He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
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“It must be a great disappointment to God if we are not dazzled at least ten times a day.” – Mary Oliver
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.” – Psalm 111:1
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| Dear Friends,
August is traditionally a time to take life slowly, kicking back to make the most of summer’s remaining lease… except of course if you have a new puppy! As I write Jessie has been here for just over a week. Lie ins are more definitely a thing of the past, as is a tidy(ish) house and garden, not to mention the various pairs of shoes that have bitten the dust!
It’s a steep learning curve for both of us. As the German saying has it; “Aller Anfang ist schwer” (every beginning is difficult).
Fortunately, I love Jessie and God loves new beginnings. The scriptures remind us that his love for us is “new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:23). St Paul says that “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) “Behold, I am making all things new” the Almighty exclaims from his throne in the book of Revelation (Rev 21:5).
The Bible is indeed a book of beginnings – as are our lives. For whatever our circumstances, every day can be a new start. As Brother David Steindl – Rast explains in his video reflection; ‘A Grateful Day’, “So you think this is just another day in your life? It’s not just another day. It is the one day that is given to you…today. It’s a gift.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSt7k_q_qRU
Sometimes it’s hard to see the gift – we all have to deal with much worse things than chewed up shoes at times. There are many beginnings that look more like endings, at least to begin with. In a poem dedicated to his new daughter, Teddy Macker writes “…remember, dear Ellie, the compost down in the field: if the rank and dank and dark are handled well, not merely discarded, but turned and known and honoured, they one day come to beds of rich earth, home even to the most delicate rose.”
Life as a journey may be a well-worn metaphor – but it’s a true one. Each moment is an opportunity for us to learn and grow and become all that God has dreamed us to be – even and perhaps especially the tough moments. Like Jessie, we’re all works in progress – and like her we’re all loved. This August may we live as those who believe it. Have a great month Esther and Jessie x |
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Revd. Esther Foss
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Morning Prayer is back at 10.00 am every Wednesday – a Book of Common Prayer Said Service in the Lady Chapel.
If you have a prayer request or would like more information, please do get in touch with Esther at St. Andrew’s Vicar or call 0203 620 1885.
Prayer for the Community – Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” ― G.K. Chesterton |
| The Church Hall
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The Church Hall is open for bookings.
Contact our Hall administrator on hall.lettings@standrews.coulsdon.net. |