Dear EFP folk,

How quickly the grass recovers its greenness after rain! Parched and brown not long ago, now looking more itself again. The mower may need to come out after its surprising summer hibernation (or ‘aestivation').

The Church's Season of Creation is upon us. This year sees the introduction of new worldwide Christian festival - the Festival of Creation in Christ on September 1st. We will celebrate this tomorrow at Escot’s 11am service. 
Why the phrase ‘Creation in Christ’? It reminds us of the deep perspective the Christian faith gives us on the universe we live in: that it isn’t just awe-inspiring but everything in it reflects Christ; our world may be hurting and broken, but it is also being redeemed and made new. 

Services tomorrow Sun 6th -
Storytime - Feniton - 9.15am
Communion - Escot - 11am - Festival of Creation in Christ
nb No Reflection with Music at Payhembury this month

Do peruse the September notice sheet (attached) for what’s on this month.
Dates particularly to note -
Sat 3rd Oct - Barbara Hemsley’s LLM licensing service - Exeter Cathedral 2pm
Sat 3rd Oct - Ottery Deanery Quiet Day - West Hill 10am-3pm - signing-up by Friday 11th recommended (see attached flier)


Learning about the Ancient world
The New Testament times were those of Classical Civilisation. Feniton resident Dr Laura Keen offers individual tuition on the languages and culture of that time that can help us understand the Bible’s backdrop. See the attached flier.


Thought for the day - dryness
The grass has been dry and parched. Do we sometimes feel that way ourselves? We all have seasons in our soul, and in our lives, when everything can feel dried up. We may look back longingly at a time when life felt well-watered, and wonder if we will ever be there again. But the rains will come. The desert’s dryness was a metaphor for the Israelites of their need for God: "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink,” said Jesus. This isn’t always easy, nor are our problems instantly resolved. But there are deep streams from which we can draw. When this is us, when we are dry, may be draw from that well and drink. 

God bless,
David

Team Vicar - Payhembury and Feniton with Escot, Otter Vale Team 
Tel 01404 850905