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] 

In June, we said farewell to our wonderful leader Ann-Marie. She has spent any years guiding the group and will remain with us, joining meditations. We thank Ann-Marie from the bottom of our hearts for all she has done. We also celebrated the birthday of John Whelan who turned ninety and was a founding member of the group in the 1970’s. 


The group continues to strengthen and grow, with a focus on prayer , meditation and contemplative practice. The first meeting every month includes a Holy Eucharist, laying of hands and Anointing for healing. Please do join us on a Monday morning at 10:30am. In September, we will be starting an evening meeting (monthly) at St John’s on Sundays. It’s a perfect time to rest, reset, sit with God, recentering our scattered senses. 


This beautiful fellowship prays over the prayer requests submitted at the Cathedral, St John’s and online. ​

Some months ago, I came across a sermon series by the marvellous Pete Grieg. It highlights how, even amongst Christians, we often shy away from discussing our personal encounters with the Holy, our faith journeys and the miracles that happen all around us. The profound moments that give us a belief, or, the lifelong relationships with Christ. We so often shy away from topics of gifts, signs, wonders or even spiritual warfare. It’s entirely understandable why we don't discuss these personal moments. But, I invite you to open up, share your faith story and see who you can inspire. 
So very grateful to Bridget for sharing her journey in Christianity. ​

​Some months ago, I came across a sermon series by the marvellous Pete Grieg. It highlights how, even amongst Christians, we often shy away from discussing our personal encounters, our faith journeys and the miracles that happen all around us. The profound moments that give us a belief, or, the lifelong relationships with Christ. 


As a child I sat between my dad, who had a fine tenor voice and my mum, in Erdington Methodist church in Birmingham. I was surrounded by my extended family. My parents and grandparents seemed to know everybody. Church was very sociable. I enjoyed singing the hymns and my mum made sure I stopped fidgeting especially to say the Lords Prayer. In the Sunday School room was a picture of Jesus, children sitting at his feet, with the words “Suffer the little children to come unto me”. I found the illustration fascinating and comforting. Later when I could understand the words I was singing, the line from the Christmas Carol “What can I give Him, give Him my heart” had a big effect on me. I carried on regularly attending church, even briefly becoming a Sunday School teacher, until I came to Leeds as a student. I turned my back on all things church, but the foundation of my faith was deep inside.

I meet my first husband, Liam, through a friend. Liam was a Northern Ireland Catholic. It was the hight of The Troubles. On my first visit to Newry in 1990, I thought I would be shot because I was English and a non-Catholic, but I was made to feel very welcome and regularly attended Mass. When Liam and I got married in Guiseley Methodist church, Cannon Harold Parker from Ripon Catholic church took part in the service. At Liam’s funeral in Ripon Catholic Church, Rev Andrew Howarth who had married us, gave the Address. Liam and I had decided our son Will would be brought up a Catholic, go to St Wilfrid’s Catholic School. When visiting Birmingham we also attended the Methodist church. 

Now I’m happily married to David and so much part of St John’s wonderful community. Ringing the bells to let the village know the church is here and open for business! When I sing in church, on Sunday or with Ripon Choral Society at rehearsals, and at the Cathedral, the words have a profound effect on me. “And in a still voice, onward came the Lord” from Mendelsohn Elijah recently reminded me to stop, listen and “be still in the presence of the Lord”. "

Social justice is the idea that everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their social, economic, or political background. There are many Bible verses that advocate for social justice. 
Here are just two: 


Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.


Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. 


-Deborah 
(Parochial Church Council - Social Justice)