As July dawns, the Church finds herself deep in the long green season of Ordinary Time — a time that is anything but ordinary. These summer days, ablaze with light, invite us to contemplate the eternal radiance of God’s kingdom, breaking forth even in the midst of a fractured world. It is a month strewn with feasts and memories, of saints and martyrs whose lives whisper of heaven’s nearness.
Among those we commemorate are Thomas the Apostle (3 July), who dared to touch the wounded Christ and became a bold witness to the risen Lord — reminding us that faith often emerges through the honest struggle with doubt. On 22 July, we honour Mary Magdalene, apostola apostolorum, first herald of the Resurrection, whose tears at the empty tomb were turned into proclamation. And on 25 July, the Church turns toward St James the Apostle, son of thunder and martyr of Jerusalem, reminding us that discipleship is a road both radiant and rugged.
These saints are not distant relics of memory but vibrant companions who testify to the ongoing story of grace. As theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar once wrote, “The saints are sent so that the light of Christ may not go out in the world.” Their feasts anchor us, even as the long days stretch out like golden psalms over field and fen, summoning us into deeper communion with one another and with God.
In this season, the created order itself seems to lift its voice in praise. Gardens flourish, churches fill with the scent of flowers and Tony’s wood polish, and conversations linger at the thresholds of homes and sanctuaries. Community — sacred, messy, incarnational — becomes the living liturgy of July. The Kingdom is near, not only in the chalice and the creed, but in laughter shared across garden fences, in the elderly parishioner’s quiet wisdom, in the barefoot child trailing dandelions across the churchyard.
Yet, while the sunlight dances through stained glass and hedgerow alike, we cannot ignore the shadows that stretch across the global landscape. The world teeters dangerously close to the precipice of further war — from Gaza to Ukraine, from Sudan to silent battlegrounds within fractured societies. In this hour, we turn again to the God who “makes wars cease to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 46:9), and we dare to pray for peace, not as passive hope, but as costly commitment.


A Prayer for Peace

Lord of Hosts and Prince of Peace,
in a world riven with conflict and bruised by pride,
grant us the courage to be peacemakers in your name.
Let swords be beaten into ploughshares,
and the cries of the innocent be turned into songs of justice.
May your Church be a place of refuge,
your people bearers of light in every darkness,
and your Kingdom come — not only in heaven,
but here, amid the wild and waiting fields of July.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.


This month, may we not grow weary in our calling. Let us gather in worship and word, in bread and prayer, knowing that the Spirit is at work — quietly sowing seeds of renewal in our midst. As St Augustine reminds us, “In loving our neighbour, we prepare our eyes to see God.”

Let July be a hymn: sung under open skies, held by ancient rhythms, and charged with the holy possibility of transformation.

​St John’s band goes from strength to strength. Ringing on Sunday to call to prayer, Open Ringing on Monday and Silent Practice on Wednesdays. Izzy aged 9,continues to come when possible and we are joined by Rob, aged 90, from Kirby Hill. 

Our crowning glory in June was to enter and win the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers Fun Striking competition. Our aim was not to come last! Many thanks to David Bell, our Ringing Master, for coaching us and to John Lewis who came back especially to take part. 

Through my initial Wild Swim in Otley was postponed due to high river levels, I managed a dip on 9th June. I have to say the water is getting noticeably warmer. My next swim is on 8thJuly at Mill Gill, Askrigg. The water fall beckons, but we do need some rain! I will hopefully also be joining the ringers at their practice. Local bellringers are being very welcoming and generous. At the end of May I attended a practice at Knaresborough and am due to go to Otley soon. 

We continue to work with the architect to progress Sharow Bells Restoration and were very pleased that the Reverend we interviewed in June was very supporting, when he visited the bell tower. Many thanks for all your continued support.

Best wishes 
Bridget 
and St Johns Band
 

To support Sharow Bells Restoration please visit our JustGiving page http://justgiving.com/campaign/appealforapeal or send a message to [email protected] 

As we step into the month of June there is a real sense of spring turning into summer- this year my flipflops are out very early! So as always I have bought a car boot full of little plants, full of misplaced confidence in my gardening ability, but inspired by the beauty and optimism of the natural world around me.  At the moment the hawthorn is looking particularly stunning laden with blossom- the new growth and the warmer days promises a time of renewal.   


Just as nature reaches peak growing season, the season of Pentecost offers us its own renewal and promise of growth.   Pentecost is the great feast of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that God’s presence isn’t just for Sundays, feast days or to be found in church, it’s the fire that ignites hearts, a wind that stirs life into dry bones and a warmth that makes things new.   On that first Pentecost the disciples, once fearful and uncertain, were transformed by the Spirit’s power.  Their courage swelled and their lives became a living testament to God’s love.   


So in June we are also invited to embrace transformation, just like my tiny plants who stretch to the sun to receive life, we are called to lean towards the Spirit. This is a season of growth for us all- Pentecost asks us to stir into life, embrace the gifts and talents we have been given and consider how our lives can also become that living testament to God’s love. 


We’ll see some of the talents in our community at the forthcoming Midsummer Piano, Pimms and Poetry Afternoon tea- everyone is welcome on 21st June at 2pm- [email protected]. This promises to be a very special event- what a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon!   Services in June are as usual, with, we hope, something for everybody throughout the month- hope to see you all soon.


-Kindly penned by our marvellous Children's Minister and Worship Leader 
-Carol-Ann
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