A View from the Pews September 2026
September is an odd in-between month: no longer summer, but neither yet autumn. It’s almost like we are waiting for something…
As Christians we are always waiting with great hope for something good. And this year, for the first time, the Church of England has decided to mark this great hope with a new feast: Creation in Christ – to be celebrated on the first Sunday of September. With this celebration we are reminded that all of life (human, animal and plant and beyond) is created through Christ, the Word of God. And that means that we belong all together and that we have responsibility for one another.
We will start our celebration a week early in our joint service and continue the feast to 6th September, culminating in our thanksgiving service for our pet friends at 4pm at Cresswell church. Come along and celebrate with us!Contact details
Vicar: Rev Julia Lacey, [email protected], 07769 988527
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Anne Baxter, [email protected], 07544 119575Wondering at Creation. By Paula Darkin
There is something deeply refreshing about taking time to notice the world around us. In the rush and noise of everyday life, it can be easy to forget that creation is all around us — the changing seasons, birdsong in the morning, sunlight through the trees, the sound of rain, and the simple beauty of a flower opening.
The Bible begins with these words: “In the beginning God created the
heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Creation reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are not simply passing through a world that belongs to us; we are invited to receive it as a gift, to care for it and to give thanks for the One who made it.
The Psalmist writes:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
How often do we stop and listen to what creation is saying? A sunrise speaks of new beginnings. The changing seasons remind us that life has rhythms of growth, rest, letting go and renewal. Even the smallest things— a leaf, a seed, a bird in flight — can turn our attention towards God.
Jesus encourages us to look closely at creation too:
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Matthew 6:26
Perhaps there is an invitation here for us. To slow down. To notice. To give thanks. And to trust.
Creation also reminds us of our responsibility. In Genesis, humanity is entrusted with the care of the earth. We are called not simply to admire creation, but to nurture it and protect it for generations to come. Caring for our environment, our local places and our communities can therefore become an expression of our faith.
And perhaps this is where creation connects beautifully with community. Just as every part of creation has its place and purpose, so every person has a place and a part to play. We are wonderfully different, yet connected. When we care for one another, we reflect something of the
Creator's love.
As we go through the coming weeks, may we make time to notice the beauty around us. May we find God in the ordinary things we sometimes overlook. And may creation inspire us not only to worship, but also to care — for the earth, for our neighbours and for one another.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Welcome
“Fear not, I have called you by your name, you are mine” Isaiah 43.1In August we celebrated the baptisms of Stanley Butler, Joey Morrison, Freya and Harrison Sturgeon and Harper-Mae Harrison.
May they be blessed as they begin their journey of faith together with their parents and godparents.
Farewell“Nothing can separate from the love of God” Romans 8.38
In August we remembered with gratitude the lives of all who have died. We may no longer see them but their influence on our lives is still felt.
May they rest in peace in God’s sure embrace.Godspeed
“Those who live in love, live in God and God lives in them” John 4.16In August we celebrated the wedding of: Megan Leighton and Jay Pearson.May they be richly blessed in their new lives together