New and Views for HTR September 27th

We can take for granted the availability of food on our supermarket shelves. Few of us grow our own. We don’t suffer directly when drought or floods kill the crops, as many in the global south do. With each new generation becoming increasingly cut off from food production and nature, Harvest Festival is a chance to raise awareness. But is it enough? Weather events are becoming more spectacular — from record hurricanes in the Caribbean to killer droughts in East Africa and fires in the USA. Human action is taking a devastating toll on nature and people around the world. Perhaps we need to delve deeper into the link between our traditional harvest and the environment. Isn’t it time all our churches made care for creation a core aspect of discipleship – not just reserved for Harvest Sunday?

TODAY OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL RE-OPENS. Initially we will only be able to accommodate children who are school age in order to maintain social distancing. There will be a limit of 15 children and unfortunately no parents can stay. We will use the main hall and children will be seated at tables using individual pens etc. We are looking forward to seeing you once again and assure you that we will take all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of the children. If you have any queries at all, please contact Sherri Baker on the number above.

On Sunday 11th October I will have been your parish priest for exactly one year. However, the Covid-19 pandemic, in reality, has reduced that time to an active 6 months of engagement. As your priest, I would like to use this time of the year to reflect on our common mission. To ask what we think God might be asking of us as a congregation at this very strange time, but more importantly where you feel you are in your personal journey of faith. In the business of Church life, we so often forget that our faith is essentially about a relationship with God/Jesus. Beginning on Sunday October 4th until the 11th and on weekdays I will be raising various questions in the sermon slot at Mass to help us assess what we think we are really about as Christians in this parish. This is not meant to be a frightening experience, but one that will bring to the surface your own questions about why you come to Church, what God means to you, and how best to respond to his call.

ORGAN APPEAL There is still time for you to purchase an organ stop at £150 each, a coupler at £50 or a key at £20 See the large board with full details.

Have you ever thought about joining us for Weekday Mass? We meet on Tuesday for Mass at 9:30am. Wednesday Mass at 6:00pm. Friday Mass at 12 Noon. Attending a weekday Mass may be a gentle way back to public worship if you are still unsure about Sunday Mass attendance. The other joy of weekday worship is that it is quite and reflective, a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith through a rich diet of Scripture and beyond this, we observe the Church Calendar which opens our minds to the lives of the great saints who have gone before us. This is like learning all about the Christian family from the time of Jesus until the present day.

KEEPING OUR PEOPLE SAFE. We are now using a new spray sanitiser on all pews and public areas for extra protection against Covid-19. Deep cleaning will continue on a weekly basis with our newly appointed Church cleaner. The latest changes in the law on social gatherings announced recently do not affect public worship at this time. If there are any changes in the law, we will email and advertise these on our Facebook page and on our web site, and by email. Stay safe and well!

GREAT NEWS! At Holy Trinity Church we are very fortunate to have a fine three manual pipe organ and a very accomplished Director of Music and Organist in Mr Steve Ansell. However, there are many churches across the land that cannot find an organist to accompany regular worship services. At Holy Trinity Church of England School which is attached to our parish, we are taking the success of our School Choir and music department under the direction of Mr Sean Darrock to another level! Aware that organists do not grow on trees, we have partnered with Viscount Organs of Bicester in Oxfordshire and the Royal College of Organists to install a free loan instrument, thanks to the incredible generosity of Viscount Organs and a bursary scheme sponsored by the Royal College of Organists to inspire, train and encourage young people to take up the organ at Holy Trinity School. The organ will also be used in school worship, Carol Services and Concerts.

Reading at Mass We are compiling a new Rota of Readers for those who read at our Sunday Mass. Is this something you would like to do? If you are interested, then speak with Fr Paul, the Churchwardens or Colleen Kite our PCC Secretary who is compiling the new rota. The new Rota is on the vestibule table. If you have never done anything like this before, please be assured that full training will be given.

ADVANCE NOTICE – It is proposed that our Christmas Eve Midnight Mass will move this year from 11:30pm to the earlier time of 10:30pm. On Christmas Day our Family Mass will be at 10:00am

In preparation for our Mini-Mission on Sunday October 4th and 11th here are some thoughts that might help you to reflect on what brings you to Church?

Being a Christian is not about putting on your Sunday best and sitting in a pew. It’s not about folding your hands in prayer before you fall asleep or eat a meal. It’s not about memorizing scripture, going to confession, or pushing your religious beliefs down the throats of anyone who will listen.

Being a Christian is not about the clothes you wear or the people you associate with. It’s not about the music you listen to, or what you do on a Friday night. It’s not about how many prayers you’ve asked for, or whether or not they’ve been answered. It’s not even about donating a portion of your income to the church, or some other ‘requirement’ of having a ‘strong faith.’

Being a Christian goes beyond the surface. It’s about the energy you put into the world, and how you choose not only to live, but create and spread light to everything you touch.

Being a Christian doesn’t automatically mean you’re better than everyone else. It doesn’t mean you’re forgiven, simply by saying ‘I believe,’ and can go about living life as you please. It’s not that you have all the answers, or never feel lost, broken, or defeated. It doesn’t mean you won’t have doubts.

Being a Christian is not about making your life spotless, but rejoicing in the beautiful mess you were created to be. And doing your best to honour God in all your imperfections because you are His.