Dear Brothers and Sisters

One of my favourite authors is George MacDonald Fraser. Many of you will know him from the ‘Flashman’ novels and I must confess I detest these. But his short stories about ‘McAuslan’ the dirtiest soldier in the world have brought so much joy to my life that I can forgive him anything. His best work, in my opinion, is factual; ‘Quartered Safe Out Here’ is his reflection on the life of an infantry soldier and his mates in Burma during the Second World War. It is one of the best books ever written about the experiences of men caught up in conflict. Yesterday the world paused to remember the ending of the Second World War. An historical event for most of us but for the dwindling number of men and women who lived and fought in that conflict yet another day when they remembered their friends who did not return. The Fourteenth Army, under General Bill Slim, is often called the Forgotten Army. Far away, understrength and at the end of a very long supply chain they did seem to be forgotten by everyone. But understrength and undersupplied they fought on till the final victory. Only 15% of the total strength of that Army was from Great Britain. The vast majority were from what was then the Empire and Dominions; today’s Commonwealth. Slim’s soldiers came from all over the globe to fight a common enemy. As we give thanks for their courage, their sacrifice, their determination let’s pray that in our day that all the nations of the earth can unite as one to fight this virus that has changed our lives completely.

Sudan Appeal

Throughout August the diocese of Leeds is running an emergency appeal for our linked Diocese of Sudan. Life is pretty bleak there; food and healthcare supplies are in short supply. Please keep the people of Sudan in your prayers and if you can, help financially. To give, you can find information at:

https://www.leeds.anglican.org/finance/donations or you can simply make a cheque payable to ‘Leeds DBF’, posting it to Leeds DBF, 17-19 York Place, Leeds LS1 2EX with a note saying it is ‘for Sudan emergency’. Thank you.

Sunday’s Readings

A Reading from the prophecy of Isaiah

Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.(56:1,6-8)

The Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.                                                       (15:21-28)

Services next Sunday (23rdth August)          

  • Farnley                            9.30am
  • Denton                             11am
  • Blubberhouses              2.30pm

Services for Sunday 30th August                  

  • Leathley                          9.30am
  • Fewston                           11am
  • Weston                            2.30pm

Farming Community Network Sponsorship Money

I will wait until the end of August to send off all the sponsor money that you kindly donated for my diet. If you haven’t been able to get your pledge to me by then don’t worry. These are exceptional times and there will always be another appeal. Thanks once again to you all.

Please remember in your prayers: Those who have received their A level results this week, especially those who are disappointed and are unsure of their future. All those who will be getting their GCSE results this week. For all who still live with the scars of conflict. For the people of Beirut and of the Sudan. For those who will have to be in quarantine on their return from abroad. For the sick and ill and all who care for them. For the dying and the dead and for their families and all who mourn them.

Visiting

As the world moves on I should be able to visit on a limited basis. If you would like me to visit or to give you a call please let me know either by phone (01943 513340) or email. If you know of someone else who might like a call or visit let me know but please make sure that they are happy with this.

Over the rest of August I will be taking some local holiday during the week to try to beat the garden into submission. (One of us will win but I’m not sure who just yet!) 

God bless you all.

Stephen