From Revd Tom Benson

Dear friends,

Welcome to September. This is very often a really busy time of year as we return to school, gather the final crops in and prepare for darker evenings, frosts and sweeping up endless leaves. September traditionally feels to me more like the start of the new year than January. It is of course a time of new beginnings with the start of the school year, and a time when activities and events resume after the summer break.

“All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above”. Do you recognise these words? They are from the Harvest hymn, ‘We plough the fields and scatter’. Our Harvest Thanksgiving Services begin in September and you are all most welcome – you don’t have to be a farmer or one of our regular worshippers to join in with the celebrations. It is an opportunity to thank God for his provision for us, it’s lovely to see the different crops growing in the fields that surround our communities.

I never cease to be amazed by what grows from a tiny seed: putting down roots and growing shoots. Not unlike starting a new year at school really, settling in and becoming established and growing in every way. Jesus told his disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed, then nothing would be impossible for them. And I think that that’s a good thought to take with you into the new academic year.

In other news, the second Braishfield Classic and Custom bike show is being held at Braishfield Social Club on Saturday the 4th of October from 12-5pm. Last year we had a wide range of bikes from choppers to vintage, plenty of cakes and tea. The bar is open so do come along and have a look whether you are a seasoned biker or never sat on one in your life. It is free entry with donations in aid of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Have a good month and see you soon.

God Bless, Tom