Updates From the Rector - September 2021

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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 5th September 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


Once again we begin the lovely season of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness' there is certainly an autumnal feel in the air, nonetheless a good weather forecast for the beginning of the week - I hope it is able to compliment your spirits and hopes 


UPDATE


There is no change to the update of the past few weeks, as most will know local rates though higher than for most of the pandemic have thankfully started to recede again, with considerable pockets of high rate nearby - so it is effectively no change from the past few weeks.  Let us continue to hope (for many obvious reasons) that we may soon return to closer to 'normal' in our worship. Our current protocols may be quickly accessed by way of reminder at www.wemcofe.co.uk


Up to date information may be found at Church of England website  and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - 5th SEP (14th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY)


Wem Parish Church:

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 

13:00 - Holy Baptism, please remember Olivia in your prayers


Weston Parish Church:

09:30 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 


Lee Parish Chrch:

11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


THIS SUNDAY:  THE FOURTEENTH AFTER TRINITY


LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.


08:00 - Holy Eucharist (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist, for the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity

17:30 - Choral Evensong


OR

 

Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 0900.   This week:


09:00 - "Taking a radical new perspective on the world."  A Service of the Word for the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.   "We, who are poor in Spirit, have been given the riches of God's grace."  This Sunday, the national online service will be lead by Rev Tiffer Robinson, this explores how we can take a radical new perspective on the world.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC

 

Radio Four:  08:10 - Sunday Worship.  'Back to the Square Mile.'  From All Hallows by the Tower with Area Dean and Vicar the Revd Kathleen Hedderly.  Nowhere in England has so many churches packed so close together than the Square Mile of the banking and financial services sector in London.  There the Christian Community has been working hard to welcome 1000s of workers back to this historic patch.


BBC ONE:  13:15 - Songs of Praise.  'The Journey to Forgiveness.'  Aled Jones investigates why the act of forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith.  Visiting St Ethelburga's centre for Reconciliation and Peace in Bishopsgate, which exists to transform conflict and division into new relationships and peaceful communities.


Please find attached the readingsHomily and 'Live the Word' for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications).  Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and an especially powerful Diocesan Prayer Diary.


NEXT SUNDAY 15th AFTER TRINITY (Education Sunday)


Wem:

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


Weston:

09:30 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Lee:

11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8th  - BIRTH OF THE BVM


A 'Lesser' yet still important Feast Day of Our Lady, to use once again Wordsworth's memorable phrase, 'Our tainted nature's solitary boast' - a day to pray the following Collect (from the Church in Wales):


Almighty God,

who chose the blessed Virgin Mary

to be the mother of your only Son:

grant that we who are redeemed in him

may, by your grace,

be holy and obedient to your word:

through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God for ever. 


PARISH MAGAZINE


I was tempted to attach to this bulk email...but fear it might overload matters so please expect  copy vv soon indeed!  Many thanks as always to Pam for her patient editing of this and correction of my pytos!


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK


In his Sep message Adrian Dorber the Dean of our Cathedral writes:


"The key in Jewish and Christian understanding of the Creation and the Environment is that human beings are co-workers with God in husbanding and mediating blessing.  We are not plunderers, mere consumers, taskmasters, but, if you like, priests, using care, creativity, observation, deduction and skill to enable creation to thrive, and in its thriving to find our happiness.  The Church of England has responded to the urgency of the climate crisis by setting targets for all parts of the Church to become carbon “net zero” by 2030.  For sure, the care of creation is fundamental to all that we hold dear about life and existence itself.  “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the compass of the world and all who live therein”  (Psalm 24:1).  Future generations will judge us on how we did or did not respond to the current emergency."


"Faith must be the solvent of fear and untruth."


This is season of Creation tide let us pray as never before for our world environment; remembering how our human rapaciousness has made the ecological balance so fragile, considering the imperative of Climate Justice and asking God through The Spirit to nurture us in doing all we can for our world's future:


Heavenly Father,

You have taught us, through your servant St Francis,

That all creation is your handiwork.

Grant us your grace that we may

Exercise wise stewardship of this Earth;

Tread lightly upon it;

And cherish its resources;

That our children may enjoy its riches, throughout all generations,

And your name be glorified through all that you have made.

Amen.















With every good wish for the week ahead, may it be the best possible for you - take care,


Nick

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  Benefice Magazine - September 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


Please find attached the September Benefice Magazine,


Hope you are having a good weekend, take care,


Nick Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 12th September 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


I trust all is well with yourself and those closest to you and that this finds you in the best of spirits.


UPDATE


Let us continue to hope (for many obvious reasons) that we may soon return to closer to 'normal' in our worship. Our current protocols may be quickly accessed by way of reminder at www.wemcofe.co.uk.   As I type the rates for our specific areas have shown a rise and those around our area a real 'mixed bag' with some areas high yet reducing, others rising and some significantly lower however as yet none as any would wish.  I am meeting all the church wardens early next week and I can assure you we will consider, again, where we should be at present apropos our actions and care.


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - 12 SEP (15TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY) - EDUCATION SUNDAY


Wem Parish Church

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 

13:00 and 15:00 - Holy Baptisms - please remember Grace & Jack and Ottilie & Delilah in your prayers


Weston Parish Church

11:00 -   Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) Please note the change in time


Lee Parish Church

No service, joint with St Luke's Weston


EDUCATION SUNDAY


Why education Sunday?  The following is from the foreword to the Churches Together in England resources


"Education Sunday provides a great opportunity to give thanks to God for all who teach and all who study, for all who continually have to find the right words and deliver them with enthusiasm and graciousness, for all who have to build constructively on all that has been learnt before while constantly opening up new horizons."

Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, President of Churches Together in England


So much to be grateful for and pray about.


THIS SUNDAY:  THE FIFTEENTH AFTER TRINITY



LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.

 

08:00 - Holy Eucharist (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist, for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

17:30 - Choral Evensong


OR


Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00.   This week:


09:00 - "Climate Sunday."  Join to pray for those impacted by global warming and other extreme weather events in this week's service.  Led by Rev Canon Giles Goddard, the service focuses on the climate emergency.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC


Radio Four:  08:10 - Sunday Worship.  'Finding a Voice- the National Youth Choir of Wales.'  Reflections of the theme of 'finding a voice' in the context of the new academic year, based around the story of the young prophet Samuel - who discovers the potential for his own voice by hearing and responding to the call of God.  Including contributions from the National Youth Choir of Wales, about to embark on new beginnings of their own.


BBC ONE:  14:45 - Songs of Praise.  'Pendle Radicals.'  Sean Fletcher climbs Pendle Hill in Lancashire to learn how the area inspired radical Christians in the past.  James Lusted meets pastor Mick Fleming, in nearby Burnley, who is carrying on the tradition of radical Christianity in the area.


Please find attached the readingsHomily and 'Live the Word' for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications).  Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and an especially powerful Diocesan Prayer Diary.


NEXT SUNDAY 16th AFTER TRINITY


Wem:

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


Weston:

09:30 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Lee:

11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


WEM CHURCH - WORKS


From Monday of this week the wood-block flooring in SS Peter and Paul's will be being re-laid/repaired, this will affect the area to the front of the Nave, Lady Chapel and around the Font.  All will be delighted to read this as it has been increasingly a H&S concern due to the trip hazard and rapid deterioration of late.   This is expected to last until NLT Friday 24th so do not be surprised or alarmed at any daytime activity in the building during this period.  Please do not necessarily let this inhibit your going into the building if you wish, or need to; however you must follow any directions from those working on the flooring and equally obey any signage.  It may, of course, be the case that the work necessitates a temporary 'out of bounds' for the church, however, worry not we will be able to meet on Sunday 19th and contingencies will be in place for any funerals which may yet come in.


HOLY CROSS DAY - 14th SEP


In our Church Year 14th September (this Tue) is marked as Holy Cross Day, a date and name from our Book of Common Prayer calendar yet one of even deeper historical provenance.  Good Friday, very clearly, is dedicated to the passion of Christ and the crucifixion, this feast day marks the cross itself as the sign of salvation. - The marking of the universal symbol of our salvation shared in common on this day with our sisters and brothers in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox communions.  A day to reflect, perhaps turn to Philippians 2. 6-11 or read John 3. 13-17 and share in the Collect for this day:


Almighty God,

who in the passion of your blessed Son

made an instrument of painful death

to be for us the means of life and peace:

grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ

that we may gladly suffer for his sake;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.


THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK


Nature is resilient, yet delicate. We are already witnessing the consequences of our refusal to protect and preserve it (Gn 2.15). Now, in this moment, we have an opportunity to repent, to tum around in resolve, to head in the opposite direction. We must pursue generosity and fairness in the ways that we live, work and use money, instead of selfish gain.


“A Joint Message for the Protection of Creation”  by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Francis,

 and the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, released 7th September


Somewhere in the last 300 or 400 years in the popular saying of the Lord’s Prayer, it somehow changed from “in earth” to “on earth”. This tiny change encompasses for me all that is wrong in our relationship with the earth of which we are a part. We used to understand that we live in it, we are part of it, we depend on it and that, as good stewards of the earth, the earth depends on us. Then, somehow, we decided that we did not live in it any more but on it; it was ours and we could do with it as we wanted.


Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, speaking during a House of Lords debate on the Environment Bill, 7 September



Heavenly Father,

You have taught us, through your servant St Francis,

That all creation is your handiwork.

Grant us your grace that we may

Exercise wise stewardship of this Earth;

Tread lightly upon it;

And cherish its resources;

That our children may enjoy its riches, throughout all generations,

And your name be glorified through all that you have made.

Amen.















Look after yourselves and those around you and have the best week you can, every good wish,


Nick Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 19th September 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


Yet another week, may it have been as fulfilling for you as possible and this find you in good spirits.


UPDATE


Let us continue to hope (for many obvious reasons) that we may soon return to closer to 'normal' in our worship.   Yet again as I type the rates for our specific areas and those around our area a real 'mixed bag' with Wem at 348.9 per 100K and Weston at 480.2 per 100K, we will keep things as they are with care and caution - yet also confidence that our worship environments are safe as long as we follow our now well established protocols, our current protocols may be quickly accessed by way of reminder at www.wemcofe.co.uk


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - 19 SEP (16th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY) - Battle of Britain Sunday


Wem Parish Church

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 


Weston Parish Church

09:30 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 


Lee Parish Church

11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 


THIS SUNDAY:  THE SIXTEENTH AFTER TRINITY


LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.


08:00 - Holy Eucharist (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist, for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity (also a commemoration of the Birthday of Dr Samuel Johnson)

17:30 - Choral Evensong


OR


Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00.   This week:


09:00 - "Following the Example of Christ."  Join for a service of the Word for The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity from St Peter’s, Colchester. Led by Rt Rev Rod Thomas, the Bishop of Maidstone, the service focuses on following the example of Christ.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC


Radio Four:  08:10 - Sunday Worship.  'Hope in Despair.'  The Right Rev Dr David Brice, Moderator of the Irish Presbyterian Church reflects on how hope may be found in situations of despair.  led by Rev Joanne Smith.


BBC ONE:  14:45 - Songs of Praise.  'Fruits of Creation.'  The Rev Kate Bottley joins Christians in Hackney giving thanks for the fruits of creation as churches prepare to celebrate their harvest festivals..  With hymns old and new to celebrate harvest.


Please find attached the readingsHomily and 'Live the Word' for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications).  Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and the Diocesan Prayer Diary.


NEXT SUNDAY 17th AFTER TRINITY 


Wem:

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


Weston:

11:00 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Lee:

11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)



Advance notice:  On Sun 3 Oct there will be a united service with all three parishes together in St Peter & St Paul's Wem at 0945.  Thereafter the church wardens from all 3 parishes have decided that throughout the interregnum on the first Sunday of the month there will be a united/joint benefice service, again at 0945.


WEM CHURCH - WORKS (SS P& P's)


The wood-block flooring in SS Peter and Paul's has been re-laid/repaired in the area to the front of the Nave, Lady Chapel and around the Font.  All will be delighted to read this as it has been increasingly a H&S concern due to the trip hazard and rapid deterioration of late.   This week sees the sanding down and polishing of the wood-block to complete the tasking.   Please do not necessarily let this inhibit your going into the building if you wish, or need to; however you must follow any directions from those working on the flooring and equally obey any signage.   As hoped there will be no impact on this Sunday's Eucharists, Larry Jenkin's memorial proceeded without a hitch as, I trust, will the funeral scheduled for 1100 on Thu.


WESTON FOOD-BANK COFFEE MORNING


Well done and thank you to all involved in St Luke's outdoor (churchyard) coffee morning held last week.  This raised the impressive sum £250 for the Whitchurch Foodbank, such a critical and (very sadly) necessary cause.


SUPPORT TO AFGHAN REFUGEES


It would have taken a hard heart indeed not to have been distressed by the scenes in our media from Afghanistan just a few weeks ago.  Words fail me............…   However, there are ways we can help, no matter how small, and make a difference.  I am grateful to Katherine Murray for drawing our attention to the following:


“There is a collection point in Shrewsbury for items needed to support evacuee families from Afghanistan being settled in our area. It's in an industrial unit, 11A Centurion Park in Harlescott, (behind Wickes). They are asking for all kinds of household items (bedding, towels, kitchen equipment) as well as suitable clothing, baby equipment, toiletries, toys etc (but not food). I wonder if you might make this known


Absolutely Katherine!!  Please if you have any such items do drop them off and let others know too.


FEAST OF MATTHEW, APOSTLE and EVANGELIST: TUESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER


Matthew Chapter 9. 9- 13 


Matthew appears in the list of the 12 apostles, according to the Gospel written under his name was tax- collector. (Mark and Luke called the tax- collector Levi, it is assumed they are the same.) This occupation, then, was despised as it entailed collaboration with the oppressing Roman forces, even so Jesus ate with Matthew and with his friends causing outrage. In doing so Jesus showed the universality of God’s love, not to judge by outward appearance and that God’s call in Christ overcomes human distinction. Unsurprisingly Matthew is the Patron St of tax- collectors: today we should remember with thanksgiving all who work in this, now honourable, profession without which scarcely anything in our common life which we too often take for granted would be remotely possible. 


May we all find time at some point during the day to pray the following collect, thus uniting ourselves, as one, across the Church on this Feast Day:


Almighty God,

whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax- collector

to be an apostle and evangelist:

give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain

and the possessive love of riches 

that we may follow the way of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.


INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE


Each year on 21 September the World Council of Churches calls churches and parishes to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace. 21 September is also the United Nations-sponsored International Day of Peace. About the International Day of Prayer for Peace

The International Day of Prayer for Peace offers an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and society. The idea was proposed in 2004 during a meeting between WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and coincides with the UN International Day of Peace. The Day of Prayer is one of the initiatives of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence:


Most Holy God and Father

Hear our prayers for all who strive for peace.

And all who strive for justice.

Help us, who today remember the cost of war,

to work for a better tomorrow,

and as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,

bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence,

through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.  Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK


“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”


- Martin Luther King 














May you have the best possible week, take care and every good wish,


Nick,


N P Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550



- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 25th September 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


What an absolutely gorgeous few days, sometimes parts of Sep can be an absolute treat.  I do hope that no matter what else this may have raised your spirits and that as always this finds you in the best possible etc


UPDATE


"Let us continue to hope (for many obvious reasons) that we may soon return to closer to 'normal' in our worship."  So I wrote last week and not having looked at the local rates for a few days I was full of high hopes, however, painfully, I note Weston's rate is still in the high 400s and Wem's at 586, so, for now, we will keep things as they are with care and caution - yet also confidence that our worship environments are safe as long as we follow our now well established protocols, these may be quickly accessed by way of reminder at www.wemcofe.co.uk

Doubtless this will be discussed at the Wem PCC on Mon day and I'm sure the CWs from across the benefice will be concurring too in the very near future.


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - 26 SEP 17TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 


Wem Parish Church

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 


Please note: The Wem 10k race will be taking place so it may be sensible to arrive a shade earlier, leaving afterwards should be unencumbered.  [Perhaps take a look at the Town Council's website for more info'?]


Weston Parish Church

11:00 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) 


Lee Parish Church

11:15. Holy Eucharist for HARVEST FESTIVAL -  (with homily and hymn music) 


THIS SUNDAY:  THE SEVENTEENTH AFTER TRINITY


LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.

 

08:00 - Holy Eucharist (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist, for the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity 

17:30 - Choral Evensong


OR

 

Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00.   This week:


09:00 - "Celebrating God's Generosity."  Take time and space to reflect on God’s generosity.  Join a service from St Gabriel's Church, Greystones, as Bishop Guli delivers the sermon from Chelmsford Cathedral.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC


Radio Four:  08:10 - Sunday Worship.  'All Good Gifts.'  Harvest Festival from Westbury on Trym, Bristol.  In the midst of urgent concerns about humanity's impact on the environment at this time of Harvest and Creationtide thanks are given to God as Creator and Sustainer of all.  Before ordination the preacher, The Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough, was a Professor of Developmental Politics specialising in environmental and developmental politics.  Leader the Vicar Rather Andre Hart.


BBC ONE:  13:15 - Songs of Praise.  'Where Songs of Praise Began'.  Aled Jones introduces highlights from 60 years of S of P from Cardiff where the first programme was made.  The archbishop of York reflects on the place of S of P in our national life at momentous occasions and you can be quite sure of some superb hymns.


Please find attached the readingsHomily and 'Live the Word' for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications).  Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and the .


NEXT SUNDAY 18th AFTER TRINITY 


Wem:

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

            09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music).


A united service with all three parishes together in St Peter & St Paul's Wem at 09:45.  So, please note, no service in Weston and Lee on this Sunday and thereafter throughout the interregnum the church wardens from all 3 parishes have decided that on the first Sunday of the month there will be a united/joint benefice service, again at 09:45.


FUTURE BULK EMAILS


If you've ever wondered who else receives these emails I send to everyone (BCC) on the Wem Electoral Roll (plus a few others) for whom I have an email address.  Very kindly Phoebe Ashton and Sylvia Griffiths forward to the ER contacts and others from Weston and Lee.  I don't think these emails will be continued in their current form post my departure...but they will be a really good way for the church wardens or PCCs to let a lot of you know, and quickly, any news - for instance any changes to service times occasioned by the interregnum.

One cannot assume that you wish to continue receiving, if you do not please let either myself, Phoebe or Sylvia know asap. Ta!


WEM CHURCH - WORKS (SS P& P's)


The wood-block flooring in SS Peter and Paul's has almost been finished, we're in the home strait and all that is now needed is a final sand and last coating.  This will take place on Mon (and possibly Tue) as before do please fell free to go into church but always follow any directions from the craftsman/contractor.  There has been no disruption to our funeral ministrations and all will be in good order for this Sunday.


WEM PCC (Via ZOOM)


This will be held at 19:30 on Monday 27th, all should have had an invitation from Chris by now - if not please let me know.  A 'full house' for this one would be especially helpful.


SUPPORT TO AFGHAN REFUGEES


I am quite sure a reiteration of last week's posting about this is well in order and remain grateful to Katherine Murray for drawing our attention to the following:


there is a collection point in Shrewsbury for items needed to support evacuee families from Afghanistan being settled in our area. It's in an industrial unit, 11A Centurion Park in Harlescott, (behind Wickes). They are asking for all kinds of household items (bedding, towels, kitchen equipment) as well as suitable clothing, baby equipment, toiletries, toys etc (but not food). I wonder if you might make this known.


CREATIONTIDE


This season marked by countless Christians the world over draws to its close at the end of this coming week.  It is a time of prayer for our planet, its fragile ecosystem and those prophetic voices straining so hard to change the direction of our common life so that the earth may flourish and future generations may celebrate the fullness of God's creation.  This was mentioned at the start of Creationtide, it is mentioned at the end of the season as frankly we cannot pray too much for the whole area of climate crisis -  please do so whenever moved, let us all take what ever step we can individually for our common good and share during the week to come in the following prayer:


Heavenly Father,

You have taught us, through your servant St Francis,

That all creation is your handiwork.

Grant us your grace that we may

Exercise wise stewardship of this Earth;

Tread lightly upon it;

And cherish its resources;

That our children may enjoy its riches, throughout all generations,

And your name be glorified through all that you have made.

Amen.


The new declaration from representatives of religious communities across the United Kingdom calls for people to be “advocates for justice” ahead of the Glasgow summit.   Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, and lead Bishop on the Environment for the Church of England, signed the letter alongside leaders of every major Christian denomination and representatives from Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities.   Please find more attached:


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK


'Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money.' Unknown.  










Keep taking care and enjoy the coming week, every good wish,


Nick


N P Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550