As I write this at the end of August I can barely believe how quickly this month has gone. However, my eldest daughter Lucy and I made good on our promise to get at least one decent walk in the Lake District this summer. Many of you have had your own experiences of walks done this summer. On Sunday evening we drove up to Langdale and camped in our usual spot, which this time was packed with Bank Holiday campers. Once the tent was pitched we got to know our neighbours, a friendly bunch (Snoopy the dog is great for those introductions). After an evening walk and some more friendly conversations in the pub, when the next day arrived, we ventured off up the hills taking in Great Knott, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, and meeting lots more friendly hikers along the way, and even some friends of Lucy’s from London.
I started thinking about September; the end of the school holidays, the start of a new term, and the mix of emotions for many going back to school and college. I reflected on setting off walking and having no idea of what or who would come our way. Yet, the community of ramblers have never failed to encourage us along the way, as we continue to work our way through the Wainwrights. That, for me, is the best thing about the month of September. That, whatever comes our way, we get to do this together, as a community of fellow travellers, exploring both the familiar territory and the new in faith and life; reminded that the Good Shepherd has trod this path before us and has gone up ahead.
This month we’ll be invited to think about what paths we might take as a community of six churches, travelling together along separate paths and we begin the vision process with an introductory session led by Simon Cook and Ima Lomax on Monday 15th September – 7.00pm – at Walmsley Parish Community Hall.
As we walk towards autumn one step at a time, let us continue together in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Safe travels,
Rev’d Ian Hepburn
Team Rector of Turton Moorland Team Ministry
Dear Friends,