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June 2025

Dear Friends,

If you’ve recently been up to the churchyard, you’ll have noticed that we’ve been joined by a dozen (and counting!) spring lambs. An array of children’s stories and nursery rhymes had led me to believe that sheep make gentle little bleating noises. Since I arrived at St Giles I have found that this is not quite true... I’ve been surprised to find that the sheep, especially when they are expecting their breakfast, make noises more akin to a scream than a bleat. This is really quite endearing, but can also be a little distracting when we’re having a service in church and the sheep are merrily screaming outside.

This has been a particular source of amusement for us over the last few Sundays, where we have had a run of readings about sheep and shepherds. One of my favourites is where Jesus describes himself as the ‘good shepherd’. In the Bible, and the ancient world in general, shepherding was a very important occupation. The shepherd had the job of not only feeding and caring for the sheep, but also defending them from danger – usually in the form of wild beasts! In calling himself the ‘good shepherd’ Jesus reminds us that he watches over us and cares for us in the way of a good shepherd.

He also says ‘my sheep hear my voice’ but more recently at St Giles we have been hearing the voice of the sheep! They are very much loved and well looked after (thanks James!) so their vocalness isn’t anything to worry about. In fact, every time I hear them I’m reminded of what Jesus says about being a good shepherd, and the joy that it is to belong to his little flock here in Codicote.

With my prayers and best wishes,

Rev’d Christie