Rev Chris’ Blog

Thought for the Month

Join me each month as I ponder life with all the highs and lows we encounter along the way.
I hope you enjoy my blog whose aim is to raise a smile as well as give food for thought.
As always, I would love to hear from you, so please contact me 01278 781147   c.judson@btinternet.com

God bless you.
Rev Chris

Rev Margaret’s Blog,

November 2025 ‘Remembering’ 

November is the month of remembering. We remember those who have died and those who have become known as Saints. There are many stories which surround those who have died and the Saints and those stories are often encouraging and inspiring.

Nature also reminds us that it is a time of remembering. The leaves on the trees fall and the light of the day becomes shorter. We remember the lovely green leaves of summer and warm days filled with sunlight. Whilst I was out walking recently in aid of Dementia UK (Thank You to all who sponsored me and prayed) I walked along “Colonel Stephens Way” a footpath on a disused railway line. In the space of 3/4mile I saw the loveliest plants which caused me to remember some folk law about those plants.
 
I was amazed to see some blackberries! There is a wonderful tale that they should not be picked after Michaelmas, 29th September. As when St Michael threw the devil out of Heaven the devil was filled with anger and spat on a blackberry bush, hence they are not good to eat. Interestingly by October/November any blackberries that you find are usually mouldy and very bitter.
 
Next, I passed a pyracantha looking resplendent, it is thought to be linked to fire and in days gone by churches refused to have that plant in their floral displays. I walked by much bindweed which gardeners hate, apparently it foretells thunder. I was rather regretting I had not brought my umbrella! I was delighted to see nestled among the brambles a passion flower. The folklore around it is of Christian meaning. Spanish missionaries named all the parts of the passion flower after the life of Christ. The Ten sepals and petals are the ten faithful apostles. The Corona is Christ’s crown of thorns, the 3 stigmas are the 3 nails, the five anthers are the wounds of Christ, the tendrils are the whips used on Christ, the leaves are the lance and the goblet part at the base of the plant is the goblet at the Last Supper.
Towards the end of my walk, I noticed a Holly bush which reminded me that it is not long to Christmas, the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The druids believed holly could bring sun into their homes. And North American native Indians used the berries as a ceremonial drink to revive their spirits.
 
The walk certainly revived my spirits as I remembered the folklore surrounding the plants.
I pray that as you remember loved ones this November your hearts will be warmed and comforted.
Reverend Margaret.

October 2025 ‘All God’s Creatures’

Her name was Muttley, and she was my pet goat! To be honest, she was a bit stand-off-ish at first, and it took a while for us to get to know each other. A fine brown and white Toggenburg, with a very determined attitude – she taught me all manner of things: the obvious ones about how to look after her, but also when to stand well clear…. Over time we grew together, and she even won a prize at my school pet show!

I believe that pets play a very special role in our lives – whether they are the more ‘normal’ cat, dog, fish, mouse, hamster, rabbit or the rather more unusual tarantula, octopus, axolotl or sugar glider. Being responsible for another living being is an important lesson in life – supporting it, caring for it and enjoying its company can be challenging, satisfying and fun!

Maybe you had a pet when you were a child? Maybe you have a pet now? They can be great company, though I do hold with the saying ‘A dog has an owner but a cat has a servant!’

St Francis of Assisi is known as the Patron Saint of Animals, and is celebrated on 4th October. This Italian Saint is renowned for his compassion for all animals, as well as his rejection of wealth and privilege and his inspiring of the Franciscan Religious Orders. Often pictured surrounded by a variety of animals, St Francis had a deep respect for all living creatures, and continues to inspire us today.

On October 5th we will be holding a Pet Service at Mark Church, at 9.30am. If you have a pet and are able to bring it with you, please do! If you can’t bring your actual pet, but would like to bring a picture of it – that would be great. If you don’t have a pet, but would like to – maybe bring a picture of the pet you’d like to have? And if pets are really not your thing, do come anyway and help us celebrate the good they can do for others….ALL ARE WELCOME! We hope to follow suit at East Huntspill and West Huntspill Churches next year.

God bless you, and all pets everywhere!

Rev Chris


Key:
EH – East Huntspill     WH – West Huntspill      M – Mark

Look forward to seeing you.