Dear Friends,
There is something rather special about September. It is a month of new beginnings. The summer holidays come to an end, the schools start again, and somehow the familiar rhythm of life returns. Even the weather seems to know that it is time to move on – although, after this summer, I suspect many of us will be quite happy to see a little less sunshine and a little more traditional English weather! And I think that has started.
The prophet Isaiah gives us a wonderful thought for this new season:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19
I love that image. God is always doing something new among us, although we don’t always notice it. Sometimes it is something dramatic; more often, it is found in the ordinary moments of our lives. I hope that wherever you have spent the summer, you have had the chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. I must admit that, for perhaps the first time in my life, I went away on holiday partly to get away from the heat! Of course, whilst we may have enjoyed the sunshine, we should also remember the serious impact of excessive heat on many in our communities, particularly our elderly neighbours and local farmers.
September brings new beginnings for our children and young people too. Some will be returning to a familiar classroom, some will be starting a new school, and for others it will be their very first day through the school gates. There will be excitement, perhaps a few nerves, and plenty of new things to discover. I am particularly looking forward to visiting our three church primary schools at Powick, Madresfield and Callow End, joining assemblies and getting to know the children and staff even better. This year we also have something particularly special: Education Sunday, at 11am on Sunday 13 September at Powick Church, when we will bring our three school communities together for the first time. It will be an opportunity to celebrate our schools and give thanks for all who do so much to help our children learn and flourish. Most of all, we will give thanks for the children themselves and pray that they may grow not only in knowledge, but also in wisdom, confidence, kindness, and an awareness of God’s love for them. Do come along – everyone is very welcome.
Isaiah’s words also have something to say to us about the life of our churches: “I am doing a new thing.” We rightly treasure what we have inherited, but we are not called simply to preserve it. We are also called to ask where God might be leading us next. That is certainly true at Powick, where Powick Unlocked continues to help us think about how this remarkable church can have a future as well as a past. And what better example of enthusiasm for that future than Phil Crammond, who recently ran the Sydney Marathon in an amazing 4 hours and 37 minutes, raising money for Powick Unlocked. I think we can all agree that running a marathon is an extraordinary way of supporting your local church! I want to offer Phil our heartfelt thanks and congratulations. His determination and generosity are a real encouragement.
A marathon is also quite a good picture of faith and church life. We don’t always know exactly what lies around the next corner. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply take the next step — and then another — trusting that God will guide us.
You will read elsewhere in this edition about our next Powick Unlocked talk, exploring the legacy of the English Civil War. Powick Church itself was caught up in that turbulent period, and remarkably, musket shot holes from the conflict can still be seen on the tower today. Howard Robinson, a direct descendant of Oliver Cromwell, will be joining us to help bring that fascinating history to life.
Our churches are places where past, present, and future meet. We inherit these buildings and stories from those who came before us; we worship in them today; and, God willing, we will hand them on to those who come after us. Perhaps that is why Isaiah’s words are such a good encouragement for September: “See, I am doing a new thing!” God is still at work — in our schools, our churches, our communities and in each one of us.
So, as we begin another season, may we have the eyes to see what God is doing, the courage to join in, and the faith to trust him with whatever comes next. And perhaps, as autumn begins, we can do so with thankful hearts for all that has been, hopeful hearts for all that is to come, and open hearts for the new things God is beginning among us.
With every blessing, Rev Gary