The Rector writes: September 2026
| The Rector writes:I wonder what you remember about your first few years at school? I went to my local Church of England primary school, which was housed in two Victorian buildings: one for the infants and one for the juniors. There were numbers on the hall wall and as the school bell went, we lined up by the number corresponding to our class, in alphabetical order. We numbered off before going into assembly. I clearly remember I was number 9 (having in those days a surname early in the alphabet). Whilst austere, I have fond memories of much of my schooling. I enjoyed learning and developed an enduring love of books. I recognise that is not everyone’s experience and for some school is a challenging, complex place. Whether school was a happy place for you or not, we are all on a lifelong journey of learning. To begin with we learn the building blocks that help us to function in a fast-moving world. Times tables and learning to write are important, but we must also learn other concepts such as taking turns, listening to each other, respecting each other’s differences and caring about each other and the places where we live. This autumn, as schools return and young people start college, university, work or apprenticeships, it is good to remind ourselves that we never stop learning. New experiences challenge us to pause and to think differently. Those who are different from us can often enable us to develop a different perspective on the world. Often, they challenge us to think bigger, to build better and love broader. The reality of course is that we often fear difference – so we build boundaries and stay with the familiar, and over time those boundaries build disconnection. Jesus constantly challenged people to listen to those different from them and dare to see their humanity, and so grow in understanding of themselves. He brought people together from all walks of life and encouraged them to learn from each other. That is what church at its best is all about. People from all walks of life come together around worship, to share a simple meal and to grow together in mutual respect and flourishing. That is at the heart of the Harvest weekend in October when we give thanks for our farming community, our food and the fruitful earth that continues to offer up its bounty, sometimes despite us rather than because of us. So come along and bring your family and friends and give thanks for all the blessings we enjoy as a community. As we do so, may we listen deeply to each other and reflect on the land, which endures many challenges, including this summer’s drought conditions. Together may we learn more about how to live fruitfully, in harmony with each other, with the land and with God. Every blessing Susan |
Looking further ahead
Harvest Weekend 10th and 11th October
Come and visit: both churches will be open and decorated for harvest.
St Cuthbert’s celebrates Harvest through the ages with events in school, church and Memorial Hall
Harvest Supper Saturday 10th October in St Cuthbert’s School
Harvest Songs of Praise St Cuthbert’s Church Sunday 11th October at 4pm with augmented choirs
from St Thomas’s, All Saints’ Rainford and Holy Trinity Bickerstaffe
At St Thomas’ there will be a Harvest celebration and welly parade at 11am
Eco Church and closer to nature
This month is dedicated to God as creator. The theme this year is living water. So why not spend some time thinking about the impact of the lack of rain over recent months and how we use and look after our water sources.
Leaving St Cuthbert’s Church building open for the community
With the completion of the path, we are going to leave St Cuthbert’s open for a trial six months
from 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays as a ‘Pilgrim Place.’
There will be self-guided tours available as well as prayer leaflets for those who are interested.
If you are able to park in the St Cuthbert’s School car park on Sundays and walk from school to Church, please do so. This leaves the road for those who need to be closer to church. Thank you.
At St Thomas’ Church please park responsibly and please use the church car park if you can.
Please do not double park on Church Lane as it stops farm vehicles getting through.