From the minister... 

Dear friends
Do you have a favourite season of the year? There are some people for whom nothing beats the vivid colours and autumn, and others I know who find a certain delight in the dark nights of winter, when they can retreat under duvets or gather around log fires.

But for me, there’s nothing quite like the summer. While I’ve never chased a tan, I do enjoy the warmer temperatures and long summer evenings as well as the different rhythm that presents itself at this time of year. The weather gives more opportunities for walking and time outdoors, and normal TV schedules give way to matches at Wimbledon and great performances from Glastonbury.

And I also enjoy the different pace that presents itself in the life of the church. These are the months of the year that the liturgical calendar refers to as ‘Ordinary Time’. Instead of the busyness of autumn, when we move in quick succession from Harvest to Remembrance to Advent to Christmas, there are no major festivals to plan for and a quieter schedule of Sunday evening and midweek activities. I’ve always valued the opportunity these months bring to catch up with people, and to do more reading, thinking and praying. 

We live in a busy time and a hurried part of the world, and, if we’re honest, our commitment to church can sometimes increase the pressures we face. In light of this, any season which offers extra time and space feels like a rare blessing. So how can we make the most of this summer? Here are some questions which might help you as you think about this?

Where could you explore? Exploration can take a couple of different forms. It could mean going for a walk in a part of Selsdon that you’ve never previously visited, discovering something more about the area where God has placed us to be his witnesses. As a result, you might learn something new about what life is like for your neighbours. Exploration might also mean walking along familiar streets but in a different way, more slowly and unplugged from any devices. That second kind of walking might create an opportunity for new conversations or help you see things you’d never previously noticed about Selsdon.

Where could you go to be quiet? Luke’s Gospel tells us that ‘Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed’ (Lk 5:16). An important practice for Christians of many traditions is that of ‘retreat’, seeking to carve out a day or two, from time to time, with the aim of focusing more on God. Could you use that day in the week when you normally volunteer in church or that evening when home group normally meets to be intentionally quiet, seeking God for what’s to come in the months ahead?

What could you read or listen to? The busyness of term time means that many of us might struggle to have time to read or listen to books or inspirational teaching. But the summer can provide a rare opportunity to do so, especially for those of us fortunate enough to have a holiday. You can read some of my suggestions for books that might inspire or interest you.

And, finally, recognising that this time of slowing down for some could mean even greater isolation for others, who could you visit? Is there someone in our church family who you haven’t seen recently, for whom the summer could offer time to reconnect, to bless and to be blessed?
Wishing you God’s grace 
Trevor