Last Sunday, 28th June, the 10am Parish Eucharist started perhaps with a 'fresher feel' about the place because from that day onwards we expected the humidity to go even if the hot sun continued. What a relief. We are now well into the season of Trinity where the officiating clergy are robed in green, a colour appropriately associated with warmth and growth. The Sunday School folk busied themselves with planting out in our verdant grounds, mindful of the Biggleswade in Bloom requests. Reverend Liz's homily fitted well within this sort of scenario. Based in part on the day's gospel reading from Matthew 10. 40-42, we listened to the need for those small acts of kindness, such as, offering someone a cup of water, which can grow into something more poignant and fulfilling. From a small seed a colourful plant can grow which in turn gives uplift and pleasure. We should think of Christ's words: ' Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me.' It is about making room for others. Life is about making rather than just preserving but so to do requires preparing the ground, like children planting seeds. We are all shaped by what we can offer others. Small acts can lead to great transformations. That proffered cup of water can have great consequences. We also thrive through diversity in the same way as we all have different talents. Once upon a time we were expected to be suspicious of differences but Jesus reminds us that far more unites us than divides us. We should follow whatever really matters. Listen. Don't condemn. We should recognise Christ in a stranger. After the service and when the young planters had finished their activities, as usual, we had a cuppa with fellowship in the Chapter House.
This Saturday, 4th July, between 10 and 12 noon, the Coffee Shop will be open. On the next day, Sunday, 5th July, there will be two morning services of worship. At 8am, Said Holy Communion will take place, the traditional Order Two service which is always a great start to the day when those participating can hear those timeless words from the Book of Common Prayer, always fresh and poignant, so right for prayer and contemplation at the quiet time of day. Then, at 10am, there is our once a month All Together Family Eucharist. Later, at 12:45pm, for those who have booked, there is our three-course cooked Sunday Lunch in the Chapter House where our long established volunteer group prepare a yummy roast with all the trimmings. What a treat to have good prepared food put in front of us whilst sharing it all with convivial company.
We continue to cherish our partner in South Africa through the Hands at Work organisation, namely, that special community at Mafambisa who continue to give our annual team from St Andrew's such a warm welcome. Thus far, we have managed to raise a total of £3,900 from three events towards supporting two of our younger members to be able to join the group, the experience of which will change their lives. If you have the time, please look up online the Bishop of St Albans Open Garden Scheme. Information is also available from the poster in the foyer.
Here are some future dates for your diary or Smart phone! 9th July - Biggleswade in Bloom judging. 19th July - 5:30pm, Taize Service at Cockayne Hatley. 26th July - 10am Parish Eucharist and the 2026 Mafambisa Team Service.