Is it really December again?

So soon!! Winter is here. Did you know that in Finland they begin preparing for winter in July. Winter arrives very suddenly and nearly half the year is spent below zero getting down to minus 10. Summer temperatures can shoot up towards 30. Very extreme then so you need to prepare for that kind of winter. I have been reading a beautiful book called ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May which explores the power and rest of retreat during difficult times. I thought it might be useful as we continue to live through difficult times economically which can affect all our lives at one level or another. Katherine May explains in her book that ‘wintering’ can happen at any time of the year though and describes it as a season in the cold, a fallow period in life when you’re cut off from the world, feeling rejected, sidelined, blocked from progress or cast into the role of an outsider. It can result from illness, a life event, a period of transition or anything which feels like you have temporarily fallen between two worlds. Wintering can creep up slowly or come upon us suddenly.

Interesting stuff! When we know winter is coming we can prepare like the people of Finland and no doubt all the others countries in the top of the Northern hemisphere. I guess we know winter is coming and is here, although outside temperatures as I write are pretty mild still. So I wonder how can we prepare? My son recently alarmed me by going through our outgoings at home and has already saved us a considerable amount of money on things we can certainly do without. It was a bit like one of those money saving programmes or like ‘Eat Well for Less’, but more painful as I faced the realisation that I have wasted money! I am so aware though that for some in our community there isn’t even that option – that there is no money to waste….

To that end at church we try to assist those in need through various means and not just at Christmas. I am an agent for Dorking Foodbank and so can authorise vouchers – just give me a ring 01306 711260 or email me on liz@hostmyserver.co.uk. If you have never used a food bank they are amazing places and will provide you with much needed stores for your cupboards. Likewise those who are better off can and do donate goods to the Foodbank and you will find a collection box inside Capel Church for this and for the Leatherhead Start scheme. Donations are currently down which is of course a sign of the times, but lets hope we can do something about this.

At church this month we prepare for the birth of Jesus the Saviour of the world. Named Emmanuel, God with us. God with us, literally, as we travel through the seasons of our lives whether it be spring, summer, autumn, or winter. That first Christmas was full of such seasons – joy but sorrow too. You may think you know the story inside out, but why not come along to one of our Advent and Christmas services to discover something new! In the meantime I wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

With my love and prayers
Revd Liz