings are beautiful but old and certainly not used to the kind of heat we have been experiencing for the last few years. The strain is considerable: did you know that the thick stones of Holy Trinity for example will expand on the outside in the heat while the inside will catch up more slowly, basically stretching the stone? And when the sun shines on the pews at St Bartholomew it now melts the varnish and sticks to clothing. Opening the door to St John’s you are welcomed into your local sauna because there is no sophisticated insulation that helps to keep the temperature down.
However, it is in the summer months that we welcome the majority of our visitors, the little quirks of old buildings are just that come and have a look yourself , there is always something new to be discovered, including a kind of peace that is rare in these times.
Contact details
Vicar: Rev Julia Lacey, [email protected], 07769 988527
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Anne Baxter, [email protected], 07544 119575
July Reflection: Growing Together in God's Summer
As July unfolds, many of us find ourselves enjoying longer days, warmer weather, holidays, family gatherings, and moments outdoors. Summer offers us a welcome opportunity to slow down, notice God's creation, and cherish the relationships He has given us.
The beauty of God's world reminds us that every season has its purpose. Just as gardens flourish under the summer sun, our faith also grows when we spend time in God's presence and nurture our relationships with one another. The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."(Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
Friendship is one of God's precious gifts. Whether it is sharing a cup of tea, offering a listening ear, praying with someone, or simply checking in with a neighbour, these acts of kindness reflect Christ's love. The friendships we build within our church family encourage us, strengthen us, and remind us that we never walk alone.
Jesus Himself called his disciples friends, saying:
"I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends." (John 15:15)
What an incredible thought—that our Lord invites us into friendship with Him. As we deepen that relationship, we are also called to love and care for one another.
Paul encourages us in his letter to the Romans:
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)
During this month, perhaps we can all make a simple commitment: to reach out to someone we haven't seen for a while, invite a friend for a walk or coffee, encourage someone who may be feeling lonely, or spend a little extra time in prayer for those in our church community.
May this July be a season of gratitude-for God's faithfulness, the beauty of His creation, and the blessing of friendship. As we journey together, may we continue to grow in faith, hope, and love, supporting one another as members of Christ's family.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank You for the gift of summer and for the friendships that enrich our lives. Help us to be faithful friends, ready to encourage, listen, and serve one another. Draw us closer to You and to each other, so that our lives may reflect the love of Christ. Bless our church family throughout this month, and may we be a source of hope and joy to everyone we meet. In Jesus' name. Amen.
By Paula Darkin