I wonder how much time we spend thinking about things that worry us? 

I would dread to add up the hours I spend worrying!  The conversation that didn't go quite as we'd hoped. The things we need to do tomorrow. Something happening in the family. The state of the world. Or perhaps that irritating thing somebody said three days ago which our brain has helpfully decided to replay at 2am!

St Paul offers another possibility: “Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing… think about these things.”

Paul isn't suggesting that we ignore what is difficult. His own life certainly wasn't free from trouble. Rather, he reminds us that we can choose what we allow to occupy our attention.

And perhaps autumn gives us plenty to practise with. The changing colours of the trees. A beautiful sunrise. The first conker. A cosy fire, cup of tea and maybe a scrummy biscuit! A conversation with a friend. A good meal. An unexpected kindness. Small glimpses of goodness which can easily pass unnoticed.

Jesus speaks in our Gospel of an invitation to a feast. Perhaps part of accepting God's invitation is learning to notice the abundance that is already around us rather than worrying about what is not.

So, this week, amidst everything that demands our attention, perhaps we might deliberately notice what is good and, as Paul promises, “the God of peace will be with you.”
 

Revd Hannah Threlfall and the Ministry Team

 

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Sunday 11th October
19th Sunday after Trinity


9.30am Holy Communion, West Wickham
Service led by Revd Iain McColl.

9.30am Holy Communion, West Wratting
Service led by Revd Kathy Bishop with Steven Wheeler to preach.

11.00am  Holy Communion, Balsham
Service led by Revd Jane Butler.

11.00am  Holy Communion, Great Abington
Service led by Revd Hannah Threlfall with Steven Wheeler to preach.

11.00am  Café Church, Hildersham
Service led by Revd Iain McColl.

6.00pm Taize service, Weston Colville
Service led by Revd Hannah Threlfall.
 

 

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Readings for 19th Sunday after Trinity

First Reading:  Philippians 4.1–9

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 22.1–14
 

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Services in October

Click HERE to see the October services rota.

Details of all our services can also be found on the website: www.grantavale.org.uk
 

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News:

West Wickham Harvest Festival Food Donations

As part of their Harvest Festival weekend celebrations at St Mary’s Church at West Wickham, were delighted to receive so many food donations.

This year, St Mary's chose to support two local charities: REACH and the South Cambs Mobile Food Hub, run by Hope Against Poverty, which visits Balsham and Linton once a week.

REACH has a specific list of items that cannot be accepted. As a result, Hope Against Poverty’s Mobile Food Hub received the largest proportion of the donations.

St Mary's are very grateful to everyone who contributed to their Harvest Festival collection. This generosity will help support local people and families in need within the community.

Henry Wilson MBE, CEO of REACH Community Projects, has written to the West Wickham team, to give a huge thank you to everyone for the generosity this Harvest. Henry said that the 31.7kg of food will provide around 21 meals for local families in crisis, while also offering dignity, reassurance and hope. He thanked everyone for helping REACH support local families in need.

 

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