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I am fortunate to have four grandchildren. It has deepened my understanding of God and theology, but also added humour. Their presence has taught me valuable lessons about love, patience, trust, joy, and legacy, all while keeping me smiling and on my toes.

Looking at my grandchildren, I feel a boundless, unearned love simply because they exist. It has helped me grasp the depth of God's love for us. St. Augustine said, "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us," but God's love must also be as patient as a grandparent waiting for a toddler to put on their shoes! As humourist Sam Levenson said, "The reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy"—and sometimes that’s just the chaos of life itself.

Grandchildren test your patience in the most endearing ways. I find myself more understanding with them than I ever was as a parent. Recently two-year-old granddaughter was pushing the boundaries with her mum, insisting her daddy drove on the way home and even called her mummy ‘a big meanie ’ as she climbed into the driver’s seat.  Dave and I had to stifle our giggles when our daughter calmly responded with measured firmness, ‘No it is you who are the big meanie’. Karl Barth described God’s patience as “a waiting in active expectation.” I now see God as waiting for me with the same look I give my grandchildren when they tell me adamantly that they are not tired, they do not need to go to the toilet, they no longer like their dinner! Bill Cosby summed this up when he said, "Grandparents are God’s gift to children because they give unconditional love, cookies, and do all the things parents don’t." God’s grace, much like grandparenting, is full of patient love.

When they reach for my hand, they instinctively trust me without question. Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Their faith in me is like the faith God asks of us—simple and trusting. C.S. Lewis said, “Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.” Or, as Erma Bombeck put it more humorously, "A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween." They trust, and that’s what matters.

My grandchildren wonder at the smallest things—a butterfly, the stars—their awe reminds me of the beauty of God's world. G.K. Chesterton wrote, “The world will never starve for want of wonders, but only for want of wonder.” Gene Perret said: "What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars’ worth of pleasure." Their sense of joy in the simplest things reminds me that God invites us to experience creation with the same childlike awe and delight.

Finally, having grandchildren has heightened my awareness of legacy. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children." And while I do feel a responsibility to pass on values and faith, I also know there’s room for fun.

In short, having grandchildren has taught me about God’s love, patience, and joy—all with a healthy dose of humour. Through them, I see more clearly the depth of God’s grace, and the importance of living a life of faith, sprinkled with laughter. May we always value our young people and their presence alongside us. 

Annette

I wonder if you happened to see the moon Tuesday night of last week – and if you noticed how bright and close it seemed.  Well – it looked close because it was close – a supermoon, when its elliptical circuit brings it to its nearest point to the Earth.  In fact if you were sleepless and watching in the early hours – you might have noticed it change shape – a partial eclipse.  And the September full moon, of course, is traditionally dubbed the Harvest Moon – paving the way to the traditional annual round of Harvest Festival services in our different churches.  Giving thanks for the great gift of the season of harvest, is a tradition that must surely go back to the earliest human settled tribes, recognising, then as now, a greater power than themselves at work in the mysterious cycle of growth, fruition and decay.

A few afternoons ago, Alison and I sat in the Autumn sunshine (yes, really!) on a bench in Kintbury churchyard, surrounded by the men and women who worked the local farms and fields for centuries, to plan this year’s Harvest Festival Service for St Mary’s Church.  The present-day village went on unobtrusively with its daily routine around us – a parishioner walking her dog stopped to chat, children let out from school rode joyfully by on bikes and scooters – and we thought about how best we could mark this year’s harvest.  How to find that balance which enjoys and celebrates the tradition in which it, and we, are rooted – while also seeking freshness, a new responsiveness, genuine joy and gratitude.

Will we have got it right?  I’m sure the congregation will let us know!  But for us it was a very special couple of hours – and it just felt like a totally appropriate activity in exactly the right setting, as we agreed that “Come ye thankful people come” was absolutely the right sentiment, at the right time, in the right place, for this year once again.

Jenny

Kintbury Harvest Festival (9:45, 06/10) gifts will be combined with gifts from Kintbury St Mary's School Harvest Service and donated to the Food Bank.

Urgently needed items
Lunchbox individual fruit juice
Wet Wipes
Shaving foam
Tinned Vegetables
Variety pack cereal
Tinned tomatoes/passata
Tin Meat Meals - curry, hotpot, pies etc

Low on Stock
Tinned Fruit
Honey
Custard/Rice Pudding
Long Life Sponge Puddings
Tinned Soup
Size 4 and 8 Nappies

Most mornings just after breakfast and before my day gets going, I go for a short walk around the
estate where I live. Towards the end of my route there is a huge, majestic oak tree that was
preserved as the estate was built up around it. Most often, I pause for a moment and I admire its
beauty, and marvel at its stability, solidity, unchangeableness, day after day, season after season.
No doubt its roots go very deep, and the vagaries of the weather have only served to increase its
strength, its resilience. Sometimes (if no one is looking!) I feel moved to stretch up my arms
mirroring the tree’s posture of reaching for the sky, sometimes as an expression of joy and
appreciation, but sometimes as a gesture of prayer ‘God make me more like this oak tree!’
Because, truth be told, I am not at all like this. Sometimes I wobble, I waver, I don’t always feel very
strong at all. I want to stand tall, I want to be resilient, but often I am buffeted by circumstances, by worries and concerns, things that hurt or upset me.
The prophet Jeremiah writes:
‘Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is in the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.’ (Jeremiah 17.7-8)
God invites us to trust, and to put down our ‘roots’ into refreshing, life-giving water. We don’t have
to grit our teeth and try even harder to be strong, rather we are invited to come, and to receive from his resources, and that is how we grow and how we bear fruit.
In October we will be having the first of our healing services which will be an opportunity for us to
come together to make some space to pray for God to refresh and sustain us. An opportunity to
receive from God’s helping hand, from his healing hand. It will be a time set aside to draw strength
if life is feeling hard, refreshment if you’re feeling tired, some peace if life is rather frantic, or
comfort where there is sadness. There will be time to bring prayers for people we know who are
suffering or struggling. It is for anyone, and everyone - a time to simply be quiet, enjoy some
stillness, take part in some gentle worship and prayers, and sink our ‘roots’ deep down into God’s
sustaining stream of living water.
Alison

As schools start this week, I hope you have managed some rest and holiday over August.
Rest and holidays are an important, essential part of life.
As you know holidays grew out of holy-days which in our medieval history proliferated
through saints’ days, some nationally recognised and others with more local significance, as
in Wales and Cornwall. With the church so dominating the rhythms of life then, they were
recognised by landlord and worker alike in what was a predominantly an agricultural and
household labour market. A quick glance at the famous and wonderful Luttrell Psalter shows
vividly the types of occupation our medieval forbears “enjoyed”. How different to our highly
mechanised agriculture when, last week, one combine-harvester harvested two large fields
behind us in half a day! By the late 19 th century, and a more industrialised Britain, factories
agreed to close for a week in the summer to allow their workers rest and holidays, and by
the 1930’s Butlins holiday camps got going. In the late 19 th century leisure pursuits had
taken off with the proliferation of clubs in football, cricket and later athletics, all becoming
spectator sports. Likewise, overseas travel for the better off with Thomas Cooks and Henry
Lunn (David Cannadine, Victorious Century, Penguin p513) started group overseas holiday
travel. All of this made for holidays and hopefully refreshment from the often grinding daily
round. But rest has deeper significance too.
One holy-day or Saints Day recently celebrated on August 28th is in memory of St Augustine
of Hippo, a town on the coast of present day Algeria (Annaba) where he was bishop and
teacher of the faith for over thirty years (396-430AD). It was he who, in his famous
Confessions, wrote “our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you”: meaning that our
lives really only enjoy that deep peace and integration when they come to dwell in God
through Christ. It is then that we may come to know a “peace that passes understanding”
(Philippians 4:7) as they are fixed by faith in God, though prayer, worship and scripture. As
Jesus himself said, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will fine rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28,29). The greatest holy-day is when we find
that rest in him.

Patrick Whitworth

I was chatting with a friend a few days ago, who was talking about how his response to formal worship has changed over the years.

He is a lifelong Christian and reflective churchgoer, who has explored theology and faith, and who has, in the past, had some varied experience of lay leadership, although with no formal ecclesiastical training or ministry.  As the years have passed, his personal life and situation have, of course, moved on, progressed, developed and altered; his perceptions of the world and the Church have changed, and he admits to sometimes finding the formal liturgy of church services less rewarding spiritually than when he was an enthusiastic, devout and younger “disciple”.

And he asks himself, (and his spiritual director), whether this is a failing of his own faith or of the Church’s ability to communicate.

It’s a question perhaps worth asking – but it doesn’t seem to lead towards any very conclusive answer.

And so our conversation continued.  

“But I do find,” he said, “that when I’m out in the garden, or I’m walking through the fields or beside the river – I am praying continuously; it absorbs me completely.”

He paused then, and seemed to be delving into deep deliberation.

Eventually - “When you watch the news – it’s impossible to know what to think – or how to pray – and yet the only possible response is to pray.  Israel, Gaza, Lebanon – who do you pray for?  How do you pray about it?  How can you not pray for the people and the situation?”

Needless to say – I’m afraid I had no useful advice or suggestions to offer – and I’m not really sure that is what he was looking for.

In the end, we all have to work out our own personal philosophy and beliefs.  I think though, that it is important to recognise and accept that very few of us will reach a conclusive position where we will remain throughout our life.  It can be useful and helpful to think things through aloud – because we humans function and philosophise and create concepts verbally.  If we choose, or want to pray, it can also be useful to accept – as St Paul, who so rarely found himself lost for words, admitted: “we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”

I think maybe that’s where my friend is at the moment – I’ll put it to him next time I see him.  I wonder how many of us are feeling the same?  Do you find your thoughts taking on a life of their own when something moves you?  Do you ever identify it as prayer?

Jenny

Dear Friends 

I am delighted to share the success of our recent wild church event, a morning filled with creativity, learning, and fellowship that brought our community closer together in both spirit and purpose. This gathering was a beautiful testament to what can happen when we step outside the traditional church walls and engage with God’s creation in meaningful and joyful ways.

Our wild church activities were designed to connect us with nature and with each other, as we celebrated the beauty of God's world. The morning was filled with hands-on activities that everyone, from the youngest children to the oldest members of our community, could enjoy. We made bird feeders, bee and butterfly feeders, arranged flowers, and even created recycled elephants as a reminder of the importance of sustainability and caring for God’s creatures. The seed bombs we crafted will bring new life to the earth, and the bug hotels provide safe havens for insects, reminding us of our responsibility to protect the smallest of God’s creations. The smiles on the children's faces as they had their faces painted and the wonder in their eyes as they learned about bees from a local beekeeper highlighted the joy that comes from discovery and learning.

What made this day truly special was the spirit of community and inclusiveness that permeated the event. We were overjoyed to be joined by residents from Notrees, who were wheeled down by the Community Volunteers. Their presence was a blessing to us all, reminding us that the church is not just a place, but a people—a family that extends love and care to everyone, regardless of age or ability. The sight of different generations coming together, working side by side, and sharing in the joy of the day, was a powerful witness to the fellowship and community cohesion that is at the heart of our Christian mission.

This event was more than just a morning of fun; it was a living expression of our call to be stewards of God's creation and to love our neighbours as ourselves. By engaging in these activities, we not only cared for the environment but also strengthened the bonds of our community, demonstrating the love of God in action. The collaboration with the Community Volunteers and the inclusion of our friends from Notrees highlighted how mission can take many forms—sometimes it's about going out into the world, and other times, it's about bringing the world to us and creating a space where all are welcome.

Gathering in the churchyard, surrounded by the wonders of nature, reminded us that God's love is all-encompassing and ever-present. It was a morning that underscored the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones, of reaching out to others, and of recognizing the sacred in the everyday. As we shared stories, and worked together, we experienced a deep sense of God's presence among us—a reminder that the church is alive and vibrant, wherever we gather in His name.

Let us carry forward the spirit of this morning, continuing to find new and creative ways to live out our faith, care for God's creation, and help build a community rooted in love and fellowship. May we always be guided by the love of God, as we work together to make His kingdom known on earth.

We are hoping to host another event during half term in Inkpen but this is dependent on us having sufficient volunteers as I do not stretch the generosity of our leaders.  If you are around at half term and willing to help lead an activity, please let me know. It was hard work but the smiles on people’s faces said it all.  

Yours in Christ,

Revd Annette

These are just some of those who took part.  There are more photos in the Gallery.

So, here I am six weeks on from ordination, and starting to find my way around Walbury Beacon!
People have often asked me, over these past few years, ‘why did you decide to train for ordination?’
The simple answer to this is, ‘I didn’t!’ I didn’t just wake up one morning and think, ‘hey, I think God
is calling me to ordained ministry.’ As the idea was put to me first of all by others, the only thing I
actually decided to do was to listen, to respond, to follow the hunches and the nudges. No lightning
bolts, no fireworks, just a steady one-foot-in-front-of-the-other to see where this might go.
Discernment is not only a personal thing, it’s mostly a team effort, and I’ve had some wonderful
people around me the whole way.
The scripture often quoted in connection with ordination is John 15.16: ‘You did not choose me, I
chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last’. It’s a wonderful verse of
encouragement – that God chooses us. And God chooses us with a purpose – to have fruitful lives.
For me, I have been led down the route of ordination, but I really do believe that as disciples of Jesus
ALL of us have a calling, a vocation, there are no exceptions. All of us have things to do, and we all
have gifts, that can be used in God’s service. As we were reminded in the epistle reading recently,
we are a body, and it takes every part to be working properly – doing the thing that it is designed to
do - for the whole body to grow in love (Ephesians 4.15-16).
But there are things that can get in the way of this. It might be lack of confidence. It might be a fear
of being pushy – we don’t want to ‘blow our own trumpet’! It might be that there’s something we
think we can contribute but there doesn’t seem to be opportunity to do it. Sometimes it might
simply be a lack of motivation. Or, it might be that we simply don’t really know what we have to
bring, we are unsure where our gifts lie. And this, I believe, is where we can really help each other
out. Other people can often see in us things that we cannot see ourselves. So, if we see someone
doing something that we think is great – we need to tell them! Plants bear fruit when they are
tended well, cared for, put in the right environment. How might we do this for each other? I think
the power of encouragement is often underrated. But when you’ve been on the receiving end of it,
you know how uplifting, how liberating, how energising it can be. So perhaps we need to be more
intentional about this. To look for opportunities to encourage each other. We can make a choice to
look for the good in each other. And not only to notice, but to say something that will be an
encouragement and a blessing to someone else. This will foster growth and fruitfulness, as we are
each enabled, with God’s help, to flourish in all that we are created to be. 
Alison

Dear Friends
Most of you will be aware that the topic of same-sex marriage is currently being debated within Christian communities. Some fear a schism ahead for the church
There are arguments for and against being presented through various interpretations of the Bible, so I thought it may be useful for us to explore some of the key biblical arguments from both perspectives and propose a way forward.

A) Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage.

Genesis 1:27-28 describes God creating humanity as male and female and commanding them to be fruitful and multiply. Opponents of same-sex marriage argue that this establishes a divine design for marriage as a union between a man and a woman, intended for procreation.
Genesis 2:24: Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh; This is often cited as the foundational model for marriage, with a specific male-female complementarity.
In Leviticus 18:22, 20:13: The verses explicitly prohibit male same-sex
relations, calling them an abomination. Critics argue that this reflects God's moral law, not just cultural or ceremonial regulations.
Romans 1:26-27: Paul describes same-sex relations as dishonorable passions and contrary to nature interpreting them as a result of humanity's rejection of God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10: These passages include same-sex relations in lists of behaviors considered sinful and incompatible with inheriting the Kingdom of God.
The relationship between Christ and the Church is often depicted as a marriage (e.g. Ephesians 5:22-33), with Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as His bride.
Traditionalists argue that this metaphor relies on the complementary male- female relationship.
B) Arguments For Same-Sex Marriage
Other theologians argue that biblical texts must be understood in their historical and cultural contexts. An example of this is the prohibitions in Leviticus and Romans which can be seen as addressing specific practices (like idolatrous temple prostitution or exploitative relationships) rather than loving, consensual same-sex relationships as we understand them today.
In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus emphasizes the greatest commandments as loving God and loving one's neighbour. Those in support of same-sex marriage argue that loving, committed same-sex relationships fulfill these commands and reflect God's love and justice.
In Galatians 3:28: The words “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus could suggest a transcending of traditional gender roles and distinctions in the new covenant.
Advocates point out that Jesus does not address same-sex relationships in the Gospels implying that it was not a central concern and that His message focused on love, inclusion, and breaking down social barriers.

Some argue that certain biblical relationships, such as David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 2 Samuel 1:26) or Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17), could be interpreted as deep, covenantal same-sex relationships, though not necessarily sexual.

Supporters also argue that our understanding of human sexuality has evolved and that the Bible’s silence on committed same-sex relationships, as we understand them today, leaves room for acceptance within the broader Christian ethic of love and fidelity.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Thus, the debate over same-sex marriage within Christianity hinges on differing interpretations of Scripture and the weight given to certain texts and principles.
Those against it tend to emphasize traditional interpretations of biblical texts that affirm heterosexual marriage as the divine norm. In contrast, those in favor argue for a contextual and principle-based approach that highlights love, justice, and the evolving understanding of human relationships.
The discussion involves complex theological, ethical, and pastoral
considerations, and different Christian communities and denominations
continue to grapple with these issues in diverse ways. Tackling the debate over same-sex marriage within the church requires a multi-faceted and sensitive approach involving theological reflection, pastoral care, and community dialogue.
…………………………………………………………………………………..
What should we do as a church?

1. We can establish forums where members can express their views openly without fear of judgment.
2. We can promote understanding by encouraging members to listen to personal stories from LGBTQ+ individuals within the church. Personal testimonies can humanize the issue and foster empathy.
3. We can offer Bible study sessions that explore the relevant texts in their historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts, bringing in scholars with diverse perspectives to provide a balanced view.
4. We can educate members on how the church’s understanding of marriage and sexuality has evolved and how theological interpretations can change.
5. We can host educational events on topics like human sexuality, marriage, and pastoral care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Ensuring these events are grounded in robust theological and scientific research.
6. We can provide books, articles, and other resources that cover a range of perspectives on same-sex marriage and encourage members to read widely and think critically.
7. We can create ministries that specifically support LGBTQ+ members, ensuring they feel welcome and valued within the church community.
8. We can emphasize the core beliefs and values that unite the congregation, such as the love of Christ, the importance of community, and the call to justice and compassion.
9. We can acknowledge that there may be a range of beliefs within the congregation and encourage mutual respect. Stress that diversity of thought does not have to lead to division.
10. We can carefully review and, if necessary, revise our church policies regarding marriage, membership, and leadership to ensure they reflect the church’s theological stance and commitment to inclusion.
11. We can ensure that the church’s practices align with its stated beliefs. This includes how weddings are conducted, how church roles are assigned, and how community life is structured.
12. We can engage in dialogue with other churches and denominations to learn from their experiences and approaches to the issue. This can provide valuable insights and foster broader Christian unity.
13. We can implement structured discernment processes that involve prayer, study, and discussion to help the congregation reach a consensus or a place of mutual respect.
14. We can recognize that this is not a one-time discussion but an ongoing journey. Commit to revisiting the topic regularly as understanding and societal contexts evolve.
15. We can be willing to adapt and refine strategies based on feedback and the changing dynamics within the church and broader society.

In time we will change the 'we can' to 'we will' and eventually to 'we have'. 

By approaching the debate over same-sex marriage with humility, openness, and a commitment to love and justice, our churches will navigate this complex issue in a way that honors our faith, and fosters a more inclusive community.
Love and prayers
Revd Annette

This week I was able to take a few days annual leave and spend time
with my grandchildren, Isaac 8yrs, Ezra 5yrs, Simran 4yrs, and Jasmine
2yrs. It is always such a lovely time… if rather tiring. I think Grandad had
the harder task as they all love shoulder rides and are still protective of
my bionic knee! Ezra will come and gently stroke my leg sometimes and
invite me to sit ‘comfortably’ on the floor to play Lego with him.
I find children’s natural behaviour and responses to the world
enchanting; they find joy in the smallest things and express their delight
freely. That rogue ant or beetle can hold their interest for some time.
Their laughter at the simplest thing is infectious and they certainly know
how to entertain if they know they are being watched. It is such a
privilege and responsibility to know they trust us completely.
Those candid and rather unexpected questions that open
communication can be rather refreshing…most of the time – depending
of course on timing. It is great to watch their curiosity and sense of
wonder about the world developing. I am amazed at how much our
grandchildren who started school this year when they seemed so young,
have learned already.
Have you noticed that young people excel at being present and fully
engaged with what they are doing? It is something that so many adults
struggle with. When I am with the grandchildren, I am more mindful of
the present and stop drifting into thinking and planning my services - and
I am even separated from my computer. Fortunately, all my
grandchildren are eager to learn and absorb new information, but they
also recognise their need for help although Jasmine, the youngest
currently pedantically insists on doing things herself which can be rather
tricky.
Best of all as grandparents is their open expressions of love for us, from
their automatic bear hugs, their smiles of delight and excitement when
we arrive for a visit, to their pleas to stay overnight with us when they
come over. Dave and I feel very blessed although we know that as they
get older, we will not have such a prominent place in their lives so are
making the most of it while we can.
By observing and interacting with my grandchildren, I gain fresh
perspectives on my faith, my sense of wonder is rekindled, and I
discover my relationship with God is deepened.
I hope as they grow up they will always know how much we love them
unconditionally.

With blessings and grace,
Revd Annette

Bishop Olivia has requested that moving forward we refrain from intincting (dipping their wafer) at all Communion services. If you are concerned about drinking from the shared cup the possibility of catching an infection is low as contact is so brief and the cup is wiped, but if you are worried please take communion in just wafer form it is still full communion.