Dear friends,

Summer keeps on giving this year but I for one am pleased that temperatures above 30 Celsius are off the cards for now.

Many water companies have introduced hosepipe bans due to water levels in reservoirs falling very low. In our part of the world the reservoirs are natural aquifers in the North downs. Due to their size they do not empty very fast but they no longer fill up to former levels so we would do well to use water wisely anyway: this is not a limitless source of this precious liquid.

The picture is of the dining room in Leith Hill Place with a gorgeous stencilling detail on the chimney.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250727.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250727.pdf

Dear friends,

This rather battered purple emperor landed on our picknick table last week. I guess he (or she) would not have lasted very long after I took this picture but it is nice to know that these beauties reside in our garden.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250720.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250720.pdf

Dear friends,

I hope you are all well and coping with the weather. At least for now the temperature goes down to levels that make sleeping possible.

The image today is a detail of the magnificent copper beech in the garden of Bob and Judy. Nature is so beautiful!

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250713.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250713.pdf

Dear friends,

This week I heard two very inspired and inspiring speakers on inequality in society: Gary Stevenson and Kwajo Tweneboa. Both worth looking up to hear what they have to say. It took place in the union chapel in Islington and I just had to take a picture of the beautiful ceiling.

Please spare a thought for the organisers and other volunteers who slave away at the Capel military show to raise funds for our church. I’m sure they’re all glad it’s not as warm today.

God bless,

Dineke

Notes-20250706.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250706.pdf

Dear friends,

Last Monday I found myself walking across Chelsea bridge and could not resist taking this photo. Only now, looking at the picture, did I notice the dove in the centre. It is holding an olive branch. How I wish for peace, not just for the 13 major wars in the world but for all the conflict. Think how far the money and effort could go if it wasn’t spent on fighting others.

Please be aware that we have no service in the parish this week so all can come to the service of ordination in the cathedral. Details are in the notes and Dik still has room in the car if anyone needs a lift.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250629.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250629.pdf

Welcome to issue 94, the July 2025 issue.  Full of regular articles and puzzles and much more!

publication.pdf

Dear friends,

When hunting around in the phone archives for a picture to share with you I came across this scene of the latest Café Church which we held in The Weald CofE school. You can see Bob preparing the children to act out the story of Jonah for Pentecost. If you wonder about the link between the two, well, you should have been there! As the band members often say: ‘Anything can happen.’. It was a wonderful service and we hope this one will be followed by many more well-attended events.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250623.pdf
Readings-20250622.pdf

Dear friends,

It is with great sadness that I read the news that Eric Sutcliffe died in the early hours of this morning. He will be greatly missed. Please remember Jessie and all the family in your prayers.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250615.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250615.pdf

Dear friends,

Pollen are a major source of food for bees. For that reason this hydrangea is a major attraction for them in late spring.

We hope to welcome many of you at our café church event in the Weald school Sunday morning. Coffee will be ready around 10:45 for the service to start at 11:00.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250608.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250608.pdf