I’m writing this the day after the Cuddesdon Fete – and what a wonderful Fete it was!
The sun shone, the band played, the Morris Dancers danced, and we all had a wonderful time. I think I enjoyed this year’s Fete even more than usual.
I am grateful to the Fete Committee for agreeing that I could be in charge of the public announcements this year – which also meant that I was able to introduce our Fete openers, Bishop Humphrey and Emma, and attempt to express some of my gratitude to Humphrey and Emma for all that they have done to support All Saints’ Church, and the village of Cuddesdon, over the past ten years (and, more recently, to support and encourage me as Vicar).
As many of you are aware, the residential community at the College is currently much smaller than in former years, and the Fete is much more challenging logistically for the College to host and support. There are fewer (residential) ordinands than in previous years to help carry tables, mattresses (for the mounted pillow fights), books etc; and to run the bar, stalls, refreshments, etc. I was therefore extremely grateful and impressed to see both Bishop Humphrey and Emma working alongside the ordinands, Chris Luke and myself, to move tables, mattresses, books, etc. Thank you, again, Humphrey and Emma, and all the College community.
Thank you, too, to Chris and Therese Luke, who have both served on the Fete Committee for many years; and always work tirelessly to help organise the fete, set up and tidy up.
The Fete really is a combined effort requiring input from the College, church and entire village; and I am extremely grateful to all (from the village, College and church), who work so hard to ensure its success.
A couple of people told me yesterday that they had been attending the Fete for more than 50 years. It is a privilege to be a part of something which has been so much a part of Cuddesdon for over half a century. I do wonder, though, if we need to accept that future Fetes may need to be a little less ambitious – or whether there are younger people in the village who might wish to join the Fete Committee next year and help to ensure its ongoing success?
This afternoon, we enjoyed our monthly Benefice Storytime Church, in the Forest Church area at the College. It’s a relaxed service where we share stories and prayers, and sometimes sing a song or hymn, around a fire; and then roast marshmallows on the fire. Today, we talked about Jesus the Good Shepherd, and the lost sheep. We heard how Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they know me.” We talked about times when we have heard Jesus’ voice, and we wondered what Jesus might say to us today.
I wonder when, and where, and how, do you hear Jesus’ voice?
I wonder what Jesus is saying to you?
I wonder what Jesus is saying to the people of Cuddesdon and Denton, today?
Perhaps you could spend some time in silence, or in a quiet place, and see if you can hear Jesus’ voice. What words of love, encouragement, affirmation and invitation is Jesus saying to you?
God bless
The Revd Tom (Vicar)
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