Dear Friends,
As I write, summer seems to have arrived with considerable enthusiasm- may be too much enthusiasm given the thermometer readings and Red/Amber Health Alerts. The recent spell of hot weather has left many of us seeking shade, opening/closing windows & curtains and keeping a close eye on the garden. Please do take care of yourselves, check in on neighbours who may be struggling with the heat, and remember to keep well hydrated. I was pleased to note a few churches took the initiative to open as a “Cooler Space” – that included Powick. I am not sure how many folks actually turned up at St Peter’s and took shelter and enjoyed our hospitality and fellowship, but at least it demonstrated to our communities that we can help. That said, before too long, I suspect the summer rains will come and our gardens, fields and water butts will be grateful for them.
On the TV, with flags and in our local pubs and through the media, attention is turning to great sporting occasions. The FIFA World Cup continues to capture imaginations, while Wimbledon once again reminds us of the beauty of discipline, perseverance, and grace under pressure. I am not forgetting the Cricket! For me, my summer is punctuated with the Air Show season – RAF Cosford was fantastic – I am now looking forward to Farnborough later this month. Trying to fit everything in is a challenge – especially when the weather urges us to slow down.
The Desert Fathers, those early Christian men and women who sought God in the deserts of Egypt and beyond, would perhaps smile at our busy lives. They understood something that remains deeply relevant today: that amidst the noise, activity and excitement of the world, the soul needs moments of stillness. One of their sayings was simply, “Sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” In other words, make space to be quiet before God.
That wisdom feels especially important in a season when so much seems to be happening around us. We have witnessed significant political change, including the departure of a Prime Minister from office. Whatever our political views, such moments remind us that leadership is both a privilege and a burden, and that all who serve in public life need our prayers and us to remember that our leaders (whether we elected for their political party or not) are human too, with emotions and feelings.
July will bring another important milestone in the life of our communities as we gather for school leavers’ services across our schools. These occasions are always moving, as our year 6 young people stand on the threshold of a new chapter. As part of these celebrations, we will once again be presenting inscribed Bibles to the leavers. My prayer is that these gifts will become treasured companions for the journey ahead: read in moments of curiosity, turned to in times of difficulty, and rediscovered in years to come. We plant seeds in faith, trusting God to bring growth in his own time.
The Desert Fathers often spoke of life as a pilgrimage rather than a race. That is a helpful reminder when our culture can sometimes make us feel that we must always be achieving, competing, or proving ourselves. The players at Wimbledon and the footballers on the world stage demonstrate remarkable commitment and skill, but the Christian life is not about winning trophies. It is about becoming more like Christ: growing in patience, kindness, faithfulness, and love. And running the race that is set before us: it may be a marathon rather than a sprint.
As summer unfolds, perhaps we might all take a little time to slow down. Sit in the garden (where possible), walk through the fields, enjoy the long evening light, and offer a prayer of gratitude. The Desert Fathers discovered that God is often found not in the dramatic or spectacular, but in the quiet place where we learn to listen.
With every blessing, Rev Gary
Summer Service Changes at Guarlford and Madresfield
For different reasons, our churches at Guarlford and Madresfield will have their services reduced to monthly (one service per church) this summer. The Guarlford service will take place at 9.30am on the Third Sunday of the Month: The Madresfield service will take place at 11am on the 4th Sunday of the month. The circumstances that have resulted in the reduction of services will be reviewed before September. Remember – there are services at Christ Church Malvern every Sunday at 11am – and Powick and Callow End are continuing with their fortnightly services too, for the time being. Rev Gary Crellin – Vicar of the Old Hills Malvern Churches with Christ Church Malvern