There is something rather special about August. For many, it is a month of holidays, family gatherings, and the chance—hopefully—to slow the pace of life for a while. It is a season of journeys, whether to the coast, the countryside or somewhere a little further afield. This summer has reminded us of both the beauty and the fragility of God’s creation. Here in the UK, we have experienced periods of intense heat, while across parts of Spain and France devastating wildfires have destroyed homes, livelihoods, and precious countryside, disrupting holidays, and bringing heartache to many communities. Our prayers remain with all those affected, and with the emergency services responding with such courage.
Yet there have also been moments that have lifted our spirits. Wimbledon and the World Cup – and right now the slimmed down Commonwealth Games in Glasgow- have brought excitement, encouragement, and a welcome sense of togetherness. At a time when the world continues to face conflict and uncertainty, and as we adjust to a new Government at home, such moments remind us that hope and community still matter.
Journeys have featured quite a lot in my thinking recently. We recently celebrated St James’ Day at Callow End Church, whose shrine at Santiago de Compostela has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Before long, I shall be making my own journey there once again. I should confess that my pilgrimage is rather less strenuous than many – It involves a cruise ship and a coach rather than weeks of walking across northern Spain. Even so, each visit reminds me that life itself is a journey of faith. The important question is not simply where we are going, but who is travelling with us.
That thought has stayed with me as I have looked back over the life of our churches this year. Concerts, exhibitions, community events, and worship have brought hundreds of people through our doors. Along the way we have shared countless conversations over tea—and I suspect, enough cake to have fed the five thousand! Every event has reminded me that our churches are not museums but places of welcome, belonging and hope at the heart of our communities.
One of my favourite verses from Isaiah begins with a simple invitation: “Come, all you who are thirsty.” People are thirsty in many different ways—for friendship, peace, purpose or simply someone to listen. Whether someone joins us for worship, visits a community event or steps into church for a few moments of quiet, my hope is that they discover something of God’s generous welcome.
There has been another cause for thanksgiving too. We have now received permission for the next stage of the process to undertake the long-awaited repairs to the south roof at St Peter’s, Powick. Caring for our church buildings is never simply about preserving old stones; it is about ensuring that these places of prayer and welcome continue serving future generations.
As August unfolds, I hope you find time to rest and be refreshed. Wherever your journey takes you this summer, remember that Christ walks beside you. We never travel alone.
With every blessing, Rev Gary