From the Vicarage

May Beginnings

Eastertide is a joyful time - the Resurrection of our Lord, and quite rightly a time of new hopes, new growth and new life. Sometimes people make the point that there was a pagan spring festival before Christianity came to our shores and brought Easter. Yes, there was, and surely that simply demonstrates that human beings have always reached out to God in their longing for renewal and life. Now we have the assurance that God is with us, always, and that the whole of creation owes its existence and its beauty to our Creator.

At last spring has come and we can look forward to summer, and May is also blessed by the celebration of our patronal festival. Saint Augustine of Canterbury, whose name is given to our church, brought the Good News of Jesus Christ to our ancestors in Kent and founded our Diocese of Rochester, turning pagan hearts to love God. If St. Augustine’s is your church, then come to swell the singing at the Patronal Service at 8 pm on St. Augustine’s Day, Friday 26th May.

This is also the time of year when couples start to think about making their relationship permanent. Contrary to popular opinion, marriage has not gone out of fashion - just tended to be delayed a bit ! St. Augustine’s Church is a beautiful building - wide and spacious - with comfortable chairs, an excellent choir and a talented organist. Anyone who lives in the parish of Slade Green or who attends our church regularly may be married at St. Augustine’s, so if you know of a couple who are planning their wedding, introduce them to the vicar !

With every blessing,

Ann

The above is the lead article from the parish magazine for May 2006.
If you wish to receive the full magazine it is available for a subscription of £3 per year from Mrs Mavis Bradley on 01322 338654 or email parishmag at sladegreen dot org

Index of the previous magazine articles