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Our October Pastoral Letter
is prov ided by
Emily Gadd
Swanage Elder

Well, what a change into autumn we had from a, mostly, glorious
summer into autumnal September almost instantly. I love autumn,
the colours of creation around us are just stunning. It’s a time to
reflect, back on the summer fun we’ve had, back on what’s hap-
pened already in this ever speeding up year. It’s a time to reap the
harvest of seeds sown months ago.

I’m praying that this autumn we can reap many rewards of those
seeds, both physically and metaphorically.

I went to a local competition near my family of homegrown and
homemade produce, the colours of the fruit and vegetables were
rich, the smell ripe in the air of satisfaction at a good crop. There
was also the discussion over themes of produce that just hadn’t
grown this year, in that area apparently dahlias had been nigh
impossible to flower. Have you had success this year with your
garden or allotment? We’ve had some produce shared at
Swanage, plums and apples, so wonderful to be able to share it
between friends and family. I’ve been given gluts of fresh and juicy
tomatoes.

In the bible we hear about harvest symbolising God’s faithfulness
and provision for his people. When God created the world he gave
us all that we need within it. We are blessed with the ability to
grow produce for our physical needs, ripe with vitamins and
goodness but also flavour. Rarely do we have bland, natural foods,
we have food we can enjoy.

At this time we thank God for these provisions and that we can
harvest them for the good of our community.

I’d also like to think about other seeds sown this year, those for a
new minister. Some nominated people from our churches, of

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