In last Sunday's 10am Parish Eucharist, during what promised to be yet another hot day, Reverend Liz's homily was in part based upon the gospel reading, namely, Mathew, 13. 1-9, 18-23.
The parable of the sower is perhaps one of the most well known passages to be found in the New Testament. Mention was made of the burdens placed upon us by heatwaves, along with the news of so many sporting events taking up our attention. Then there is the current meeting in York of the General Synod of the Church of England where delicate issues have to be tackled with patience in order to work through disagreement and thereby establish unity. One game at a time! Success comes as a result of perseverence, like the man on the beach with a metal detector. Results are slow. There are no quick fixes. Sometimes however, something worthwhile turns up. Things are always at work below the surface. In fact, God has already planted the seed within all of us but mission in the church is a long game. There is a need to overcome hearts and minds. There is no thunderclap solution but just the tiny seed at work which will die eventually when fruit appears. We must nurture and care for that seed, showing a willingness at first to find it. Meanwhile, we can create the right soil within us for its growth.
At 6pm, our established lay-led service of worship took place: Sunday@6 which on that occasion, followed the theme of Holiness.
This Saturday, 18th July, there is Coffee Shop between 10 and 12 in the Chapter House and on Sunday, 19th July, during the 10am Parish Eucharist, we will be welcoming the speaker, Teresha Clark Karahukayo who will be explaining and promoting the Triumph Heart project which was supported by St Andrew's during our Lenten course earlier in the year. Sunday School will also be taking place.
On Sunday, 26th July, at the Parish Eucharist, there will take place the Commissioning Service for the Mafambisa Team 2026. They wil be away from 1st to 16th August. We wish them well and God's Blessing in this life changing experience. On that Sunday, 16th August, there wil be a Taize Service at Cockayne Hatley whilst at St Andrew's, at 6pm, there will be the Holiday Club opening service. Holiday Club will take place from 18th to the 21st August and then, on Sunday, 23rd August, Parish Communion begins at 9;30am, followed by the 11am Holiday Club Service. A barbeque will follow in the grounds.