Reverend Chrissy Wilson
(01423) 770667 christella.wilson@yahoo.co.uk
Dear All,
Autumn is upon us! I love the turning of the seasons, feeling the change in the weather,
seeing again the beauty of the colours of autumn as the trees begin to shed their leaves and
the countryside is clothed in mists…the first fires lit in homes as the evenings grow chillier
and the preparations for the Harvest to come.
There are plenty of things to celebrate this autumn in and around our churches.
Hampsthwaite Church will be having an Afternoon Tree Party on Saturday 5th September
from 2.30pm to celebrate the 150th birthday of the beautiful horse chestnut tree that stands
majestically above the lych gate. Birstwith begin the Harvest Festivals with a service of
Evensong followed by a Harvest Supper on Thursday 17th September, with Felliscliffe
Chapel celebrating a special service of Harvest Evening Worship at 6.30pm on Sunday 20th
September followed, as always, by Margaret’s wonderful Harvest Supper in the Millenium
Hall at Kettlesing. Our Adult Confirmation classes also begin on Monday 28th September
from 7.15pm for six weeks at Birstwith Church Hall (TBC), so if you have been thinking
about making the commitment to be confirmed, please let me know and come along to our
‘Start!’ course, which is open to anyone who wishes to go a little deeper and have an
opportunity to discuss our faith, but which can also lead to confirmation for those who feel
the time is now right.
September also marks my first year in the parishes and I am privileged to have shared many
important moments in your lives during this time and to have begun to get to know you.
Over the last year we have had two ‘Pilgrim’ courses, in which we have engaged in
discussions about how we live out our faith in the world; we have seen thirteen young people
come to confirmation; we have engaged fruitfully with our schools, particularly through our
wonderful new cross Benefice and ecumenical Open the Book Team; we have tried some
new services, like the reflective Advent Choral Evening Worship at Birstwith, alongside the
traditional favourites such as the well-attended Remembrance Services; we have enjoyed
coming along to one another’s churches for the Joint Benefice services; our All Age Worship
has provided a shorter service encouraging young families and children, and Morning Prayer
in each of the churches provides valuable prayerful time together. I have particularly enjoyed
the times when we have worshipped and celebrated together (our Archbishop, John Sentamu,
calls it Prayer…and Party!) and I very much look forward to all that lies ahead this coming
year as we continue to serve God together in and through our churches.
With every blessing,
Chrissy
‘…yet he has not left himself without a witness in doing good - giving you rains from heaven
and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.’
Acts of the Apostles 14.17