I’ve said it before, and I will say it again …. There’s always lots of events and happenings in
St Marks and in beautiful Swanage. We had a really wonderful summer, although the lack of rain caused several heath fires and difficulties for farmers and gardeners.

We enjoyed music festivals, carnival, fireworks, and at St Marks, special birthdays and wedding anniversary celebrations, afternoon events including our annual BBQ, all very enjoyable and successful. We now have a shiny new BBQ, donated by Jean and Bernards’ daughter, Helen, and partner Terry, and so we look forward to ‘christening’ it next summer for our BBQ, with the help of Helen, Terry, and Dave, once again!

On 12th September we opened the church for the annual Ride and Stride in aid of Dorset Historic Churches and welcomed some visitors to St Marks. After our successful walk last year, with other local churches, we hope to organise a walk, next year, raising money for all our churches.

As I write this, mid September, we are looking forward to Sunday 27th September, when we will hold a special Celebration Service of Thanksgiving and Blessing for our Pets, both pets and their owners will be made to feel very welcome and I’m sure they will all be very well behaved! We will have plenty of refreshments, after the service, including coffee and cakes and special dog biscuits, for our furry visitors. Now, I wonder if I can borrow a lama for the morning…..!!

The ‘Herston Our Village’ Facebook page, is growing well and increasing in followers and local news blocs.

We are busy planning for our Harvest Festival celebrations, with our Harvest Service on 4th October, starting at 11am, with a Bring and Share Lunch to follow. We are collecting Foods for the Swanage Food Bank. I’m sure that the church will be full of wonderful autumnal colours and smells. Thank you, in advance, to everyone who has contributed to our Harvest Festival.

St Marks School will be having their Harvest Service in St Marks Church, on Thursday 8th October, when the children will be able to enjoy the wonderful harvest flowers and vegetable displays and to bring their harvest gifts for the Swanage Food Bank.

The nights are already drawing in and there is a slight chill in the air in the mornings and evenings. Summer is coming to an end, but Autumn is a wonderful time to admire the variety of colours and changes in the world around us.

The shops are starting to stock their winter goods, and I know I have already spotted some packets of Christmas cards on the shelves!!!

A reflection:

Hope – giving God,

thank you for creating a world full of seeds

that testify to your loving investment

in the land and in our lives.

Just as you rejoice to see those seeds bear fruit,

we come to you at this festival time

with the fruit of praise and thanksgiving

for your goodness and faithful love.

Amen (by Martyn Payne)

May God Bless and Keep You.

Anne Roper

Church Warden