SUMMER AT THE VICARAGE Many of you may not get to read this until after your summer holidays. For lots of people, the opportunity to get away and have a “normal” summer holiday is indeed the answer to prayer. Wherever you may be going (or have already been) I hope that it is (was) a time of refreshment, an opportunity to set aside the cares of day-to-day living, a chance for so many of us to put aside the hustle and bustle of daily lives and the pressures of work and indeed home and school life. For some, alongside the freedom and joy of summer, will come apprehension about what comes after the summer, perhaps a new school or a move to college or university, certainly there will be a new class for the younger children. For the older among us there may be a new job in the offing, retirement or perhaps other living and lifestyle changes that give rise to concern. Jesus has something to tell us about all this. We are told not to worry about what will come and that God knows each and everyone of our needs before we do. Jesus tells us that we should concentrate on the here and now, that whatever worries we have for today are all that should concern us and that worrying about what might happen is a waste of our time and energies. We should rejoice in the now and not borrow troubles from our futures – we can’t and won’t know what they are until they become today. Apart from holidays, this season of summer is also time for celebrations including marriage and baptisms and we had both recently at one service in Burton Leonard. On the “Feast” day we celebrated the wedding of Georgina and Paul from the village and baptised their second baby girl Margot, only for them to come out to rapturous applause from the crowd on the green. Whether you are thinking of getting married, retaking your wedding vows on a significant anniversary or if you would like to have your child baptised, do contact me so that I can talk you through the process and send out a booking form. As a priest, these are some of the most satisfying services that I take, and I love them. Whatever else this summer may bring you, I pray that you will take the opportunity to spend time with your families and loved ones and really let them know how much you love them. As part of life, we all have ups and down in our relationships but, as I say in my wedding sermon, when you fall out with someone, never be afraid to say “I’m sorry” and follow it by saying “i love you”. This is something that that God has said to you every day of your life, whether you know it or not. Let his love enfold you and keep you close as you enjoy all that the summer has to give and may the worries that you see in the future disappear as the morning mist under the summer sun. Blessings Robb
Bishop Monkton: St John the Baptist
