THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
24th July 2026
Greetings,
St. Swithun's Day is behind us, but as it was bone dry, according to the legend, we still have another 25 days of drought ahead. This is not good news for gardeners, but at least we should have fine weather for Tea in the Churchyard (Sunday 3rd from 3.30 pm). Blessed by the weather, I'm sure it will also be blessed by a delicious array of food, savoury and sweet. Please look at the list in church and add your name if you are able to contribute any of the following: sandwiches, quiches, salads, trifles, cakes. Thank you very much in advance for the wholehearted commitment which this occasion always inspires. It's a great example of the social riches of voluntary endeavour. In so saying I’m reminded of a comedy sketch by Eddy Izzard in which the Church of England is lampooned for being all about tea and cake!
But there is of course more to church and the Kingdom of God than tea and cake as Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52) reminds us. Again, Jesus is telling Parables of the Kingdom and one of the themes is total, wholehearted commitment. Half measures will not do. It’s a stark message, but humanity is such that we need to be reminded from time to time of the importance of commitment and of redoubling our efforts. At the same time, we can take heart from the knowledge that what matters most and underpins everything is God’s total, wholehearted commitment to us revealed in Jesus Christ. He himself said, come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Whatever the demands of life, there is rest and renewed strength in God’s grace. May that grace be with you.
Blessings,
Charles Booth
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