Chads News - 25th September 2025

 Dear Church Family,

This Sunday we celebrate harvest - a festival that has been deeply significant in rural communities throughout history, and an important part of the biblical cycle of worship. Three of the five main Jewish festivals were directly tied to harvest, reminding God’s people of their dependence on the land and their need for His provision. Harvest is a time of trust and gratitude. The more we give thanks to God, the more we recognise all that He does for us, and the more our trust in Him grows.

These days, our food goes through many stages on its journey from the field to air-fryer, which means we often feel less connected to the land - and less aware of our dependence on God for good weather and harvest.  But the world is changing fast and unlike a certain US politician I believe the reality of climate change is already having an impact upon millions of people around the world.  As we celebrate harvest and give thanks, we’re also called to pray for justice and for action - for God to provide for those whose harvests are uncertain, and to bring change where it’s most needed.

The focus of our series in Daniel in September has been trust.  Exiled as a powerless minority in a far off land, Daniel and his friends show amazing trust in God’s protection and belief in His wisdom.  This morning I was listening to John Eldredge speaking of trusting God as rooted in knowing Him as Father.  One key way we grow in our depth of relationship with God as Father is through gratitude, regularly thanking Him draws us closer to Him and keeps us rooted in the truth that He is our loving provider.  

Over the summer Nells and I were inspired to cultivate gratitude in our lives, recognising how easy it is to slip into negativity, especially as the mornings get colder, wetter and darker.  We have been practicing a very simple discipline: each morning we ask one another,  “What are you grateful for today?”  It’s such a simple question, but makes a huge difference in our perspective and helps keep our hearts rooted in God’s goodness. I encourage you to give it a go for the month of October.

Choose someone whom you will mutually ask that question of each day, and commit to listening to the answer!  If you are married, that could be your spouse, or a close friend or prayer partner, if you have children living at home with you, how can you include them?  It can be in person, or a quick phonecall or text message on your commute.  Find a rhythm that works for you and your chosen partner.  Give it a go for October, as autumn arrives it is the perfect time to strengthen our gratitude muscles.

With love,

Richard

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