PRIEST's LETTER

We are now heading into the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, the hot weather replaced by cooling rain, my favourite time of the year.  When the nights start drawing in and we can enjoy the fruits of the land.  A time of soups, crunchy walks and crisp air.  As we enter Autumn we turn to our harvest festivals, giving thanks for all that God has given to us and all that we have at the hands of our farmers and growers.  My first year at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show was evidence of what a wonderful rural community we have and the hard work that is done.  Harvest is a chance to celebrate who we are as a community, and all the varied ways we are fruitful as God’s flock.  This season also brings to us an exciting new chapter in our Parish life in Silton, and in the wide benefice with Gillingham and Milton on Stour, as Rev Philippa Sargent will be joining us soon as a part-time Team Vicar, ensuring that we can continue to produce fruits in our work and our mission in this place.  We pray with her as she prepares for this new role and let it remind us of what good things God is calling us to bring forth, to serve one another where we are.   We give thanks for the Silton charity produce stall that raises money for local concerns, and for all the talented gifts of those who make chutney, bake cakes, and give so much to raise money for such good causes.  As we enjoy the Autumn season and all that it will bring with the changing of the colours in the leaves of the trees, all the good gifts that we will bring in at harvest, let us give thanks to God and come together with our neighbours in love and service.

Ecclesiastes 3

To everything there is a season
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted

Rev’d Becca McDonnell.