The homilies project was developed so that a congregation can engage in study and discussion of the lectionary when a Priest or Reader are not available to lead the service. The files include the gospel reading, details of the other readings for the week, the homily itself which can be read out loud, discussion points and the collect for the week. They are written by a variety of people, including our bishops and archdeacons, and they are intended to be used by lay leaders who are not authorised to preach.
The Walesby Group is now fortunate to be able to call upon the resources of four clergy licensed to their churches, supported by a wide team of lay and retired ministers. In addition to her role as Vicar for the Market Rasen Group, Revd Claire Burnett is Priest in Charge for the parishes of Brookenby, Claxby, Croxby, Kirmond le Mire, Normanby le Wold, North Willingham, Stainton le Vale, Thoresway and Walesby. Revd Bryan Dixon, Rector for the Middle Rasen Group, is Priest in Charge for the parish of Tealby and the Barkwith Group of parishes.
(For specific parish enquiries, please see the contact details on the website A Church Near You)
Tuesday 1st October: 6pm - Reflective Service of Holy Communion (Iona)
at Claxby Village Hall (refreshments from 5:30pm)
Wednesday 2nd October: 10am - Holy Communion (BCP) at Tealby
Friday 11th October: 7pm - Harvest Supper at East Barkwith Village Hall
Sunday 13th October: 9am - Barkwith Group Harvest Service at South Willingham
Sunday 13th October: 11am - Harvest Holy Communion at Tealby
Sunday 13th October: 3pm - Claxby Harvest Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday 16th October: 10am - Said Morning Prayer (BCP) at Tealby
Thursday 24th October: 6:30pm - Harvest Service at St Mary's Thoresway
There are a wide range of theological opinions within the church, this article reflects the views of the author
'Creationtide'
The Season of Creationtide is an annual Christian celebration of listening and responding together. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call, as custodians of the planet, to care for it and all the creatures that share it with us. We are part of all that God has made and our wellbeing is dependent on the wellbeing of the Earth. We should therefore take this opportunity to safeguard our common home by uniting in prayer to protect our planet and its environment. The Season of Creationtide began on 1st September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on 4th October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, and this year the theme is, “Listen to the Voice of Creation.”
But how should we listen? Some people, usually those with power, may use platforms such as the media or political discourse to voice their opinions but, they may not have the capacity to mute themselves. However, even more people do not even have access to any such platforms, and their voices are never heard. Many voices are muted regarding climate change and the ethics of protecting and nurturing the Earth, and these are the voices of those who suffer the impacts of climate change. These are the voices of those who hold generational wisdom about how to live gratefully within the limits of the land.
Psalm 19 tells us that, “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the Earth, and their words to the end of the world.”
So, during this Season of Creation, let our common prayer and action help us listen for the voices of those who are silenced. In prayer, let us lament the individuals, communities, species and ecosystems which are lost, and those whose livelihoods are threatened by habitat loss and climate change. May this 2024 Season of Creation renew our Christian unity, by our bond of peace in one Spirit, and our call to care for our common home. May our prayers and actions be a time to Listen to the Voice of Creation, so that our lives in words and deeds proclaim good news for all the Earth.
Amen.
A Prayer for this Week
God our Father,
whose Son, the light unfailing,
has come from heaven to deliver the world from the darkness of ignorance:
let these holy mysteries open the eyes of our understanding
that we may know the way of life,
and walk in it without stumbling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
