This month the Open Door service focussed on art; we were inspired by Bishop John’s new book “Living Jesus” and by the fabulous new altar frontal we have, to celebrate the “Ordinary Season” in the church’s calender. Artist Yvonne Bell created the design from ideas submitted by the congregation and the frontal reflects the local area – memories, experiences of here and now and hope for the future.

Yvonne came to the Open Door service and led part of our worship through a painting she had created on the healing of Bartimaeus. Contrasting images of Jesus completed the feast of pictures which, I think, showed us the way art can lead lead us to a deeper awareness of Christ in our lives. It was a super, enriching morning which carried on well into the afternoon thanks to the generosity of Jo and Pete who welcomed us into their home to eat, drink and admire the chickens!

A picture of the altar frontal will be added as soon as I learn how to reduce its size!

People have been very good to me this week and I can now evidence that there is soil in my garden! Clearing the weeds away revealed some surprises among which were some abandoned duck eggs. Strange how so much unwanted foliage was hiding something so precious. Somehow life doesn’t give us the settings we expect for the good things or the cruel things to happen. It seemed incongruous that people died on a ship that carried aid; it was shocking to hear of so much death and suffering in beautiful Cumbria. Like so many others I worry, pray and recognise the pain of others in this world of contradictions.