Browse categories and all articles.
Have you ever noticed signs appearing on newly planted tree guards saying…’’please water me!’ Maybe our hotter summers, times of drought and/or less parks and gardens staff means that after these saplings are planted out they are left to the benevolence, care, local interest, thought and help of strangers and passers-by to keep them watered and nourished in the months and years after.
Perhaps the prevalence of today’s trendy water bottles, pouches and sports gear mean more of us have water on us to donate as we’re out and about (keeping fit of course!) walking, out for a stroll, jog or dog walk.
Seeds Planted Early
This got me thinking of where our first interactions with the bible accounts of Jesus’ life, teaching and miracles might have come from. Was it as a child, through family, friends, at school, church or some or all of the above.
“Sometimes these early encounters can then lay dormant until later in life we may feel called to re-kindle, challenge or build upon these early foundations of faith.”
I hope and pray that at whatever stage of faith-much or little- you are at; that you will always feel welcome to engage with your local Parish churches at Wath and Brampton – to dip in and out, chat, ask questions, join in or just find space to reflect and pray. My challenge to you this relatively New Year is not to be a stranger and make the most of the open door and welcome that awaits you!
Archbishop William Temple (1942-44) wrote: ‘The church is the only society on earth that exists primarily for the benefit of non-members’.
God Bless you as we long for the early signs of spring and days of warmth, sunlight and new growth to come.
Rev Charles Burton
Published in the February 2026 edition of the Parish magazines.
You can order Parish magazines, which contain additional articles, by visiting All Saints or Christ Church
Main photograph courtesy of Unsplash.