October is here, Autumn is arriving, the leaves are turning on my view here in Heywood and the farmers are collecting their harvest nearby. Tractors galore busy at work. I love Autumn, but then I love every season for different reasons. It reminds me how amazing God is and of his creative power. Many of you know that I ‘enjoy’ heading out for a run and at the moment there is something awesome running with the sun on your face and seeing the season appear. During Lockdown, we as a family have loved being outside as much as we can (meals, BBQ, beach days, being in the garden, going for walks and more recently short bike rides). Now the nights are drawing in, it’s getting a little chillier and we are preparing for wrapping up cosy.
Autumn will always remind me of harvest – my first memory of taking a box of food produce to infant school – fresh and tinned to be distributed into the local community. Today, we may also be doing the same as we think about others who may be struggling. Supporting local food banks and projects. This year, we see a new exciting project for Befrienders as it launches FOOT BANK. More information is available. I know that some across the circuit will be supporting this and food banks across our area. This year especially due to Coronavirus our support will go much further to help those in need – our homeless, our vulnerable, those struggling financially through furlough, redundancy and no work.
Whatever we do this Autumn, lets wrap up and enjoy the change in the season – picking blackberries, watching for the leaves changing colour, collecting conkers and pinecones, wrapping up for a walk to kick those leaves and let’s give thanks to God for the amazing world that he created. Let’s give thanks for all that we have and spare a thought to help our churches, our local projects, our friends and neighbours.
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
For all his love.
Love and prayers
Sharon Read
