Sunday 19 July was one of the many lovely Sunday mornings that we have had this summer. It was perfect for our joint Service in Creation, outdoors in nature, in the grounds of St Philip’s. Many members of the congregation wore straw hats, though the sun wasn’t scorching that morning and the temperature was just right. The hymns, readings and prayers all celebrated the wonders of God’s bounteous creation. From psalm 104, beautifully read by one of the young parishioners, we heard: O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. The New Testament reading was from Matthew 6, where Jesus tells us to consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.
A group of young parishioners read the prayers, which they had written themselves. They spoke of the wonders of God’s creation and asked for help to cope with dangers such as extreme temperatures. They also told of their enjoyment in the outdoors and of their activities in nature. That generation seems to engage in a lot of hiking, sport and, above all, dog walking!
Nature, in the form of a magpie, decided to mount a challenge to David O’Shea’s playing of the final voluntary. Outdoor refreshments and some lovely conversations followed the service. A beautiful Sunday morning! Quite appropriate that the tune going round in my head for the rest of the day was Jubilate. Catherine Murray