Dear friends
September already…where does the time go? In 1752 Britain decided to change from the Julian Calendar (365.25 days long) in favour of the Gregorian Calendar. By doing so, 3 September instantly became 14 September and as a result, ’nothing whatsoever happened in British history’ between 3 and 13 September 1752. Many people believed that their lives would be shortened and they protested in the streets, demanding their 11 days back! Well…it’s been 165 days since Covid 19 forced us into lockdown and the future continues to be uncertain.
If you could, would you protest in the
streets to demand back your ‘lost’ 165 days? I’ve heard it said by many that
they actually enjoyed lockdown. What about you? For me it has been a bit of a
roller coaster. Yes, there were good bits, like at the beginning when suddenly
everything stopped and I had some time on my hands…books were read, jigsaws
completed and lots of gardening done. I even managed a bit of baking. But then
there were (and still is) some sad times because of being unable to see and hug
many of my loved ones.
This week, we formed a bubble with my
son’s family and they came to stay for the first time. What a joy to be able to
hug my grandsons. They are 11 and 9 (so I make the most of it before hugging
and kissing their grandma becomes an embarrassment!)
Also this week, you may have read in the
Craven Herald that Craven District Council has granted the planning permission
needed for St Alkelda’s to go to the next step in arranging solar panels of
their church roof. This is quite something because being a 15th
century, Grade 1 listed building means that there is a lot to take into
consideration. It does, however mean that we are on the way to reducing our
carbon footprint, save energy and do our bit for the environment.
Quite apt really because it’s that time
of year when, as a Church, we move into Creationtide. The Season of Creation runs from September
1 until October 4 each year, with the theme for 2020 being ‘A Jubilee for the
Earth’, based biblically on the idea of Jubilee which is found in Leviticus,
making the Season a time to listen to prophetic voices.
“For six years sow
your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath
rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow
your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap
what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended
vines. The land is to have a year of rest. Whatever
the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you—for
yourself.” – Leviticus 25:3-6
With every
blessing - Julie
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