Generosity is at the very heart of our faith. We believe in a generous God—one who gives freely, abundantly, and lovingly. Every act of kindness, every gift shared, and every moment of compassion shown within our church family is a reflection of that same divine generosity. Our giving is not merely a duty, but a living expression of our faith in action—a way of saying thank you to the God who has given us everything.As we move through this season of harvest, it is a natural time to pause and reflect on all that we have received, and to celebrate the generosity that sustains our church’s ministry and mission. The harvest reminds us that every blessing we enjoy is a gift from God—one that we are invited to share with others. Growing a generous spirit takes time, prayer, and community. It begins in gratitude and flourishes in trust, as we learn to give joyfully and freely, knowing that God provides for our needs.The Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, offers this wonderful reflection on giving:“If you don’t give because no one’s ever asked you, I’m asking you now. If you don’t give regularly because you’ve never got round to it, I’m saying today’s the day. If you don’t give much because you think the church doesn’t need it, I’m telling you that it does. If you don’t give a lot because you don’t have a lot, I’m saying your giving something is an example to everyone else. If you don’t give more because no one’s ever said thank you, I’m thanking you right now. If you already give until the pips squeak, I’m saying that’s wonderful, and nudge the person next to you to do the same.”His words remind us that generosity comes in many forms—through our time, our talents, our prayers, and our financial gifts. Each offering, no matter how small, is a vital part of our shared ministry. When we give, we don’t simply fill a need; we create a ripple of gratitude and hope that reaches far beyond what we can see.We should never underestimate what God can do with what seems small in our hands. Jesus took the small offering of five barley loaves and two fish from a young boy, his willingness to give opened the door for God to multiply it—feeding thousands with leftovers remaining. What matters most is not the size of the gift, but the heart that gives it. God can take even our smallest offerings and turn them into something extraordinary.When we give, we enrich not only others’ lives but our own. We become instruments of God’s love in a world that deeply needs it. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:11: “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.”As we continue to reflect on God’s generosity this season, let us find ways to show that same spirit within our community. One simple yet powerful way to do so is by supporting our Welcome Café winter warm space scheme. We are still accepting donations of food and home necessities (unused and in-date) to help those who may be struggling during the colder months. Please bring anything you have to offer to the Church, it will be gratefully received. Together, let us continue to be a church marked by open hearts, open hands, and open doors—living generously, just as God has been generous with us.
Sunday 5th October brought a cheerful commotion to the church as our annual Pet Blessing Service welcomed creatures of all kinds - mostly canine, but joined by a couple of cats, a tortoise, and a guinea pig. It was joyful sight as both two-legged and four-legged parishioners gathered side by side to give thanks for the gift of animal companionship. All God's creatures, great and small, were warmly invited forward to receive a blessing from Fr Steven or Revd Nancy. The service was one of gratitude - for loyal pets, for the quiet comfort they bring, and for the joy they add to out lives. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and affection, and the animals mostly behaved themselves; though a few were determined to sing along with the animal themed hymns. Across the diocese, many churches have been holding similar celebrations, giving thanks for the animals who share our homes and our hearts, while also raising awareness of the importance of animal welfare. These services are inspired by St. Francis of Assisi — the saint renowned for his love of animals and the natural world. In an age when care for the environment and all living things has becoming increasingly topical, the church is rediscovering his example and his gentle wisdom. We’re already looking forward to next year’s gathering and hope to welcome even more furry, feathery, scaly, and shell-covered friends to join the fun.All God's creatures got a place in the choirAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowListen to the top where the little bird singsOn the melodies and the high notes ringingAnd the hoot owl cries over everythingAnd the blackbird disagreesSinging in the night time, singing in the dayWhen little duck quacks and he's on his wayAnd the otter hasn't got much to sayAnd the porcupine talks to himselfAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowDogs and the cats, they take up the middleWhile the honeybee hums and the cricket fiddlesThe donkey brays and the pony neighsThe old grey badger sighsListen to the bass, it's the one on the bottomWhere the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamusMoans and groans with a big t'doAnd the old cow just goes mooAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowIt's a simple song, a little song everywhereBy the ox and the fox and the grizzly bearThe dopey alligator and the the hawk aboveThe sly old weasel and the turtle doveAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowAll God's creatures got a place in the choir
This week we give thanks for two wonderful years with Fr Steven as our Rector, installed on 2nd October, he quickly became part of our church family. Fr Steven hasn't shied away from challenges - spiritual or practical! Who could forget the day he climbed to the top of our historic spire in his dog collar and brogues, highlighting the cost of repair works to the cedar shingles ... and having a bit of fun while he was at it!In worship, he has enriched our lives together, aside from out usual services he began a regular Evening Prayer group which has gained a small but dedicated attendance. He has also shared his love of Taizé through several moving services that have drawn people from across the community. The parish spiritual retreat to Storrington Priory in June offered a further space for prayer and renewal. These moments have helped our parishes grow deeper in faith and fellowship. For our younger members, Story @ 4 has offered a variety of themes, including back to school activities, a teddy bear picnic with adventurous bears taking a ride on a zipwire from the church tower, and a lively pet blessing service that welcomed creatures great and small into the church. And while we're on the topic of animals, we must mention Frodo the pseudo donkey's unforgettable Palm Sunday appearance, along with his generous "contribution" to the service. Outside of his ministry, we also admire Fr Steven's sense of adventure - when he's not climbing spires he can be found scaling mountains or braving the rapids in a kayak. 1 Peter 4:10-11“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.”As we celebrate this anniversary, we thank God for Fr Steven's dedication and friendship, and pray for many more years of shared worship and growth in our benefice.
