Brute (revival!)

Dear friends,

I’ve decided to join the ranks of celebs who launch their own brand of perfume. My creation harks back to the sexism and libertarianism of the 1970’s, with a fragrance just for men, especially those who are aspiring to leadership. There have been bulk orders from both East and West, and I’m working on a forthcoming Christmas ad campaign featuring a global figure from the world of boxing. I’ve even added an “e”, just to show how far we men have progressed, both in spelling, and sophistication.

I was hoping for a promotional mention from the Church, however was rather taken aback by the Archbishop-elect announcing that she would not be wearing it, and that her preferred fragrance would be that of Christ. She pointedly declared that her leadership style would not be that of the Brute, but rather the Shepherd(ess). To which I was minded to reply “have you seen the teeth on the sheep?” but thought better of it. I left her a complimentary case, however, in the vain hope that some in the house of Bishops might get back to the gym.

Frivolities (and fragrances) aside, we pray for Bishop Sarah, of London, as she picks up the Lambeth cross, asking that God will grant her wisdom, grace, and his Holy Spirit. “Splash it on all over,” Sarah. (Let the reader understand.) At a time when it seems the only model of (effective) leadership on offer just about anywhere is that which comes with the biggest wallet, bot or fist, the challenge for the servant leader is to prove to be both transformational, and inspirational. As St Paul sums up very neatly in 1 Corinthians 1:25: “For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” 1Cor 1:18-2:5 is worth reading in full, where St Paul is open and honest about his fears on coming to a new place. “I came with much trembling.” – these are salutary words, for any who lead.

Worship Services for Sunday 12th October

9.30am Morning Prayer at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Holy Communion at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies.

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Coming Up

Thank you to those of you who decorated our churches, came along, and contributed to our Harvest celebrations. The flowers will remain in place at Checkendon for a few more days – do pop in to enjoy the wonderful displays of autumn colour, which gave silent but glorious augmentation to our praises.

On Sunday 19th October the informal all age service at Checkendon is going to take us back to school days, because we’ll be singing a selection of “assembly bangers” – classic hymns and songs from childhood. I wonder how many you will remember?  Do join us, with the music group, as we make a joyful noise! (Pay attention at the back!)

Remembrance Sunday this year is 9th November. We will gather at the Lychgate, and then in church, with the uniformed organisations, to remember, and give thanks, for those in our communities who gave their lives for our freedom. Poppies, the Last Post, and the Rector’s tribute to a fallen hero from our war memorial. Please put the date in your diary now.

The storm and wind of the last week has seemingly flipped a switch in the world around us; leaves are turning and falling, fungi abound, chestnuts rain down. I’ve been enjoying some Checkendon walnuts (with grateful thanks to a friend) – creamy and fresh, and not at all bitter. What a treat!  In the garden the birds are slowly rediscovering the feeders, which are now filled again, although in truth there is still plenty for them to find in the wild. The word on the street is also that the glis-glis are about again, and looking for places in which to overwinter. These can be best described as “cute, but destructive.” Check your fascias!

May the Lord be with us all, and may we be a blessing to one another, and our community. On this bitter anniversary of barbarism, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May the dogs of war be leashed and the pedlars of myth and martyrdom be confounded by the truth.

Your Rector, Canon Kevin

PS The smallest creatures too give glory to God – this congregation of ladybirds joined us on Sunday and we shared together in praise…..