Ministers Letter- church magazine September 2026
Dear friends,
As I write, we are living through an unusually hot and dry season. Weather forecasters are currently predicting a third heatwave, mainly in the south of the country, with some parts officially in drought, while other areas are battling wildfires due to the very dry conditions.
It seems appropriate then, that the Season of Creation this year has its theme of ‘Living Water’. We know how precious water is- water quenches our thirst, it cleanses, refreshes and renews, it is necessary for all forms of life, and can even turn the dry parched ground green again. And yet we also know that through human actions or inactions, climate change is creating imbalance – some countries suffering drought while others contend with rising sea levels and flood. Many places and people still do not have clean drinking water, and even in our own country we have rising pollution in our rivers and seas.
However, the writer of the book of Ezekiel offers a different view- a picture of hope. a vision for the future. Out of Gods temple would spring fresh water that would deepen and flow to make even salt water become fresh, bringing life, healing, restoration. If we think of the Dead Sea which is so salty that nothing can live in it, Ezekiel tells of waters that are lifeless, becoming places of life and refreshment.
It’s a story of renewal, transformation and healing, a vision for the whole of creation, even little old us.
As we think about Ezekiels future vision, this Season of Creation, God is calling us to work for His purposes now – to help, protect and nurture our common home so that all creation can drink of living water, now and in the future.
Your friend and minister
Cath
