For some people November is all about Firework night and cold and dark nights. My thoughts in November are always marking Remembrance Day, when I remember my grandfather, who fought in the First World War.
Also, in November I try to plan planting ideas for the garden ad when I need to sow seeds. For years I have grown vegetables and with the move to another manse I have set myself a new challenge and that is to re plant the rhubarb out of pots and continue to grow hydrangeas from cuttings.
I hope that at the end of my time in Northampton I will leave the garden with flowers in the new curvy borders which will be created in the spring of 2024.
Also, in November I begin to prepare for Advent. A minister friend of mine shared that he would listen to Handel’s Messiah every year a part of his preparations for Christmas. I decided to do this one year and have continued it ever since. I listen to my Handel’s Messiah CD and turn up the volume, so the room is full of the sound. I now find that I really enjoy listening and it helps me prepare for the Advent season. It also reminds me of how fragile life is, Isaiah 9 verse 6 says ‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This child was no ordinary child as reflected in the words of Graham Kendrick’s song ‘The Servant King’.
From Heaven, you came helpless babe
Entered our world, your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve
And give Your life that we might live.
The theme for our Advent in the methodist Church is ‘Out of the ordinary’ you can use the link to sign up and get daily reflections. https://www.methodist.org.uk/outoftheordinary/
Another way I prepare for Christmas is using the Celtic Advent book. We all know of the forty days before Easter called Lent and rather than buy an advent calendar counting to the 25th of December 2023, I read a book entitled Celtic Advent which covers the 40 days to Christmas.
As part of my mission enabler role in the Northampton Circuit can I encourage you to share with me any ideas for projects and activities, we could do in Northampton area. You can contact me on the email address below.
ian.forsyth@methodist-churches-northampton.org.uk
Revd Ian Forsyth
