From the Rector

As the summer days begin to shorten and September brings with it the promise of autumn, I find myself looking back over the past few weeks with a very full heart. At the end of July, our family had the great joy of celebrating the wedding of our daughter Naomi to Angus here at St Mary’s. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the gentle touch of God’s blessing. Surrounded by family, friends, and members of our parish, we witnessed two lives being joined together in the promises of marriage, and it was truly a reminder of the beauty and faithfulness of God.

On behalf of our whole family, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for the love, prayers, and good wishes you have shown us during this special time. Many of you have offered kind words, sent cards, or shared in the celebrations in person, and your support has meant more than we can say. A wedding is a personal and family occasion, but when it is also shared in the life of the church, and indeed the whole village it becomes a joy for the whole community. Thanks go not only to the family of St Mary’s Church, the choir, organist, bellringers and flower ladies, but also to the Half Moon for their hospitality on the Friday evening, The Balcombe Club for the wonderful Bacon and Sausage Baps on Sunday morning and finally but by no means least to Balcombe Cricket Club, who turned out after a night of partying at the end of Cricket Week to host a match against a Wedding Party XV (not the usual eleven) Especial thanks to Tony Rawbin for putting on an incredible spread for the players and the many supporters who came along. The miracle of the Feeding of the 5000 comes to mind, and just as in that miracle, so with the cricket tea – all went away satisfied!

Marriage, like the Christian life, is a journey – one that requires faith, patience, kindness, and a deep trust in God’s grace. In our different walks of life, we are all invited to that same journey of commitment and love. St Paul reminds us that “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Whether in family life, friendship, work, or worship, may we continue to grow in the love that comes from God and leads us to love one another more fully.

As we move into September, the parish calendar begins to fill again – schools return, groups restart, and our worship continues to mark the changing seasons of the year. For some, this month is a time of new beginnings: new classes, new jobs, or simply a fresh rhythm after the holidays. For others, it is a time to settle back into familiar routines. In both, we can look for God’s presence and guidance.

Thank you once again for your prayers and kindness. Naomi and Angus begin their married life with the knowledge that they are upheld by the love of this community, and for that we are deeply grateful. May God bless each of you in the month ahead and grant you joy in all that you do.

With many blessings

Fr David