BLESSINGS FROM THE VICARAGE

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I’m sure you have all noticed this year that our fruit and veg has come on earlier due to the hot weather, and I’ve had bumper crops of squash, courgettes, rhubarb, curly kale and green beans (over 2” long! I’m only sad I couldn’t bring them to the Hort. and Prod show - might have won something!). The onions, carrots and parsnips, however, were smaller this year probably for the same reason. And as for apples… We’ve had apples almighty! (I’m allowed to say that as a vicar 😊). Honestly, bonkers amounts of apples and huge ones too! I think many others are in this situation too. So, there is quite an abundance of wonderful food around at present, which is appropriate because as we come into October, we celebrate Harvest!

As you see in our October cover picture of the harvest flowers in church from last year, it is a time of vibrant colour and abundance of produce. But may I encourage you to look at the beautiful leaded church window beside the flowers? It depicts the biblical story of Jesus (the one with a halo in a reddish robe holding his hand up in blessing): firstly being approached by a synagogue leader (man to Jesus’ right with cerise coloured hat and green clothes) because his 12 year old child is so ill she might die, and he wants Jesus to come urgently and heal her; and secondly, having a woman who had been severely ill with haemorrhages for 12 years just touching the hem of Jesus’ robe, because, as she says to herself, “if I but touch the hem of His robe, I will be healed.” (The woman has a grey headscarf, blue top and purple cloak.)

The synagogue leader may have been one of those authoritarian elders who adhered to the law and excluded anyone ritually unclean or who were sinners from the Temple of God in Jerusalem. He may also have been one who opposed Jesus, and particularly his mission of including those in God’s Love, who were deemed unclean or sinful, like lepers, tax collectors, Gentiles and (hugely surprisingly due to strict Jewish law) even women with ‘monthly issues…’ But he is desperate and in need of help for his daughter, and so Jesus goes immediately with him. The incident with the woman (who is instantly healed) delays Jesus and the synagogue leader’s daughter dies. Nevertheless, Jesus goes on to the leader’s house and despite the scepticism of those present, brings his daughter back from the dead.

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Whilst there is so much that can be gleaned from this story, I wonder that, like the abundance of produce from God’s creation this Harvest time, the even greater abundance and given-ness of God is revealed for all humanity here. The synagogue leader who was against Jesus was included and served graciously as life was brought to his daughter; the excluded woman was healed, which meant she could now enter the Temple, be included and live more fully. These two people in the window, poles apart in status; one standing high, the other on her knees; opposite sexes, and no doubt with other major differences, were both tended to with the non-judgemental, infinite love of God incarnate, and both were given Life. God shows no partiality and gives generously with amazing grace for all.

As we think about Harvest this year, may we also remember that God has given not only enough, but a total abundance of everything for everybody. God has even given and revealed to us Eternal Life in Jesus Christ so that we can truly experience Life in all its fullness. Perhaps we too could learn from God’s generosity and give more: Give for The Vine, for Foodbanks, etc. You are also very welcome to bring your food gifts (fruit, veg, dried goods (pasta, biscuits, rice, cereals), tins of veg or ready meals, tea, coffee, sweets, chocolate, etc) to both our Harvest services and our Parish Friends will distribute them to the needy. Come along and let’s bring Life to others this Harvest!

With love and prayers,

Jane

P.S. Our Harvest service on 5th October at the Good Shepherd is also a PET SERVICE, so bring your pets along for fellowship and fun. We include animals too…all God’s creatures…