The recent rainfall has come as a great relief to many. Whilst we may have enjoyed a good summer with warm dry weather for the past few months, at times it has been unbearably hot. The prolonged period of dry weather has presented its own set of problems; the drought weather conditions increasing the likelihood of wildfires, meaning our firefighters have had to work extra Extreme weather conditions are becoming increasingly the norm. We cannot afford to deny the serious impact global warming and climate change is having on our world today. Invariably, it is the poorest communities that are suffering the most. It is partly down to substandard buildings and infrastructure, but historically many of the poorest communities have always lived on the edge, whilst the rich and powerful have claimed the best land for themselves. Our TV screens have been inundated with dramatic pictures of devastation caused by natural disaster. The recent flash flooding in Nepal being the latest example. As the surge of water captured on camera comes crashing down the valley, thousands of people are helplessly trapped as this torrent of water sweeps through, taking everything in its path. Pope Francis reminded us that creation is not merely a resource to be used but a sacred gift from God, entrusted to humanity for nurturing and protection. He stresses that humans are called to be 'protectors' of creation, respecting all creatures and the environment and recognising the beauty and order inherent in God's plan for the world. This stewardship is a moral and spiritual duty, rooted in love and obedience to God's commandment.

Rev. Tony Rindi, Vicar of St. Leonard's

Dates For Your Diary

Prior to her ordination, Rev. Denise Jones and husband Nigel were well-known to many of our congregation. Having recently retired from full time ministry, she will be available to lead us in our worship from time to time.

Our Folk

Please pray for: Roy Allen, Celia Barnes, Lesley and Joe Farndon, Ethel Gough, Daphne Halton, Patricia Musgrove, Joan Pace, Jenny Ratheram-Browne, Beryl Robinson, Rob Sale, Rick Smallwood, Vicki Spedding, Derek Taylor, Ann Thomason, plus any others you know who are sick, housebound, or in care facilities. Baptism: Many blessings on Lily Rose Clifton Funerals: Jim Williams, Mavis Cope, Richard Blakey. May they each rest in peace. Special birthdays: Many happy returns to Judith Campton

We wish John and Dhammi Knowles a safe and successful trip to Zanzibar to support a school there with funds they raised at their recent Afternoon Tea. Thank you to Val Griffiths for counting the coppers collected for Water Aid which raised E15. The Disaster Appeal Fund raised £200 for the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal. We will shortly be appealing for money for the Tibet/Nepal flood disaster.

Community News

Marston Green 50-Plus

On September 14 we have our AGM, which will be followed by a shared upper and entertainment from Pauline Griffiths and Linda Baldwin! From September 21 to 24 4 we have a four day trip to Kings Lynn in Norfolk, with trips and visits to various places in the area.

Literary Society

On Friday, September 18, the subject is 'A Book You Could Not Put Down!' Is there a book that once started, you just couldn't put own? 7.30pm Elmdon Lounge. Please bring your own drinks and refreshments.

Parish Hall Events

There are a number of fundraising events this month: Supper Night on Friday, September 18 from 7.00 - 9.00 pm; Afternoon Tea on Sunday, September 27 from 2.00 - 5.00 pm; Action Man Activities return on Sunday, September 20 from 8.00 am - 3.00 pm. Last month's fund raising total was a wonderful E1,100.

Marston Green Library

September 3 - Reminiscence Group, 2.15 - 3.15 pm September 5 - Summer Reading Challenge ends September 7 - Under 5's Story Time, 10.15 - 10.45 am September 10 - Reading Cafe, 10.15 am - 12.15 pm September 12 - Knit & Natter, 10.00 am - 12.00 pm September 12 - Councillor's Surgery, 10.30 am - 12.00 pm September 14 - Under 5's Story time, 10.15 - 10.45 am September 17 - Writing Group, 2.00 - 3.30 pm September 19 - Knit & Natter, 10.00 am - 12.00 pm September 19 - Police Surgery, 11.00 am - 12.00 pm September 21 - Under 5's Story time, 10.15 - 10.45 am September 24 - MacMillan Coffee Morning, 10.00 am - 12.00 pm

Eco Church

During this season of the church calendar many churches celebrate Harvest, thanking God for his provision through the land and the food that it produces. Suggest that your church service or gathering has a Season of Creation focus. Prayers, worship, teaching and the offering could focus on creation. Perhaps there could be an activity with a creation focus too?