Dear all

September is here again and autumn approaches along with new beginnings for many with school, colleges, and further education. I always think it is an exciting time of year – a time to begin something new perhaps. Do you remember when it used to be called ‘evening classes’ or ‘night school’?! Well there is much on offer in our village of course with plenty of events and activities to choose from but here is a taster of some of the things we are offering that are kind of church based.

Well, I’m not very good at science and maths and definitely should go back to school for those subjects but despite that one of the things I am looking forward to attending is a talk by our own Revd Dr Martin Gilpin from St Peter’s Newdigate who is going to give a talk on science and faith entitled ‘Belief in God: Is it rational?’. The talk is free and is to be held in Newdigate Village Hall on Friday 7th September at 7.30 and Martin who is a scientist by profession is going to discuss amongst other things: – the origin of the universe, the origin of life on earth and what the limits of science are. Suitable for everyone, especially Martin says, teenagers with interest in science and or religion. In fact religion will only be lightly touched on. Well that’s a relief!!

On the music and arts front I am really looking forward to welcoming songwriter and performer Sally Cranham back to our church for an evening where she will be performing songs from her forthcoming album and talking about her role as Creative Director of the Fallout Urban Arts Centre, Minneapolis, as well as her work with an anti-trafficking charity. This will be in church on 23rd September at 6pm and promises to be an inspiring and moving occasion. If you enjoy music and singing how about joining our church choir? We welcome singers of all ages and have space in all parts. We shall be beginning rehearsals for our Christmas Carol Service and other special services throughout the autumn and winter and rehearse regularly on Thursday evenings. We will also be preparing to sing a service of sung Matins at St Margaret’s Ockley.

On the art and craft front our own Craft Group begins this month to meet on a Tuesday afternoon in church to work on different craft projects, have a chat and a cup of tea. They would love to have new members so do pop along and see what they are up to! Also if you have ever wanted to learn to draw or paint, there are great opportunities to make a start. Our very popular Wednesday morning art group continues to thrive at Capel Memorial Hall and now also at Ockley Cricket Pavilion on Thursday afternoon if you prefer a smaller group. Do contact Julia on 01306 711615 if you would like more information.

Service wise, we are offering Café Church at Capel, traditional Matins at Ockley, with contemporary and traditional services of Holy Communion at both churches. The church bells will be ringing quite a lot this month as we celebrate three weddings in September, and by the way you can also learn to ring the bells if you read the banner on the front wall of the church! As the month draws to a close we will be celebrating Harvest first at Ockley and the following week at Capel along with a ‘bring and share’ lunch and traditional Harvest Teas. So do check the service list of events for more details of all these and much more. Oh and Messy Church starts a new term later this month as well! So have a great September and don’t forget our doors are always open!

With my love and prayers as ever

Revd Liz