October Message

October message for the Telescope

Thank you so much for the very kind welcome I have received. It has been a joy to meet people across the benefice, at community events and in our churches, and I am deeply grateful for your warmth and encouragement.

I have been into school and met the lovely children and staff and look forward to them coming into church for their Harvest Festival on 30th September.

Tea & Toast is re-starting on Tuesday 6th October in Kinnerley church from 8.45am, everyone is welcome.

As Autumn brings its “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,” we are invited to pause, reflect and give thanks for the gifts of Harvest.  I look forward to welcoming you to our Harvest Festival services and maybe seeing you at the benefice Harvest Lunch in Kinnerley Village Hall on the 4th October —please don’t forget to book your place!

Our churches will be decorated for the services, and gifts of produce—fresh produce, tins or packets—will be gratefully received and passed on to the food bank and to those in need.

Harvest Festival is a special time to give thanks to God for the fruits of the earth, and to recognise the farmers, growers and all those whose work helps to sustain us. Here in rural North Shropshire, it remains an important season in the life of our communities, bringing together schools, churches, farming families and neighbours in gratitude and shared worship.

As we enjoy the beauty of autumn, we are reminded not to take the harvest for granted, especially after a year marked by heat and drought. We continue to hold our farming community in our prayers, giving thanks for their dedication and resilience, and we can also support them in practical ways — including, wherever possible, by buying locally produced food and drink.

May this Harvest season renew in us thankfulness, generosity and a shared care for one another, remembering that all we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for the good of all.

Reverend Kay - Interim Minister for the United Benefice of Kinnerley with Melverley, Knockin with Maesbrook, and Maesbury.