Rector's Letter

Great Oakley Rectory

June 2025

Dear Friends,

We have had a generally warm and dry spring and as you read this, the summer days are nearing their maximum length at the summer solstice – June 21. I rejoice in these long warm days especially, as my birthday is very close to this date. My daughter was born very near to the winter solstice with the coldest and darkest days and this is often a topic of conversation that comes up in our birthday celebrations, whether a summer BBQ or a celebratory tea huddled around a cosy fire indoors. 
It is mistaken to think the solstice is a whole day.  According to the Royal Museums Greenwich website, where the Royal Observatory is (rmg.co.uk) the solstice is an actual moment in time.  They say the Summer Solstice is:

'in reality an exact moment in time that falls upon that day.  This moment comes when whichever hemisphere you're in is most tilted towards the Sun.'

In 2025, the summer solstice will occur on Saturday 21 June at 03.42 BST (02.42 GMT).

Pentecost, or 'Whitsun' as it used to be known, falls this year on Sunday 8 June.  It is always 50 days after Easter Sunday and is recognised by many to be the birthday of the church.  But just like the Solstice, the birth of the church was not a day but a moment.  

In chapter 2 of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, the first day of Pentecost is described with the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.  It was the moment the fearful and somewhat confused followers of Jesus became emboldened and empowered in living life in a new way.  Despite the threats and dangers of persecution, these first followers of Christ – who were soon to be called Christians – changed their outlook and values to live in the light of God’s radical love for every person. In Acts 2 verse 42 it says they lived "devoted to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

The church has been seeking to do this in the best way they can for some 2000 years now. It has not always succeeded. But then the church is made up from people who recognise they are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3 verse 23).  At Pentecost this year, in church we will celebrate again the gift of the Holy Spirit as God’s presence with us.  The Spirit who convicts us where we fall short; brings forgiveness through Christ's death and resurrection; and empowers us to live better and more faithful lives.

You are warmly welcome to join us in church for Pentecost.  Come and learn with us about the amazing grace of God and his Spirit.  Details of our services can be found as usual near the top of the newsletter or from the Welcome page on the website. 

John

Revd John Saxon