October 2026 Newsletter
Dear friends,
The end of September and early October is the time when we tend to hold our harvest festivals, opportunity to give thanks for the varied harvests from which we benefit. Various crops including grains, fruit, vegetables and other food. As the hymn Praise God for the harvest (HP351 StF126) reminds us, such harvests may come from local farms or from afar, it includes the harvest of things quarried and mined, and the results of science, skills and inventions.
In two previous circuits I became aware of how random the timing of celebrating harvest seems to be. Sheep farmers commented that for them either lambing time, or as lambs went to market, would make more sense. Though in Teesdale lambing started in the Lower Dale in February whilst in the Upper Dale it went on into May. For potato farmers this is about the right time. For cereal growers, in this part of the country, it’s a bit early!
Whatever the harvest, it is part of a cycle that goes on throughout the year. Countryside TV programmes this last weekend showed Tups (Rams, male sheep) being prepared to mix with the females. Without that step there wouldn’t be lambs in spring. Before cereal crops are produced the ground must be prepared, seeds planted and tender shoots protected. Harvest doesn’t just happen but is the result of year-round planning, preparation and care. As we’ve seen this year, one thing which cannot be controlled is the weather. Whilst sun and rain are both needed, too much of the wrong one at a particular time can ruin crops or make it impossible to plant for the following year.
We’re no doubt aware of those realities with physical harvest. What can be less obvious is that the same can be true in church life. I’m reminded of a book by Lawrence Singlehurst, Sowing Reaping Keeping. Although not in the title he writes of preparing the ground – making contact with people on a genuine friendship level; planting seeds perhaps by inviting those friends along to an activity where there might be a small amount of Christian input; of activities where people can hear more of the Gospel and have an opportunity to respond; then not forgetting ‘keeping’, helping people to continue to grow in faith and discipleship. As I reflect on circuit life we tend to be good at the first two stages , being genuinely welcoming to people, offering hospitality etc. Other than Sunday worship we can be less good at the reaping and keeping. I mentioned last month On The Way 12 sessions starting on 21st October. This is suitable for people who are lifelong worshippers and for those who have little knowledge of the Christian faith. Is there someone you might invite to come and find out more about the Christian faith and what Methodists believe? Please remember to book by 10th October so we order enough materials.
You might also like to join the Julian Prayer meeting which this month meets on 12th Oct at 2pm. Contact Diane Coleman for information (number on the plan or via castleedenmeth@gmail.com)
I wish you God’s blessing.
Bev
Prayer pointers: Please remember in your prayers
- Those who prepare and lead our worship each week, including Worship @ Home
- Milbank Church Council on 20th Oct and Central Church Council on 26th October
- The circuit invitation committee as they wait to receive the profiles of ministers looking for a new appointment in 2027
- The On The Way course starting on 21st October