This month Revd. Pete Watson considers facing the challenge and discomfort of change as a blessing and a sign of God’s love for us. Whilst the Ven. Revd. John Barton encourages us not to hide and allow God’s love through Jesus to find us.Derek Cooper of the Friends of Brayton Barff this month records his joy that nuthatches have found a home on the Barff; something to look out for the next time we take a stroll through the trees.There are signs that the Parish is returning to some sort of normality; Lynn Allan reports on the Mothers Union afternoon tea that was held one gloriously sunny afternoon in August, and I witter on about the return of the Craft Group Coffee Morning.I have also included a short text on the Lords Prayer, with a page of colouring in for readers of all ages :)
This month Revd. Christine Gillespie looks forward to a return of singing in church, and the very central role that singing plays in Methodist worship, whilst Revd. Peter Crumpler explores five truths that he has learnt about the value of Truth from the pandemic. I couldn’t agree more with his conclusions; I’m sure that I’m not alone in thinking that the Truth hasn’t always been prominent in the debate so far… We welcome Derek Cooper of the Friends of Brayton Barff this month. Derek celebrates the oaks that grow on the Barff and notes that these ancient trees have a mystical and ethereal quality to them. It was only a few months ago that I reported on Bill & Pat Thorpe’s move to Derbyshire, and it is with sadness that Sheila Newsome reports that Pat has now died. Thanks to Sue Beevers for reminding me about the Stanley Holloway monologue regarding Yorkshire Puddings. Now that takes me back!
The test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its most vulnerable members.American writer and novelist Pearl Buck (1892-1973)As we move forward as a nation, local community and church family, the Bishop of Selby and his fellow York bishops are asking us to do so based on the Biblical principle of compassion for others; that we ‘bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ’ (Galatians 6.2), and must not allow our own liberty to be the cause of other’s stumbling (1 Corinthians 8.9; Romans 14.21).In other words, whilst there will now be fewer hard and fast rules, it will be a loving service to others if, for the time being, we find ways to act more cautiously than might suit our own personal convenience and preferences.Here at St Wilfrid’s we are inspired by these words, and believe this church building should be a place where everybody feels safe. We therefore urge you strongly to continue to wear a mask or other face covering, and maintain socially distancing, if at all possible.The back pews in the central nave area are reserved for those who wish to remain socially distanced. Please ask our welcomers to direct you there.With grateful thanksRev Pete Watson (Rector) and Mrs Pat Jarvis (Churchwarden)
