IT’S SUMMERTIME AND MORE 

from Fr Jim 

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of
refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our
leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This short prayer from the USA Book of Common Prayer, allows us the privilege of being truly embraced by a God who can help us in busyness and leisure, to bring balance to our day by day lives together, especially as church, school, village and be able to recognise the opportunities that we must not fly by!

Where is our joy? What are our fears? How can we share the faith we believe as commanded by Jesus himself.  How can we serve the world, creation and humanity, to release the plea for hope-filled lives.

To reach that leisure moment might I suggest a few things to give-up (and if so done by us, what will take their place in this age of loneliness).

Rid yourself of: TV Adverts and wallowing in crime and bad language (Seems acceptable!); Newspapers; sensationalist on-line “breaking news”. Invite someone for tea or coffee, a trip somewhere. Together. That is the best way to meet the consequences of overstuffed diary dates and being overcome with anxiety and fear. Email someone just to see if they are in need of sharing joy generated by each of us. I love the prayer we use from the Missal that gives an alternate way of ending the Lord’s Prayer:

"Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ."

I CLOSE THIS WITH A REALITY CHECK WITH YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES.

Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head:
Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their
solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find
fulfilment in loving you and their neighbours; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Parish Priest and Wardens are here for you. Never hesitate to be in touch.