November is here and it seems a far cry from the blistering heat of the summer when we wondered if the weather would ever get cold again. Yet, we are in that twilight zone of autumn into winter and a time of remembrance: of remembering All Souls and giving thanks for the lives of those we have loved and who are now risen in Glory; of remembering acts of sedition with fireworks and sparklers; and of remembering those who have fallen in armed conflict across the world and of committing to work for peace.The last Sunday of November is the 1st Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Church Calendar when instead of focussing on the dark we remember the light that is to come: The light of Christ that has entered our world and lived amongst us. As we spend time in remembrance this November we can also live in gratitude for all that we have, and in hope for a future where no acts of sedition are needed, where no-one needs to go to battle, and where Christ reigns as acknowledged King of this world and the next.Jonathan
I can remember summer holidays spent visiting family and going to the seaside, staying with friends, playing in the garden, making up games, and enjoying being outdoors. Hopefully, these are still experiences that many families share today. Yet, as this hot and dry summer continues, the heat is certainly on.Some of the things we normally do to relax and enjoy ourselves cannot happen in quite the same way. Many of us are having to adapt to the hot weather, whether that means walking the dog early in the morning, keeping the curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, or simply taking life at a slower pace.There are also those whose work we continue to rely upon and who cannot easily change their routines: those working in care homes and social care, delivery drivers, shop workers, and staff in our hospitals and GP surgeries.As we face this prolonged spell of hot weather, may we pay attention to our own needs and do what we can to look after ourselves. But may we also remember the needs of others. We are all interconnected, and our daily lives depend on the dedication of many people whom we may never meet, yet whose work contributes to our wellbeing and to the wellbeing of our local community.If you are a person of prayer, why not pray for those whose work we rely upon? Or, if you meet someone serving the community, offer a simple word of thanks or appreciation. Small acts of kindness and gratitude can make a real difference, reminding us that we are all part of one another's lives.Jonathan
One of the many things I am enjoying about living in Alrewas is the greater connection with nature, listening to the birds sing- and sometimes it feels like they are shouting – the dawn chorus, seeing the days lengthen and the plants grow. As I look out across the fields there is a beauty to the natural world. Yet, this tranquil scene belies the repeated heat waves and high temperatures that we are experiencing which are in keeping with the man-made Climate Change. It is a reminder that we are to care for the world around us. Like the many beautiful gardens of Open Gardens Weekend, where people have tended and cared for their garden, we too are to care for, and be stewards of the world around us. We may not all have ‘green fingers’ but we can all play our part in our life style choices; for the choices we make impact others and impact the world around us.I am very much looking forward to visiting some of the gardens myself, but lets hope that the weather is not too warm for us or the plants!JonathanFor information and Resources about responding to the climate crisisEco Church - An A Rocha UK Project Climate Crisis: What is the climate crisis, why is it still happening, how does it affect us all, and what can you do?
