Rector - Revd. Teresa Townsend

Dear Friends,

The summer is over! Wet weather has returned, and we are doing what is typical in this country — taking various items of outside clothing with us ‘just in case’! The other day, Nic and I were visiting life-long friends in Winsley, and we went out for a walk. As we started out, the drizzle began, followed very quickly by a downpour. By the time we returned to the house about forty minutes later, it was completely dry, with blue skies and sunshine — and we were all rather warm. Those necessary layers had become burdens.

Being prepared for all eventualities is something that we get used to quite quickly. These Ramblings from the Rectory are being written on a very changeable day, yet despite the conditions, you are still likely to find Nic in the Rectory garden busily sorting out what needs to be cleared away for the year, enjoying all the flowers still in bloom, and harvesting the crops that have been sown. There seems to have been a great many yellow courgettes this year. We have experimented and enjoyed a bountiful crop of cucamelons, and Nic has been busy making chutneys and passata out of the various tomatoes that have soaked up the sunshine. He is also planting for the new season, choosing next year’s crops. I have been helping by marking the vegetables in the seed catalogue that I don’t like and hope he won’t grow! Preparation never stops — and for the most part, we wouldn’t want it to.

On some occasions, getting prepared heralds some exciting event — a holiday, a new job or school, a new baby, or a wedding. Our youngest members of our primary schools have started in the reception classes, and there are new children at our nurseries. Some of our young people have begun secondary school or college, and others are busy transporting carloads of belongings into university accommodation. I do sometimes think that, in terms of preparedness, our young people show more resilience than those of us who are older. Change is something to be expected — even if it is a challenge for some of them, and greater help is needed to navigate those changes.

I’m sure you have found in your own lives that being ready for different things — whether they bring happiness, worry, or upset — is always easier when you have someone to walk alongside you, to listen when it’s needed, and to laugh with you when you don’t feel like laughing. There is comfort in having familiarity around when things feel overwhelming, and I pray that you may have the right people to support you in your life.

As the nights draw in and the warmth and light of the summer sun become but a memory, have you thought about how you are preparing for the winter months to come? Are you considering activities and social gatherings that allow you to enjoy company and friendship? Are you hoping to escape to warmer climes for a while? Have you noted whether your neighbours or family might need anything? And if it is you who is in need, do your neighbours and family know that?

There are times when we cannot be prepared for all that we end up experiencing, just as sometimes we get caught out by the unpredictable nature of the weather. When — if — that happens, please reach out for help where you can.

And do remember, if we can offer our own help, support, and prayers, we are here for you — to listen and to care. Within our communities, it is common to hear the phrase, ‘I wasn’t well/I was unhappy/I was worried — but I didn’t want to bother you/the church with it.’ Please do bother us — that is why we are here. Our primary role is to show all those in our villages that our mission is to offer love and support — willingly given.

May you find peace in whatever you are preparing for at the moment. Do get in touch for a chat and a cup of tea — it would be lovely to see you.

Every blessing,
Teresa