Two things stand out for me this June.

First, and most obviously, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee rightly dominates our thinking and our activities. It is wonderful to see all that is going on in our villages in celebration of a tremendous milestone. We come together in praise of her Majesty the Queen and her outstanding reign.

Secondly, Sunday 5th June celebrates the day of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit “as a mighty rushing wind“– energising the first disciples of Jesus as the nucleus of the church. Pentecost is in fact the birthday of the church. From Pentecost, as indeed from Easter, will ripple out the good news of the saving power of God, seen in Jesus, and available to everyone. For Pentecost is the sign of the unity of all humankind – the Holy Spirit open to all, without reservation and without qualification.

It will be so good for us to come together on Sunday, 5th June at 10 am at All Saints to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – a Service of Thanksgiving, on the day that we also give thanks for the day of Pentecost, and the unifying power of God’s Holy Spirit.

With every blessing,

Stephen