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As the name suggests, St James' chosen charity to benefit from the harvest funds this year is involved with supporting some of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged people who have no access to safe water. Their aim is to provide hand dug wells, water filters and boreholes along with health and hygiene education. In this year when we in this area have struggled through the wettest harvest on record it seemed impossible to think that the cry for safe water has never been more urgent or powerful in parts of the world which are only a 10hr flight away.

Dispite stage setting-up issues and a poor weather forecast this year's Proms in the Meadow was 'all right on the night'. In true British style Prom goers pitched up with overflowing picnic hampers and various seating or camping arrangements to be treated to a magnificent sunny Summer's evening and marvellous music provided by the Bristol Millenium Orchestra. Adding to the occasion was a great performance by internationally acclaimed tenor Richard Allen and some fabulous fireworks. A great event!

Photo gallery:

Is it me?

Well here we are then; it’s Friday morning and all’s quiet and peaceful, by the end of today schools will be out for their summer vacation and there will be the sounds of children playing with great excitement and when I walk the dog in the late afternoon sun joyful calls from children across the park – ‘Revd. David, how are you’ or more like ‘oi, vicar wha ya doin’.

Our responses vary, don’t they? And it all depends on how we are addressed. My response to the first will be, ‘I am fine; are you enjoying your holiday?’ To the second one it could be ‘mind your own b***** business’.

Of course I shall be more refined; smiling nicely and wishing them a happy holiday in the hope it may lead to a pleasant chat, which more often it does.

'You tha vica bloke tha comes t ar school?’ I am reminded that I was young once and many people gave me such patience and room to grow, in fact they still do. And of course, this young child, eager to make conversation may one day be my boss or someone who will provide support in need.

One happy family, God’s happy family – the crime would be not to respond to the call. There are unfortunately many families that don’t communicate at all – what a crime!

All Age Holiday Special on Sunday 10^th August starting at 10.00am at St James the Less Iron Acton

This will be an event that will have a short service of Praise & Prayer followed by refreshments served outside in the sun. I am told there might be doughnuts so make sure you’re there to sink your teeth into one and get sugar all over your lips and jam down your front - oops.

The reading for this day is Matthew 14.22-33. This is the story of Jesus seen walking on the water by the disciples in their boat. Peter gets out of the boat in faith to meet him although with some hesitation. As we start this holiday season we can use this story to ask ourselves about our own faith in Jesus or ask when did we last hesitate and not trust God. Going on holiday is a risk; we step out of our daily lives into unknown territory which can challenge us. Some of us might be tempted to be adventurous, to try sailing, wind surfing, parachuting or even meeting new people that for some might be scary as we send out feelers of trust.

As for Peter he desperately wants to follow Jesus and so without little thought jumps straight out of the boat, it is then he doubts himself and Jesus reaches out a hand to provide him with a renewed confidence of faith and trust.

Enjoy this holiday season and if you are taking a risk of faith then don’t just follow Jesus but accept his invitation and walk by His side. His outstretched hand will be there for you to hold; it is then you will find new friends whom you can trust and share together this wonderful faith we have through our Lord and saviour.

On the weekend of 11th and 12th July, The Kathryn Hurley Dance Academy presented 'Seasons of Rhythm' showcasing the talent of local young dancers. The children performed in three shows over the course of the weekend to sell out audiences performing Ballet, Tap and Modern dances all with the theme of the different seasons. For example, the Baby Ballet class danced as Polar bears and Spring rabbits whilst the modern class sang 'The Sun Has Got His Hat On'. A raffle raised £226.80 for the deserving causes of St Peter's Hospice and Cancer Research UK. Becoming an annual event, the show is a highlight of the year with all the children having a fantastic time dressing up and performing for an audience on a stage with lightening, etc. For the audience it is a time to celebrate their children's achievements and the progress they have made over the year. A brilliant weekend for all!

For further information contact the Kathryn Hurley Dance Academy who hold regular dance classes in Iron Acton Parish Hall.

Last weeks All Age Service saw much fun and excitement as we watched our children taking part in a drama that depicted each of them growing from a small seed in the ground to fully blossoming flowers above the ground. The joy on their faces was a delight as we witnessed the possibilties of God's harvest in each and everyone of them and of course in us.

It's a wonderful time of year (even in the rain) when the beauty around us captures HIS creation in sight, sound and smell. All this providing us with HOPE even on those days when all seems so low and depressing. It's as if he holds out a hand and pulls us up to be part of Himself. Such opportunities of LOVE he gives to us all.

Enjoy being part of the Harvest of HIS grace.

Next ALL AGE SERVICE - 10th August at 10.00am at St James the Less, Iron Acton.

David Harrex

There are now details of the Iron Acton Horticultural Show schedule available. See the web page.

It is so good to see our church being used in so many different ways, as the possibilities of God are endless or may be I should say eternal.

On Tuesday it was a delight to welcome the Sister's of Presentation to St James the Less as they made their pilgrimage to the sights of their founder and the connection with the Poyntz's family of Acton Court. They came into the church along with associates of the convent, about 50 or so in all and carried out a quiet service of reflection. Just being there one felt the presence of the Spirit working carefully amongst us followed by a wonderful joy and peace.

I thank the Sisters for their presence and hope that all who enter our church will find the peace and joy of the Spirit in this place whatever the circumstances of ones visit.

David

This year's Victorian evening is on Saturday 20th December. It will follow the same format as last year and is all about sharing some festive cheer. The committtee is already busy organising the event and are looking for a few new ideas for stalls. If you've a got an idea for a traditional Christmas stall, or indeed want a stall - please get in touch. The Grapevine has also learned that a plan for a village calendar (featuring the locals) is being hatched... all being well it will be available for sale on Victorian evening.

More at Victorian evening