Julie's Septembers Jottings 

Flowers such as roses and lilies appear many times in the Bible and other Christian literature.  I came across a short piece by St Augustine last Month when we were celebrating the Dedication of our Parish Church to St Mary the Virgin:

“She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.”  St. Augustine

This metaphor reinforces the idea that we don’t have to accept our inherited characteristics, but we can make our own choices. Doing so in a Christ-like way can result in wonderful things. And maybe when our actions are scented with a beautiful fragrance, we actually make a difference to others.

Flowers are such powerful and meaningful images in metaphors like this because of their simple but astounding impact on lives. It’s hard not to be moved by a delightful garden or exquisite display of flowers.

This month we hope you can join us at our Flower Festival on 9 and 10 September and experience flower power for yourself! The theme this year is taken from the hymn ‘For the beauty of the earth’. Those who often decorate the church with flowers will be joined by many others to transform the church. Among the arrangements there will be one in memory of David Rayner whose legacy includes Scotsdales and the Cancer Centre next to it in Great Shelford. The Ministry Team will also be making an arrangement in memory of Maureen Dobson, our own loved Licensed Lay Minister.

Everyone will get an opportunity to try out their own flower arranging skills with jam jars to fill for children and cups for others. Please come along and experience the beauty, smell the fragrance and enjoy the refreshments.

Following this, at 5pm on Sunday 10 September we will sing our thankfulness for the beauty of the earth at a Songs of Praise where hymns will be chosen by various people from the community.
Rev Julie Norris