Every month we submit an article to Great Shelford's monthly magazine. Here is our latest contribution for the October 2025 edition.

‘The Lord will guide you always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.’
Isaiah 58:11

It was a long, hot and very dry summer, but as I sit down to write this reflection the rain is beating against the window, distorting my view across the fields, and I can hear the downpour drumming on the roof.

For those who were planning late-summer outdoor celebrations, this change in the weather might be disappointing, but for the gardens it is a welcome soaking: reviving plants and turning the sun-scorched grass green again, bringing renewed growth. Next year’s crops, already sown, germinate quickly and shoot up in the remaining warmth of the sun.

This is the time of year when churches give thanks for a gathered harvest, remembering with gratitude God’s goodness and provision, and acknowledging the work done by many people in bringing the harvest home and food to our tables.

Despite the lack of rain throughout the growing season this year, we can be thankful that crops have been produced and harvested (although farmers report the yield is significantly reduced this year) and I am also grateful for an abundance of fruit on the trees in my own garden this year. Yet, it is easy to take for granted the availability and variety of produce we have access to, and to forget to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy each day.

As I listen to the rain, I am reminded that water is not only a necessity for plants to grow and flourish, but also for people to survive: an essential part of our physical well-being. The Bible tells us that Jesus referred to himself as the water of life; it is this water that is essential to our spiritual well-being, a part of ourselves we often overlook, but which also needs to be cared for and nourished.

Today I am thankful for the rain as well as for the warmth of the sun, and for new life in Jesus. I respond to God’s provision for my physical and spiritual well-being with gratitude. However, I would encourage us all to recognise that it is out of our abundance we can share with those who are in need – as God extends his generosity to us let us also pass this on to others.
 
Do feel free to drop off items for John Huntingdon’s Charity’s Food Bank at the church. Our collection basket is located in the foyer of our Ashen Green Entrance which is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30am till 1:30pm (please ring doorbell to gain entry). For more information about the types of food that the charity would like, please click here.