Today is also Battle of Britain Sunday and we remembered the people who fought for our safety in our prayers.

In his sermon Fr Stephen talked about Hurricane Florence which is currently battering the south east coast of the USA and that only a few weeks ago there were forest fires around the world. St James says that small fires can spread to forests. St James is not talking about literal fires but about the tongues of men.  Humans can bless or curse.  Unguarded talk and malicious words can cause harm. In the modern world of the internet, trolling and cyber bullying can cause suicide.  Reputations are destroyed by social media, the gossip spreading like wildfire. Once on the net, it can be there forever.

Peter's words in our second reading this morning earned him the rebuke from Jesus "Get thee behind me, Satan!" fearing Peter's words would  quash  the idea of his message which would destroy his teaching thus far.  His followers should be consecrated in truth.  Are we?  We need to renew this often by a fresh infusion of the Holy Spirit "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit".


Please put into your diary the concert inspired by Debussy performed by Tom Cooper on 30th September at 3 pm in church.  There will be a retiring collection and tea in the parish rooms after the performance.  Anyone who has been to Tom's previous concerts will know that an excellent afternoon's entertainment will be had.