Dear friends
Summer has arrived… bringing with it long sunny days, lighter evenings, birdsong and summer blooms in the gardens. It’s a time when people start to take holidays, plan Summer breaks or just take a day out – somewhere new or a favourite place- Southport, Formby or further afield maybe.
A friend went to Whitby recently, climbing the 199 steps to get to the Abbey, and it reminded me of the story of Caedmon. Caedmon started off as a poor and simple cowherder, working for the abbey when Hilda was abbess there. Often there would be a saints feast day and at celebrations in the evening, there was music and singing. Caedmon would leave early, too shy to sing and conscious that he had no song of his own- knowing no words to any song.
One night he left early as usual and went to sleep in the stables, when in a dream, he is given words and music of a hymn to God. He sang it to the Abbess Hilda the day after and she recognised he had been given a divine gift. He became a monk and used his gift from that day in praise of God.
The letter of James chapter 1 tells us that “Every good and perfect gift comes from above from our unchanging Father.” (1:17)
Some of us may be musical, others not but Caedmon’s tale reminds me that all of us have a ‘song’ given only to us – a gift from above – a song whose words and music come from our experience of life and our relationship with God. A heart-song to be sung out of gratitude and to His glory. Maybe it’s a musical gift, maybe it’s a gift to serve, or of compassion, or of sharing the good news- whatever it is may we too sing our song for the good of others and to God’s glory.
Your friend and minister, Cath
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More Family News
It is with sadness that we record the death of our friend Revd Alison Hall. Alison preached in a number of churches from time to time and attended Haresfinch evening services regularly until they stopped. Although a private person, she encouraged and supported a number of churches and groups in St Helens. Alison was connected with the Guiding organisation in St Helens, the Ladies choir, a supporter of the Sinfonietta as well as a member at Toll Bar URC and local preacher. No details of her funeral service are available yet but will be made known once available.
Rest in peace Alison. And rise in glory.
