Dearest friends,
Summer often brings a welcome change of pace. Schools close, regular groups pause, familiar faces go away on holiday, and the longer days invite us to slow down and notice the world around us.
Rest is not an interruption to the Christian life; it is part of it. At the beginning of Scripture, God rests and makes that rest holy. The Sabbath is given to God’s people as a gift: a reminder that the world does not depend upon our endless effort. We may stop because God remains God, and because we are loved for who we are, not for how much we accomplish.
Jesus understood our need for rest. When his disciples were tired and surrounded by people needing their attention, he told them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” That same invitation is given to us.
Rest need not mean an expensive holiday. It may be an afternoon in the garden, a walk, a meal enjoyed without hurry, time with someone we love, or a few quiet minutes spent with God. True rest allows us to notice again what constant busyness makes us miss.
Our churches continue to worship throughout the summer, with the Mass remaining at the heart of our life. Here we stop, come with empty hands, and receive what only Jesus can give.
Whatever this summer holds, make some room to breathe, pray and rest. Receive it as God’s gift, and remember that the world will keep turning while you do.
In love,
Fr. Matthew
Parish arrangements while Fr. Matthew is away.
Fr. Matthew will be away from the parish from Thursday 23 July until Friday 4 September, returning to parish duties on Saturday 5 September.
During this period, clergy cover will be provided by Fr Robin Eastoe SSC, assisted by Deacon David Rogers, with Fr Richard Mutter joining us for one Sunday.
Our usual Sunday worship will continue throughout August; please see the service listings on the back of this pew sheet for full details.
For anything requiring attention before Fr. Matthew returns, please contact the appropriate churchwarden using the details in the pew sheet below.
The coming Sundays:
Sunday 26th July
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 1, Trinity 8, Proper 12
Sunday 2nd August
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 2, Trinity 9, Proper 13
Sunday 9th August
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 3, Trinity 10, Proper 14
Sunday 16th August
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 4, Trinity 11, Proper 15
Sunday 23rd August
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 1, Trinity 12, Proper 16
Sunday 30th August
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 2, Trinity 13, Proper 17
Sunday 6th September
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 3, Trinity 14, Proper 18
Other Dates
July
23rd – Sending Mass for Fr. Matthew’s Pilgrimage, 10am [SJ]
25th – Quiz with Fish & Chips [SL]
26th – NA Benefice Evensong, West Ogwell
Sept
2nd – St. Luke’s Ladies Group
5th – Glastonbury Pilgrimage
10th – Winter Term & Christmas Planning Meeting [SL]
11th – Bingo [SL]
13th – Explorers
20th – Lecture, Church Vestments (4pm) [WH]
Afternoon Tea (5pm) [WH]
Evensong (6pm) [SJ]
27th – NA Benefice Evensong, St. Mary’s
No Ladies Group in August
No midweek Mass in August
Fr. Matthew on pilgrimage from 23rd July to 4th September
[SJ] St. John’s | [SL] St. Luke’s | [WH] Wickham Hall
[SC] St. Catherine’s School