Dear friends,
The month of July has come upon us and summer is truly on its way. According to the wonderful Internet, July was originally the fifth month in the early calendar of the ancient Romans. The Romans called this month Quintilius, which means fifth. However a Roman Senate renamed the month Julius (July) in honour of Julius Caesar, who was born on the 12th of July. (An interesting fact if you like general knowledge)
We all have our favourite months and July has always been my favourite - yes I am biased - it is my wedding anniversary on the 15th, ten years of marriage and my birthday a week later, so for me a time of celebration. But it is also the month for BBQs, summer sun, long days or dog days (technically known as) and (hopefully) hot, hot weather!!
For those of us with children we won’t be jet setting quite yet as school is still on but our minds will be drifting towards holidays and breaks from patterns and routines. And for those of us who are past the days of young children, and waiting for school to finish before taking a summer holiday, will be on holiday now, enjoying the quiet and having a well-deserved break.
Wherever you are in the World - here or abroad, have a wonderful time and make space for those relaxing hobbies and time with God.
For me there is always painting, I love painting when I am on holiday or on a retreat. When I am out of my usual routine that is often when God communicates to me - maybe because I am still enough to listen! July is my favourite month to paint - the colours are always so bright - the bright greens of the different leaves of trees and grasses, the bright blues of the skies and seas, bright yellows, purples, oranges and reds of the flowers and birds. It all seems so glorious and the dry weather and hot sun has not had time to bleach out the brightness or beauty of the colours.
As Niji Chrys states in her wonderful July poem:
My
Heart Is In July
shifting away from June's bud
to leave dandelions scattered in the yard
this dawn of July
marks the end of a lie
a lie from past season
for a strong reason
in July
robin
will make herself shy
|
I will preserve July
|
and
cover her reddish breast
My heart is certainly in July! But, despite the importance of my wedding anniversary and Birthday (well at least to me) I am excited at the prospect of the other July activities. As I am sure most of you are aware, we are coming to the end of our Appeal, and to celebrate we are having a special service led by Bishop Michael and held at St James on the 25th - which will be all lovely and sparkly and scaffolding free. The time is at 3pm and all are very welcome - in fact, you must be there!!
The reason the service is held on the 25th is that the day we remember and celebrate the life of Saint James is celebrated on that day - so it seems a good reason to end the appeal on the 25th.
The appeal started before I arrived. It’s been a long journey - over 5 years - and I am proud of all those individuals (and there are many) who have offered time, energy, prayer and money to the Appeal. We would not be where we are without your help and support! So A BIG THANK YOU and know that you are much appreciated and loved!! But like most appeals, where we start and how we end up are a little different. We are still short of our final target so we still need ideas for fund raising and any gifts or donations are welcomed, as is prayer!
To help us on our way - there are still fund raising events! Two which I am involved in are: first is on the 9th - 11th of July where I will be behind the bar at The Old Spot - and be sure to order Holy Moley. The second is a Phoenix Trading card party held at mine on the 17th of July from 7:30 and there will be nibbles and wine, and a raffle! - So come and bring friends! In what ever where you can support this month of July - Thank you!
So I leave you with a final thought: in all of your comings and goings this July I hope that you find colour, joy and many Blessings. May your heart get lost in the brightness of July.
Much love as always - Skye x