Dear Friends,

So many things have happened since the last Journal - the lovely Village Fête, with fabulous weather
and many smiley faces - and Youth Week, with less favourable weather, but just as many happy memories being created - to name but two. We are truly blessed in being part of this village, and when we hear of people in other countries whose lives have been devastated by floods and fires, we realise how fortunate we are.

It's a good exercise now and again to count our blessings, and at harvest-time we will give thanks to
God for the provision of crops and livestock, for fresh food and water, and celebrate the abundance that is available, and the fact that we can eat and drink, even when funds are stretched.

At the chapel we will hold our Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday 26 September at 9.30am and also delight in the gift of children, as we ask for God's blessing upon little Benjamin and Joseph Dolman within that service. A harvest hunt fun afternoon will take place between 2-5pm, with a family trail and the chance to make creations out of fruit and veg, or bring along some you've made earlier. Delicious refreshments. Entry free. All ages welcome.

Earlier in the month, we will be gathering on Wednesday 15 September for 'Ploughman's Praise' on the Rec at 6pm - a short time of singing, music, prayer and drama, with a happy harvest feel, followed by food and games - much as we enjoyed together in August. Look out for the posters with more details.

Before all this happens, schools will have returned. Some of our children, or grandchildren, will have moved to new schools, or left to go to colleges or universities, to take gap years or venture into the world of work. We count our blessings when we see so many of the children in our village grow and develop into mature and responsible young adults, while retaining the energy and innovative nature that spurs them on to enrich those around them. We give thanks for such examples, while being mindful of those who struggle to find work, and opportunities, and hope we can give real help and
encouragement to them - both here and in other lands.

So, as Summer recedes and Autumn dawns, let us count our blessings for, even amidst sadnesses
and disappointments, there is great potential for the future, and people around us with whom we can share.

When we realise this, we can take heart, and, at this time of thanksgiving, declare in the words of Louis Armstrong, 'It's a wonderful world'.

Wishing you God's blessings this harvest-time,