In this season of Harvest, we give thanks to God for His abundant provision. We also take the time to lift in prayer those for whom this season does not bring plenty: those facing conflict, prejudice, poverty, or any circumstance that diminishes human flourishing.
God calls us to be present in the places He has set us, to be salt and light in the world. We are invited to be signposts of His coming Kingdom, bearing witness to His transforming love, freely offered to all. The traditional Harvest hymn reminds us:“We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.”
We bring our gifts, our words, and our labour, but it is God who multiplies them for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom across every sphere of society. May you experience His goodness in your giving and in your celebrations this Harvest.
With that in mind, I want to thank you for your continued partnership with us in this year’s Bishops’ Harvest Appeal, which highlights the remarkable work of Mission Direct in expanding access to education for thousands of children and young people in some of the world’s most under-resourced communities. Further details about the appeal are provided below.
I also wish to draw your attention to several important commemorations during this season: Disability Awareness Sunday (observed in September), Black History Month, and our diocesan call to prayer as we seek discernment for the appointment of a new Bishop. Your prayers are deeply valued.
I leave you with these words of thanksgiving:
“We thank you, then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food:
accept the gifts we offer
for all your love imparts;
and that which you most welcome,
our humble, thankful hearts.“
With every blessing,
Bishop Richard
Bishop of Bedford and Acting Bishop of St Albans
Rewrite Their Future
We are delighted to see your engagement so far with this year’s Harvest Appeal: Rewrite Their Future. It is not too late to connect with the appeal, at an individual, school, community or church level. There are plenty of resources available to help tell the stories of the lives that will be impacted by the funds raised. We look forward to seeing more of your photos, hearing the stories and to sharing how much we have been able to raise together as a Diocese for this important cause.
Pic: St Mary’s Church, Meppershall
Disability Awareness Sunday
Marked on Sunday 28 September this year, Disability Awareness Sunday is a dedicated day to celebrate disability inclusion within the church and to ensure everyone is welcomed and valued.
Of course, this should be the reality throughout the whole year in the life of our churches, schools, chaplaincies and communities and I encourage you to use this time to reflect on how accessible and welcoming your buildings and spaces are to those with disabilities of all types, the seen and unseen.
Let us take action where it is needed, and do reach out for help where required, for advice or guidance. You may wish to look at our advisory leaflet here.
Vacancy in See
We continue to ask for your prayers as we undertake the process of selecting a new Bishop of St Albans. The Crown Nominations Committee will meet at the start of December to shortlist candidates. Please especially remember in prayer the six St Albans Diocese CNC members, who will be commissioned during Evensong at the Cathedral at 5pm on Monday 20 October. For more information, please visit Vacancy in See.
Please join us in praying:
Generous God, we pray for our Diocese of St Albans.
As we take this journey of discernment for our new bishop, open our hearts and minds to hear the wisdom of your Spirit.
Be with those who sense a call to this ministry, with those discerning the appointment, and with all those leading and serving us at this time.
In this shared discernment, and always, draw us deeper into your love, that we may live it with joy and courage for your world, in the name, and for the sake, of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Black History Month
Churches and communities across the Diocese are invited to reflect, pray and celebrate the rich heritage of Black communities during this Black History Month. From special services and music events to liturgical resources and pastoral principles, there are many ways to get involved. Read more here.
We conclude this bulletin with a prayer for Black History Month:
Compassionate God,
who sent Jesus Christ to deliver us from all manner of injustices and inequalities,
create in us new hearts and enlarged visions,
to see the image of God in every person
irrespective of background, race and ethnicity.
May we be generous in our love of others
as we work towards ending racism and injustice;
creating communities of human flourishing,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever
Amen.