title="Baldons Parish Council in Oxfordshire">

From The Vicar, Oct 20

From Reverend Jennifer Morton  

By the time you read this the nights will have drawn in even more and we will be heading for the clocks changing. The tang of approaching autumn that is in the air as I write this at the beginning of September will have become the norm, and the swallows now gathering on the wires long gone. 

Autumn is a time of year that sees nature closing down for the winter yet it is also the beginning of much in our society, especially this year as we emerge from lockdown.  Autumn is the beginning of the academic year and for those involved in education we have seen children and young people return to schools and colleges.  But not in the same way.  The arrangements that have had to be put in place have required a huge amount of work in difficult circumstances to ensure as safe an environment as possible for everyone.   

This gradual opening up after lockdown has been greeted with mixed emotions.  Some so carefree that they think they can just do what they like and the risk has passed.  Others still feel so anxious and vulnerable that they are reluctant to go out in public.  Most of us are probably somewhere in between and the places and circumstances where we feel comfortable will vary for each one of us. 

There is a passage in Paul’s letter to the Romans that talks about how we should care about people’s different opinions.  The matter in question was to do with traditions that were considered to be still valid for some of the early Christian community but not for others.  Paul writes: 

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour.  (Romans 15:1-2) 

 The future is uncertain and as we approach winter, we may face greater risks to our health.  Surely, therefore, we should be acting in ways that reassure the most vulnerable in our society.  To be courteous when out in public and whatever our opinions about masks, social distancing and meeting up with others have respect for those who do not feel as confident as we do or are simply more cautious for reasons we may not be aware of. 

I am sure we have all had our ups and downs during these peculiar times and had to manage difficult choices but one thing seems to have stood out is the support for others in our local communities.  Therefore, in this transition time let us make sure that the care and concern for our neighbour does not evaporate but continues to be an encouragement for us all, whatever the future holds.   

 

Dorchester Team Discretionary Fund 

 

The clergy have at their disposal a limited fund which we are able to spend to support people who are in financial difficulties. It is particularly helpful in an emergency as we are able to be flexible and turn around funding very quickly. If you feel this fund could help someone you know talk to one of the clergy to find out more. Referrals are through the clergy and local health/ social provider professionals.