This morning we came together at 10 am for a Parish Eucharist, as we had held our family service last week for harvest. After some very wet weather we had a beautiful autumn morning with a clear blue sky.

We received the sad news that our friend and stalwart of the bass section of the choir, Guy had died on Friday Morning after a short illness. We prayed for the repose of his soul and for his Mother and Brothers and Sisters in their loss.

The readings today, from Paul's letter to Timothy and St Luke's Gospel focused on the ways to increase our faith, and in his sermon Father Stephen spoke about this, and the importance for those who have been bought up in the church to constantly refresh our joy and enthusiasm for our beliefs and the inspiration they bring.

The Choir sang the Ave Verum in the setting by W A Mozart as the anthem.

We were very happy to be able to celebrate with Chris Field, who yesterday received the St Richard's medal at a service in the Cathedral, as a mark of the many years of unflagging service to St Mary's . This was the first time the medal has been awarded, and the 40 or so people who were honoured, were given an individual lapel badge to mark their achievement.

After the service we had coffee in the new rooms.

The Concert on the 20th of October by Tom Cooper, will be dedicated to Guy, and a retiring collection will go towards improving the path from the car park to the rooms, which is rather rough under foot. Do come along, the concert will be followed by tea in the rooms.

The Sunday School have been looking at sheep for harvest