Land of Heat and Glory

Dear friends,

Congratulations to the England squad for carving into the Mexican defence like steak on the barbecue of the Azteca stadium. In the place where Diego Maradonna of Argentina hand-balled a knock out goal against us in the same competition forty years ago a measure of justice and redemption for English football was earned, and that particular ghost has at last been laid to rest.  Although it could be argued that the job is not even half done, in that Argentina may yet be ranged against us in the semi-finals, should we be able to conquer a currently rampant Norway in the quarters. There is all to play for now, and we hope and pray that all players of all team will be able to give of their best, and rise above the interests of politics and business, for the sake of their sport, and the general relief of all of us who are yearning for a little good news in a world weary of war and suffering.

The furnace of summer heat returns again this week to the south of England. Your church building will be relatively cool, and you are welcome to call in for a quiet moment of respite at any time during the day. The old stones and very thick walls take days to heat up. There are prayer cards at the back, and Bibles in the pews. Or just look at the light, and wonder. The Lord is with us, whether in moments of still contemplation or loud exultant joy.

Worship Services for Sunday 12th July

9.30am Morning Prayer at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Holy Communion at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies. More from St Paul and the letter to the church at Rome.

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

Sounds of the morning

A spot of early gardening, to beat the heat ahead of the working day, brings opportunity for reflection during a pause in the tasks. It is quiet, but the sounds are joyful. The goldfinches are warbling and chattering to one another from somewhere unseen. Pigeons coo and flap about, fat and flirty, parading like fallen film stars, grey birds strutting along the top of the grey fence, profligate, beady eyed, overweight. A jet overhead roars distantly away from Heathrow to who knows where. Through the hedge, school teachers chat quietly ahead of their pupils arrival. But there is more silence than sound, more space than matter, a drawing of breath for moments of gratitude at the gift of sky, and light, and growth. The burdens of the day are re-evaluated, and re-sized, with a gimlet eye. New every morning are the mercies that come from above. New every morning is the love of God, covering us like the early dew.

As the long summer term cooks us evenly towards a toasted end, you are warmly invited to this term’s senior dramatic offering at Checkendon School, “Treasure Island” is this afternoon at 1.30pm in the school hall. Shiver me timbers!  Next week, the end of term service is also open to all, in Church at 2.30pm on Wednesday 15th. Join us to say farewell to this year’s leavers, and to hear the school choir.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him.

Your Rector, Canon Kevin.