Vicar’s Letter – July 2025
New Fruits for a New Season
Dear Friends,
At this time of year, our gardens, hedgerows, and even the supermarket shelves are bursting with fruit. Strawberries for Wimbledon, raspberries for jam, tomatoes ripening on the windowsill. It’s that wonderful season when everything feels alive and abundant—and let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like eating fruit in season, when it’s at its juiciest and most flavoursome. And I have had some luck – not normally known for being green-fingered, we harvested the first raspberries from our garden this last week, and the blueberries are nearly there. And we had our first Gooseberry Crumble!
That image of fruit is exactly what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the early Christians in Galatia. In Galatians 5, he describes the “fruit of the Spirit”—not apples or blackberries, but qualities that grow in us when we stay connected to God’s love and Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Just like the strawberries and tomatoes, these fruits flourish when the conditions are right. But here’s the thing—life isn’t always sunny. There are times when we feel more like a winter greenhouse than a summer orchard. Yet Paul reminds us that these fruits of the Spirit can still grow, even “out of season.” Sometimes, kindness looks like a quiet word to someone who’s struggling. Joy might be found in the smallest moment—a smile, a shared cup of tea, or simply noticing the beauty around us, even on a grey day. Peace may feel elusive, but God promises it’s still available when we lean on Him.
It’s also a season when we think about our young people moving into new settings. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be celebrating school leavers’ services for our three church schools – at Madresfield, Powick and Callow End – giving thanks for all they’ve learned and experienced and blessing them as they step into the unknown of their new schools. We also say farewell to some staff members too and we give thanks to the service of Sarah Wilkinson as she steps down as Headteacher at Callow End Primary School. Happy retirement, Sarah!
For our school leavers (children or staff)—and for us—it’s a reminder that God’s harvest doesn’t happen just once a year. Every season of life offers the chance to grow new fruit, even if it feels unfamiliar or uncertain. Jesus also told a parable about talents—coins entrusted to servants while their master was away. Some invested their talents and saw growth; one buried his, afraid of failing. The message is simple: God has planted gifts within each of us—seeds of kindness, faithfulness, courage, creativity, and so much more. The question is: Will we invest them? Will we allow those fruits to ripen, even when the conditions aren’t perfect?
And let’s not forget, summer itself is often a time for fruit to rest and ripen. The same is true for us. Whether you’re heading off on holiday, taking time in the garden, enjoying some quieter moments, or simply pausing to catch your breath—it’s OK to slow down. In fact, it’s essential. Rest isn’t wasted time; it’s when the fruit of the Spirit matures quietly within us. Love deepens. Patience stretches. Joy grows steady roots.
For all of us, this season invites reflection. What fruits are we seeing in our own lives right now? Perhaps love, joy, and peace are in full bloom. Or perhaps patience and self-control are still a little green on the vine. That’s OK. The Holy Spirit isn’t done with us yet. And for a change, I have not linked this letter to Church Transformation!
And as we look to the months ahead—the harvest festivals, new beginnings, and the ongoing life of our parishes—let’s encourage one another to nurture those fruits, to share them generously, and to celebrate the new things God is growing in us, in every season.
Whether you’re enjoying strawberries in the sun, heading off on holiday, or simply hoping for a little more peace and joy in your daily life—may you know the Spirit at work within you. God is always planting new seeds, bringing fresh fruit, and calling us to share the harvest.
With love and prayers,
Reverend Gary Crellin
Area Dean of Malvern & Upton and Vicar of the Old Hills Malvern Churches