Dear Friends,

In the town of Nauplion in Southern Greece, there is a small opening from one of the town squares that leads directly on to a small beach. It is an exquisite spot; a small window that leads away from the heat and dust of the buildings, into the cool glory of God’s creation.

As I watched early one morning, three very elderly ladies came down through the opening. They shed layers of loose black clothing, put on hats and sunglasses, and, crossing themselves three times, waded into the water. They swam some small distance from the shore where I knew the sea bed shelved sharply, then appeared to hang vertically downward in the deep water where they proceeded to chat for about twenty minutes before returning to shore, and, crossing themselves once more, disappeared from whence they had come.

Since then I have learnt the value and joy of what I call ‘The Greek hanging position’. It can be achieved at the deep end of a swimming pool but it is best in the sea – preferably where there is some beautiful coastal scenery to admire. It is totally liberating. All pressures are removed and the world can be contemplated from a completely different perspective.

And that is surely what holidays are about. They are a chance to remove ourselves from the pressures of everyday life, whether we stay at home or are lucky enough to go away. They are a time for refreshment and renewal, for sleeping, for reading new things and for opening our minds to new possibilities. They are also a time for praying – not necessarily the structured words of the liturgy, but the joyful responding of heart and soul to the beauty of God’s world.

The word holiday itself comes from Holy Day. The only time in years gone by when workers would be given time off was on the great Feast Days of the Church – and they would begin with prayer and thanksgiving.

I pray that you may return from whatever you have done this summer with body, mind AND soul refreshed.

Yours in Christ,

Jo Spray

All who are on holiday, that they may return refreshed.

All who cannot take a holiday, that they may find time for refreshment in the busy – ness of life.

Students who are waiting for exam results

Jo Petty and Richard Midgley to be married here on 9^th August

The people of Liberia and the people of Iraq.

Last month's coffee morning raised £260. Thank you to Steve and Tina Machan and everyone who helped with and supported the event. The lovely weather enabled us to enjoy the beautiful garden to the full. The scones, strawberries and cream were so popular that Steve had to dash out for extra fruit!