From Revd Tom Benson

Dear Friends,

October is one of those months when you really notice the changing of the seasons. The mornings become darker, the evenings draw in, and there is a definite nip in the air. The fields and hedgerows begin to change colour, and there is that wonderful smell of autumn leaves and wood smoke.

It is also a month which reminds us to give thanks. We have much to be thankful for: for the food on our tables, for those who grow and produce it, for our countryside and for the people who quietly care for one another in our villages.

Autumn also has a way of reminding us that life moves in seasons. The trees let go of their leaves, not because they have failed, but because it is simply time for them to do so. Perhaps there is something for us to learn in that. We do not have to hold on to everything. Sometimes faith means trusting God enough to let go, and believing that there will be new life in God's good time.

On the 30th of October, the 31 st of October and the 1 st of November we will be holding services of Remembering in our churches. These are a time where we invite you to come, remember and give thanks for the life of loved ones who have passed away. When we lose someone that we dearly love the world can seem to carry on without us, we can feel under a lot of pressure to ‘move on’ and it is very often a lonely time. These services aim to be a space to acknowledge our loss, give thanks for the lives of our loved ones and pay our respects. There is no time limit for grief so everyone is welcome whether your loss is recent or not.

The times of the services are :

Friday 30th October         Awbridge 7pm and Timsbury 7pm

Saturday 31st October     Michelmersh 3pm and Farley Chamberlayne 3pm

Sunday 1st November      Braishfield 3pm and King’s Somborne 3pm

So, as the leaves fall and the evenings draw in, may we make the most of this beautiful autumn season. May our churches continue to be places of welcome, prayer and friendship, and may we remember that, whatever the season of life in which we find ourselves, God is with us.

God Bless, Tom