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September
September
Reflections from the Glebe House
“I was just thinking...
...God is doing a new thing which means this is going to be a really exciting year!”
As people return from their summer holidays and as the children go back to school, our church activities and groups are all kicking off again. It’s been quieter over the summer, but it is amazing to look back even just a few months and see how God is moving among us and things are growing and developing here at Carnmoney. Some years ago at an Easter Vestry, I preached on Isaiah 43:18-19 “This is what the Lord says … forget the former things, do not dwell on the past, see I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it.” Never in my time here have I felt this verse is more pertinent! So often we look back to the good old days when the church was full, and Sunday School and our Brigades were packed with children. Now numbers are smaller and we are an ageing congregation; yet God has been moving among us and doing some lovely things.
Consider the following which have all happened since Easter:
• A number of new (and often younger) people have joined our church and are using their gifts and talents to enrich our corporate life.
• We have appointed an Outreach Worker to Young People. Natalia is doing some fantastic work amongst our young people and also in four of our schools.
• Additionally, we have just appointed Heather Seeds as our new Outreach Worker to Adults and can now work towards really developing a staff team. (Read more from Heather on page 8 of this month's magazine)
• We have embarked on an ambitious project to develop our graveyard and are working towards putting in a sizeable bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund. If successful, it will really be a game changer for our outreach and ministry here.
• Our Eco Group continues to pioneer, their latest project being to install LED lighting in the church for which we have received a National grant.
• The Probation Service have begun to help us to maintain our grounds.
• Our Busy Builders Holiday Club was a great success, with our biggest team of leaders yet and twenty-six children, all (apart from four of our own children) coming from the local community.
• Our Prayer Meeting continues to grow in numbers as we hold the Parish before God in prayer, and our Fellowship Group on ‘Women of the Bible” was so popular that we found it hard to fit everyone into the Memorial Room.
It’s amazing to look back and reflect on all this and no coincidence that this magazine is possibly the biggest ever with all our news and activities. We really do have so much to thank God for!
September too will be an exciting month as our Alpha Course starts, Heather begins her work, and sixteen of us also go away on a Pilgrimage together to Londonderry.
However, with so much happening we really do need each person who considers themselves a member of Carnmoney Parish Church to be involved as an active participant, donating your time, your money and your gifts to build the Kingdom of God here. Is there something that you can offer to us? God has given us all different gifts which are given for the benefit of others, and his church will grow as we use all those gifts and work together.
So please do get on board this year. We need many more participants to fulfil the many needs of Carnmoney, not just spectators: Will you play your own unique part in the exciting new thing that God is doing among us?
Andy
Rev. Andy Heber
Rev. Carol Harvey and Harry
July/August
July/August
Dear Parishioners,
Where does time go? July already! As we move into these summer months, we look forward, do we not, to a change of pace. Certainly the children are looking forward to being off school for that long summer break. Mums and dads maybe not so much! It is always difficult keeping children occupied in the summer months (Don’t forget our Busy Builders Children’s Holiday Club in August - see the article on page 9). It’s especially hard if the weather is not conducive to picnics and days at the beach. Perhaps you have a holiday arranged and it’s all chaos and excitement, what to pack? What will the weather be like? Whatever your plans, we have usually a little more time to rest and enjoy God’s creation. I am looking forward myself to spending some much needed time in the garden. Having said that, there is always the temptation to meet friends in the coffee shop instead. Of course whatever I do or wherever I go, Harry will probably be accompanying me! I am sure you all know Harry by now, but for those who are wondering, he is the bundle of fur I got last summer - a cheeky, lively, cuddly pup, and definitely a gift from God.
And, of course, I am looking forward to my Day of Celebration on 5th July (and you are all invited to come celebrate with me at the 11am service - only one service that day, and afterwards in the Church Hall for refreshments. Get your name on that list - I want to see YOU there). I am excited, and overwhelmed really, by the thoughtfulness and love that has gone into the planning of the day and the work and execution of the very special little garden that’s been made to celebrate my 20 years with you in Carnmoney. To be honest, it has been such a privilege serving God alongside you, I feel I should be making a garden for you all. I will give you a full report in September’s magazine. In the meantime, my heartfelt thanks and love go out to every one of you - for putting up with me!
Yes, we can always find lots to do, but the danger is that we spend so much of our lives doing - busy - we forget how to just be - how to be quiet, to spend time doing nothing! Unheard of? Well, if not nothing, allowing ourselves times of rest and quiet. You know Scripture reminds us of this - God Himself invites us to pause - be still and know that I am God, Psalm 46:10. Jesus regularly withdrew to quiet places to pray, and He offered these comforting words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Whether you are travelling this summer, welcoming visitors, working as usual, or spending quiet days at home, I encourage you to make space to notice God’s presence. Perhaps it will be in the beauty of a sunrise, the laughter of children, the kindness of a neighbour, or simply in a few moments of peaceful prayer. Remember, God meets us in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. It’s a good time to remember that friend or neighbour who is lonely, who would appreciate that invitation to coffee or just even a visit. There are many in our parish and in our neighbourhood who long for that knock on the door. So let us remember those for whom this season may be difficult: those who are lonely, grieving, unwell, or facing uncertainty. May we be attentive to the needs of others, offering friendship, practical help, and prayer wherever we can. Summer is a great time to reconnect with one another, when we have that bit of space. Our churches continue to be places of welcome throughout the holiday season, and I hope you will join us for worship whenever you are able. If you know someone who has not been to church for a while, why not invite them to come with you? A simple invitation can make all the difference.
Wherever this summer takes you, may you know God’s peace, joy and blessing. May you find refreshment for body, mind and spirit and return to the rhythms of autumn renewed in faith and hope.
Wishing you all a blessed and special summertime, and always remember - You are loved.
God bless,
Carol
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