Dear Friends
I’m one of the fortunate people that relishes being too warm; I thoroughly enjoy weather over 30˚C. There are many others who don’t, and prolonged hot periods with little or no rain have consequences.
One of those is that some folk, particularly the elderly, dehydrate and struggle to the point of being at danger of death. We need to look out for those neighbours who are struggling and help when and how we can. In church this last Sunday, we’ve been looking again at the parable of the Good Samaritan, and we’ve been reminded that all mankind is our neighbour; the narrow definitions we often apply to that word reduce the meaning of the parable. God calls us all to care for those around us. My experience is that our communities are pretty good at this… but, can I ask, do you have a neighbour you’re concerned about? Should you be taking action?
Another consequence is for the farming community. There are those who are concerned that the crop they harvest will be very poor, even non-existent. Fodder for stock isn’t growing at the level needed to provide enough. This isn’t just a farming issue; it will affect us all with food shortages and higher prices. It’s difficult to know how to help in this situation, but if you are a praying person, perhaps that’s the way for you.
If you are concerned and need someone to talk to, then please feel free to contact your local church, and someone will meet with you, talk with you, pray with you if you wish. One of the joys of our parish church system is that we are at the centre of village life, and are happy to serve our communities in any way we can. Contact details are published on church noticeboards, and of course on the inside front page of this magazine.
May God bless you all
Tony Barron
Ps… We distribute a weekly email describing what’s going on in our churches, notifying late changes and giving other news. If you’d like to receive this, please drop me an email: tbarron@btinternet.com