For the beauty

Dear friends,

It is the last week of the school term for many. Spare a thought for teachers, working through the heat, and their charges, who’ll be leaving for other schools, or moving up into a different class next term. Endings, and beginnings, and a time of rest and refreshment ahead of the changes to come. “He has made everything beautiful in its time”. (Eccl 3).

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this morning, wherever you find it. Do not be in such a hurry for tomorrow that you miss what is in front of you today. Appreciate the gift of your present moment, wherever you are, whatever you may be doing. This is your time, just for this second or two. Take a deep breath and thank God for the breeze, the oxygen in it, your lungs that work wonders with it, and the Spirit of God that blows where He wills. Marvel at the water that you can pour into a glass, for your refreshment. We are learning rather abruptly once again how important water is for us. (“Hydration break” is such an arid term. The biblical world-view, from a much drier part of the world, is shaped and driven by the presence or absence of water. Much of the history of the ancient near east was, and to some extent still is, a long argument about who has control of the water. Water means life, and hope, and salvation. It is a uniquely wonderful molecule. Most things become more dense when they solidify, but water becomes less dense, and so ice floats, with all the incredible implications that brings for life on earth.)

For the beauty of the earth // For the beauty of the skies

For the love which from our birth // Over and around us lies

Lord of all to thee we raise // This our grateful hymn of praise

Here is John Rutter’s wonderful version, together with visuals, for you to enjoy.

Worship Services for Sunday 19th July 2026

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 and informal celebration with the Checkendon church music group and refreshments.

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

Knit and Natter

The Checkendon Poppy Project are meeting again this coming Saturday (18th) 10.30-12noon in the church. Everyone is very welcome – come along and knit a poppy for our Remembrance day thanksgiving. Or just chat over tea and cake!

Checkendon School also invite you to join them for their end of year service, also in church, tomorrow,  Wednesday (15th) at 2.30pm. It is a lovely opportunity to celebrate the achievements of this year’s cohort of leavers, and to enjoy the singing of the school choir.

Please could I ask your prayers for the frail among us, who are struggling in the hot weather, and also those who are in pain, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Please also pray for Lara Sharrock and Ben Crane, who are preparing for their marriage in a few weeks time. Remember and  give thanks for our Team Ministry, upon which all our churches depend. This prayer was penned last week by my colleague, Peter Ferguson, who is pleased to share it with you.

“Loving Father, we pray for the Langtree Team Ministry, for all who worship, serve, and seek You within our churches and communities. Grant us attentive hearts to hear Your call, faithful spirits to follow where You lead, and generous hands to serve our neighbours with the love of Christ. Bless our clergy, licensed lay ministers, preachers, churchwardens, PCC members, volunteers, and every member of the Body of Christ. Strengthen us in our common mission throughout the Henley Deanery, and grant that, together with all the churches of the Oxford Diocese, we may proclaim Your Gospel with wisdom, compassion, and joy. May Your Holy Spirit renew our fellowship, deepen our faith, and make us fruitful in bearing witness to Your kingdom. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

Thank you all for your support for our churches, and the joy that we share on our pilgrimage together.

with every blessing

Your Rector, Canon Kevin.

PS The next one of these notes will be on Tues 4th August. Sunday services in your church continue throughout the summer at the customary times.