The Colour Red

The feast of Pentecost is, liturgically, a “red” day. Possibly because of the flames of fire which fell from heaven on the heads of the astonished apostles, possibly because the said apostles also share the same liturgical colour. Red is only used elsewhere in the Christian year for Holy Week, and, of course, for any martyrs. It is used in the Christian calendar in the same way that artists and designers use a “pop” of colour to draw your eye, maintain interest, and provoke a response. Aside from Holy Week, the colour comes as a surprise: “Oh, I’d forgotten it was St Luke’s Day”; “Who was St Irenaeus?” The use of red, in church, is an invitation to take note, and a reminder that God acts, in the world, in those around us, and in us, and that he is sovereign. Sometimes we pay attention, too.

These petunias were in their lush velvet glory until a few days ago, when the heavens opened and they suffered under the deluge. Some flowers can withstand the rain, but not so these, who now bear the scars of the experience as though Jackson Pollock has been let loose on them. But, again, a closer look reveals that new younger blooms are coming on. They are nestling in Aunt Molly’s repurposed coal scuttle – an avid gardener she, who would have rejoiced to see the flowers, the colour red reminding her of her husband Barry’s toastmaster’s jacket, a red much brighter, and brilliant as fire.

Worship Services for Sunday 15th June 2025

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Family Baptism Service at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies. A friendly all age service service, with the music group, and refreshments afterwards.

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

Team Service

Sunday 29th June is the feast day of saint Peter and Saint Paul, and we are, appropriately gathering at Checkendon at 10.30am to share the celebration “under their roof”. The colour is – yes – red. We’ll be celebrating the ministry of Revd Romey Poston, as she will in August relocate to the Saffron Walden team ministry to commence her new post. Do make a note of the date in your diary, and please join us, to pray, and sing.

Elsewhere in the garden the early lettuces are (safely under their cloches) providing welcome salad. It is a new variety for us this year “Reine de Glace” which has frilly outer leaves and an iceberg type heart. It seems to enjoy the cool weather, and has excellent keeping qualities. The tomatoes and climbing beans, however, are “sulking” like children who were promised an undeliverable treat….sunshine. The gooseberries are wrapped in old net curtains, against the pigeons, and the strawberries are in full production, glorious in their Pentecostal shine. Last week’s rain will bring out the slugs however, so the race is on. A flush of spearmint in the herb bed is giving a rare treat – mint tea fresh picked. About three inches of (washed!) stalk tip, per person, steeped for the usual time, gives a crisp, fresh and vibrantly yellow brew guaranteed to pick you up, and provides the perfect after dinner digestif.

We welcome Denis and Svetlana with friends and family as they bring Vlad and Victoria to baptism this coming Sunday (15th) at Checkendon. Do join us as we share in the growth of God’s worldwide family. Churches grow like gardens – one plant, one bloom at a time. May the Lord bless you and keep you always in his love.

Your Rector

Canon Kevin