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Dear Friends,
The season of 'mellow fruitfulness' is nearly upon us, and the celebration of Harvest will take place at the chapel on 28 September at 9.30am. A time of thanksgiving for food - for fresh produce, fruit and veg, eggs and milk, meat and fish, and the fields yielding their crops in due season - how blessed we are in such variety and its plentiful supply. Or as words of a well-known harvest hymn put it: 'for the ploughing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth's safe keeping, thanks be to God!
In spite of rising prices, we can still eat, and well. We are sad to think that many cannot. We are reminded of our responsibility to respond to their need: 'in our world-wide task of caring for the hungry and despairing; in the harvests we are sharing, thanks be to God!'
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We also give thanks at the chapel for the harvest of joy and love - nourishment for the soul, warmth for the heart and stimulation for the mind. Looking back, we give thanks for the baptism of baby Noah in August and look forward in anticipation of three more 'Believer's baptisms', two by immersion, and one 'as a substantial shower' on 31 August at 9.30am - occasions of pure delight. And there are two weddings to celebrate on 20 September in the village - at the church with Ali and Tim, and at the chapel with Lydia and Iain! It's a rarity for us to have a wedding in the chapel, so I'm looking forward to it immensely.
We give thanks for opportunities to nourish the spirit through challenges to the mind - in the form of a presentation about the Red Sea, and evidence for what happened centuries ago, on Friday 12 September at 7.30 p.m., and the invitation to come on an Alpha course. If you are curious about Alpha, do get in touch with me on 861179, or Graham on 862754. We will meet weekly, beginning on Wednesday 17 September at 7.30 p.m. Each time we start by sharing a scrumptious meal - so, if possible, let us know if you are thinking of coming, so that we have plenty of food for you!
Which brings me back to that sense of thankfulness to God for his provision of all our needs for nurture and nourishment -'for the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all, that love has found us, thanks be to God!'
Enjoy the mellow fruitfulness of the season. With best wishes
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Mary Burgess
Minister
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Red Sea Presentation
At the Wrington United Reformed Church on 12 September at 7.30pm the Revd Jim Elmer (from Brislington) is providing us with a presentation of the Red Sea which really does sound very exciting. He will show us film and slides showing the Israelites really did cross the Red Sea. There will be time for discussion afterwards whilst we all enjoy tea or coffee and cake so please make a note of it in your calendar now so you don't miss it - bring your friends along as well.
Janet Barnes 862919
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