Dear Friends

In our faith we can be very busy people -regular prayers during the day,
copious good works and acts of kindness, books read and inwardly-
digested, and a real love of the Lord which everyone notices. But even
 so, such as this person needs a rest, a break from the routine of daily
life, a holiday away from the practice of their faith. Rest and relaxation
for such a person comes from having a retreat -a time to reflect on life
and faith in a way that allows the body and mind to come back together,
and the whole personality to bond once more. We can get TOO holy,
you know.

Occasionally we need to put the long prayer book down and
remember that our Lord taught us his special prayer for when we pray.
 That would suffice for a day or two. Saint Francis said that the unlearned
 brothers should just recite some Hail Mary's and Our Fathers. It
behoves us all to take an occasional sabbatical from the practice of our
religion, BUT not from the practice of our faith -the commands to love
 etc are not negotiable.

In the meantime, we can enjoy the tennis and the cricket, and while I'm
writing this, I'll keep on eye on the last bit of footie. There's a small
amount of camping to do with the Scouts -during which it will rain, no
 doubt, on both occasions. And so the summer will pass.

I regret the upcoming closure of the Royal Oak pub next to the church.
 It is a meeting place for our parishioners and others, as well as a
workplace for some where they earn their living. I hesitate to comment:
I've not been here long enough, and I don't know the full story. But I do
 hope all have acted with integrity and for the common good, rather than
personal pursuit.

Enjoy the summer!