Not far to the North….

Dear friends

I am constantly impressed by how Iceland handles the fact it is living on top of a volcano. Or, rather, a whole heap of volcanoes. They have a vast web of detectors and instruments, measuring things like earthquakes, and crustal deformation. Satellites, lasers and many teams of scientists are keeping an eye on all the risky places, and there are well oiled plans in place for evacuation and civil defence. They take life on a volcano in their stride, so much so that the responsibility for early warnings forms part of the remit of the Icelandic Met Office! Volcanic activity is included with weather forecasting. I’ve been following with interest the recent alerts, as they are expecting an eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula “imminently”.  The point is, the Icelanders know about “being ready” – because they want to save their lives. They are resigned to the fact that, actually, there’s not much they can do about saving property. But this gives them exceptional clarity of vision. The first and only priority is people. Get the people out. Leave absolutely everything else. Everything. Then, if time permits  they will allow highly monitored and limited access into the danger zone for the recovery of animals – pets and livestock. Only then might personal memorabilia and precious items be recovered.

It will soon be Advent. Don’t allow yourself to be too hung up on being “ready for Christmas”.  Advent is about being ready for Jesus – because one day you will indeed have to leave it all behind, whether you are ready or not. Remember the volcano. (If you are interested, check out this link). Because even with all their science and technology, the Icelanders are humble enough to admit they don’t know exactly when, or where. But they are past masters at being prepared.

Worship Services for Sunday 19th November

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

11am Family Service at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies. An informal service, with the music group, and coffee.

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

Working Party – volunteers needed.

Please come along for a stint this coming Saturday 18th November, anytime between 10am and 12noon, to help with our autumn clean up at Checkendon Church. Bring what you might need to help either inside or out, so we can get the church ready for the winter months. All ages welcome!

A little further ahead, make a note in your diary that the Coffee and Mince Pie morning is to be on Saturday 9th December from 10.30am in Checkendon Village Hall. Invite your neighbours for a fee coffee and mince pie – it is a great chance for a community catch up.

Finally, a little music to lift your week. If you’ve not come across Eva Cassidy, I do recommend.

May the love of God draw you to Himself.

Revd Kevin