All change

Dear friends,

Wherever the Conservative Party has been sent, it seems they are being joined by the Democrats from across the water. Mr Trump and Mr Starmer can soon look at each other across the table, each from strong positions of popular support, although the polarities that they represent may well make real communication or any kind of collegiality rather challenging. Mr Starmer by background has a profound respect for the law, having spent his working life serving and administering it. Mr Trump takes a more flexible approach. It is to be hoped that collaboration between the UK and the US will not be undermined by the changes in (either) administration, but that, in both regimes, men and women of truth, peace and integity will find a way to be a blessing to their communities.

The slew of politics (and war, which is what you get when politics fails) in the news has been amplified in its interminability by the fortnight of solid grey weather over the UK. Happily, as I write this, the sun is at last peeping through lifting cloud, and the spectacular leaf colour which has been sustained by the still conditions may now be seen in its full glory. Make sure you take the time for one last look!

Worship Services for Sunday 17th November 2024

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Canon Kevin Davies

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

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

Nature Notes

In the garden the clematis has been clipped and tidied for the winter, after what might be called a rather half hearted year. A little nourishment is needed, possibly, or maybe the weather was all in the wrong place. The asters, which have been splendid (I love the way their blue colour seems to glow in the half light of evening) have flopped over with exhaustion, the gloomy skies of late giving them nothing to shine for. Birds flock to the feeders, which now have to be restocked more frequently. Nuthatch has returned, his peachy front and stylish grey jacket complementing the daring look of the black flash across his eyes. Upside down or not, when he is present, the other birds must watch and wait, for he will not brook sharing. Climate change is certainly upon us, as I have never in my life until now mown a lawn in November. We’ve been enjoying a large squash, picked in September and now well “cured” –  a grey Russian variety, (Volskaya) with “presidential” orange flesh. Cubed and simply roasted as a vegetable, or pureed with chilli and creme fraiche in a soup – delicious. Another excellent option is as a risotto, with white wine and parmesan. Daffodil bulbs have been planted, including a small early variety in a tub: “February Glory”. The garden leads us on, teaching us to look forward towards the end of a winter which is not yet here. Spring will come again, so we plant, and plan, in faith.

Sundays tick towards Advent, in a few weeks. Time to get baking, and to find the fairy lights. May the Lord bless you.                                Your Rector, Revd Kevin Davies.