‘Dear God,

In bible times did they really talk that fancy?

Jennifer’

One of our congregation was kind enough to put this extract from the book called ‘Children’s Letters to God’*, published recently in the Daily Mail, through my letterbox. I have no doubt I shall quote more of the letters in the future! This letter reminded me a bit of one of my former sixth form, who threw down her pen one day in disgust saying ‘If Garibaldi and Mr Disraeli had known they were going to be so famous they wouldn’t have done things that are so difficult to spell!’ There was not much I could do to help Charlotte - Jennifer, of the letter above, might be easier to help! I found all the children’s letters so refreshing because they are written in the language children use and they ask childlike questions of God.

People often say to me ‘How should I pray? I am not very good with words.’ - as if prayer needed some magic formula. The language of the St James’ version of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer is very beautiful – the words roll themselves round the tongue and I particularly enjoy reading them out loud – but they are not what we would use now in everyday conversation. The construction of sentences is difficult, even the meaning of some of the words has changed, making it quite hard to understand what the writer actually meant. I think when people say ‘I am not good with words’ they mean they don’t know how to speak to God in ‘fancy’ language. We don’t need to!

Prayer is not about ‘talking fancy’, or even stringing together a whole lot of words and requests as if we had God on the end of a telephone line. It is simply about being quiet, bringing ourselves into His presence and holding before Him those things that are in our hearts. The simplest, most halting words are quite sufficient - the words we might use to those closest to us in our family. Childlike words even – and simple questions or requests – like those in this lovely book. And in the silence, and because we are not concerned about ‘being fancy’, we might even have space to hear what God is trying to say to us.

Yours in Christ

Jo

* ‘Children’s letters to God’ compiled by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall, to be published by Kyle Cathie on September 28^th at £5.99.

All teachers, especially new teachers.

Children in places where there are no schools.

11.00am Family Eucharist when you are all invited to bring Harvest gifts and

6.00pm Choral Evensong for Harvest.

Wednesday morning, 4^th October, Turvey Lower School has their Harvest Celebration in Church

Wednesday evening, 4^th October, we have our Harvest Auction in aid of the Bishop’s Appeal. This year we are joining with a Ugandan Anglican organisation to buy tools and seeds to help farmers whose land was devastated by war. The Three Cranes has kindly agreed to host our auction this year, which will start at 7.30pm.

Friday evening 6^th October, Harvest Supper, 7.30pm in the Village Hall, tickets from Sandra Nightingale.

Jo Spray

Rob and I would like to thank all who sent greetings for our Ruby Wedding in August, and all who were able to come and help us to celebrate - we had a really lovely day. Jo Spray.

We are now planning next year's coffee mornings. If you would like to host one of these please contact Anne Claypole White or Gill Betts (720615) who would be delighted to hear from you !

The Macmillan Coffee Morning will be held on Friday 29^th September in the Village Hall from 9:30am until 12:00 noon. Every cup counts, so please come along and support this vital event.