LETTER FROM OUR MINISTER ROBERT BARTHRAM

Dear Friends,

 

The general election is over and now we wait to see what the new government tackles first and await with anticipation the fruits of their endeavours, outcomes which participation in democracy gives us a stake in.  Thinking about this brought to mind the many hard-working gardeners we have in our congregations who lovingly tend their gardens each month eagerly awaiting flowers to bloom or fruit and vegetables to ripen, constantly heeding the weather, over which they have no control.

 

I confess that neither Viv nor I are keen gardeners but I know some of you who read this are. I have seen some of the results of you hard work, which includes our church gardens. At St Andrew’s we have the impressive garden by London Road that thousands walk past each week and the small square by the car park which is stunning and nor surprisingly photographed. At Tilehurst we have the colourful rose bushes at the front and the two pots by the doors.  At Grange there is much grass for people to enjoy at the café and some colourful wild flowers. Thank you to those who tend our gardens and to the lady who makes our own garden look so tidy and doesn’t even accept a cup of tea!

 

When tidying up I came across a piece from another church newsletter, actually from Polegate URC in Sussex, it has been passed on several times and I do so again; it is entitled ‘Hints on Gardening in the Church’ and I thought it fitted in beautifully.

 

First – Weed out: Gossip

                              Indifference

                              Criticism

                              Envy

                              Jealousy

                              Pride

                              and Malice

 

Next – Plant out five rows of Peas: Presence

                                                            Promptness

                                                            Preparation

                                                            Purity

                                                            and Perseverance

 

Then – Plant five rows of Lettuces: LET US be faithful to duty

                                                             LET US be loyal and unselfish

                                                             LET US be true to our obligation

                                                             LET US obey the Word of God

                                                             LET US love one another

 

Remember – No garden is complete without Turnips:  TURN UP for meetings

                                                                                             TURN UP with a smile

                                                                                             TURN UP with new ideas

 

With best wishes,

Robert