WELCOME TO ST MARY'S AND ALL SOULS
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Take a look at the churches in the Benefice from the air |
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St Mary's and All Souls Services We will post any revisions to services here and on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StMarysAndAllSouls |
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St Mary's and All Souls latest Newsletter |
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PCC Papers You can now download minutes and other PCC documents from the PCC page |
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Food Bank latest needs: https://bromleyborough.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/ *PLEASE DON'T SEND US FROZEN OR CHILLED ITEMS AS WE DON'T HAVE THE CORRECT STORAGE FOR IT AND IT SPOILS BEFORE WE CAN DISTRIBUTE IT* WE'VE GOT PLENTY OF PASTA, CEREAL & BISCUITS
Thank you!
Judith Simmonds will be taking the Parish contributions towards the end of the month so please drop your donations into our box in the porch before then. |
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The Church Of England Daily Prayer |
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Rev Susan writes:
October is a month of change. The evenings draw in, the air grows cooler, and the leaves turn from green to gold, red and brown. There is something both beautiful and poignant about this season. As the trees let go of their leaves, we are reminded that change is part of the rhythm of God’s creation. Each season has its own gifts and challenges.
For many churches, October is also a season of thanksgiving. Our Harvest celebrations invite us to notice gifts we can easily take for granted: food on our tables, the work of farmers and all who produce and provide it, the beauty of creation, and the people who share our lives. Harvest reminds us that we depend upon one another and, ultimately, upon God, whose generosity sustains us day by day.
Thankfulness is more than counting our blessings. Christian gratitude leads us towards generosity. When we recognise that all we have is received as a gift from God, we are encouraged to consider how those gifts might be shared. This may mean offering practical help, giving to those in need, making time for someone who is lonely, or simply paying attention to the needs of those around us. In a world where many face financial pressures, anxiety and uncertainty, even small acts of kindness can make a real difference.
October also reminds us of the grace of letting go. The trees do not cling to their leaves forever. In their own time, they release what they have carried through the summer, making space for new life. In our own lives, and in the life of the Church, there may be things we need to leave behind to make room for what God is doing next: an old habit, disappointment, fear, or familiar way of working that no longer serves us well.
Letting go is not always easy. We often find security in what we know, even when it is no longer helpful. Yet the changing seasons remind us that God is not confined to what is familiar. God is present in times of transition as well as stability, and we can trust that we do not face change alone.
Prayer is especially important at such times. Prayer is not only about bringing our concerns, hopes and questions to God; it is also about making space to listen. In the busyness of parish life, we can move from one task to the next without pausing to ask what God may be saying. We need moments of stillness in which to ask: Where is God calling us now? What is God asking of us, individually and as a church community? This is why we have been focussing on prayer throughout the month of September
God’s call may be found in a new opportunity to serve, a concern that will not go away, the gifts of congregation members, or the needs of our local community. We may be called to begin something new, renew something familiar, welcome those who are new, reach out to those who feel forgotten, or become more attentive to God’s presence in daily life.
The answers may not come immediately. Discernment takes time, patience and prayer. As we listen to God and to one another, we may begin to recognise where God is already at work and how we are invited to join in. Faithfulness often begins with taking the next small step, trusting that God will guide us.
The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”. Whatever season you are experiencing this October—joy or difficulty, activity or rest, beginning or ending—may you know God’s presence with you.
As autumn settles around us, may we notice its beauty, give thanks for all we have received, and share generously with others. Above all, may we pray: Lord, where are you calling us? Give us wisdom to recognise your voice, courage to follow where you lead, and grace to trust you through every season.
Lord, where are you calling us? Give us wisdom to recognise your voice, courage to follow where you lead, and grace to trust you through every season.
Rev Susan
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