A Cold Snap?

Dear friends,

It is clear that fuel poverty is going to be vying with the flu as the big issue for the coming cold months. Most at risk are the elderly, and those who live alone. For those of us who can remember the “oil crisis” of the 1970’s, and subsequent economic upheavals, this “gas crisis” also exposes the risks of dependence on fuel from elsewhere. A generation of cushioning by North Sea Oil has allowed decades of energy complacency in governments of all political shades. Energy self-sufficiency, both national and individual, is now  back on the table, at last. So, we start at home; do you know how much energy you are using, and what is using it? How big are your carbon feet? How can you change your pattern of usage so that your household uses less power? One simple way is to only boil the amount of water that you need; two cups of tea is no more than half a kettle, not a whole kettle, for example. Remember your neighbours too; they might really be feeling the chill in more ways than one.

Worship Services for Sunday 17th October.

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row, led by Revd Angela Linton

11am Family Baptism Service at Checkendon Church, led by Revd Kevin Davies.

6.30pm-7pm. Together at Home. A short online evening service with Revd Kevin.  Zoom numbers 636 645 195 and passcode 000162. Music, prayer, and a word from Mark’s gospel.

It is absolutely OK to pass these details onto friends and family, who are very welcome to join us. Other service options can be found on the Langtree Team Ministry Churches website.

You can support Checkendon church and  Stoke Row churches via dedicated and secure online card donation pages. Just click on the link. It is very secure.

Celebrations

Both Checkendon and Stoke Row Church Councils are meeting soon; there’ll be thanksgiving, and looking forward. There is much to celebrate in what God is doing among us. Baby Francis is being baptised at Checkendon this coming Sunday – congratulations to Kate and Nick Sheerin. And in a few weeks time we have our first Team Service back together again at St Mary’s Whitchurch on Sunday 31st October at 10.30am. Do come and share in Holy Communion, and meet up with friends from across the Team. The celebrant will be the Revd James Leach, and the preacher the Rector.

Finally, God’s goodness is seen in autumnal beauty around us, as in this dahlia, where a creamy outfield gives way to a golden heart. “Peaches and Cream” sums it up admirably, here caught in the afternoon sunlight. Let us be thankful for each day, as we find it. Every blessing.                    Revd Kevin