July 2024
This month's message comes from Jo Dalton-Leggett, Churchwarden
Dear Friends,
As I write, we have just passed the Summer Solstice. It was at 8.51pm on 20th June
this year. I have lived to a ripe old age without realising that the date and time varies
from year to year. Next year it will be on 21st, but it can be as late as 22nd. On 20th
June, while some folk in Mudford were enjoying a delicious Midsummer Strawberry
Tea, there was a very different sort of celebration in Rimpton, as the church was
packed with those gathering to say farewell to our dear friend, of indomitable spirit,
John Spencer. It was a celebration of a life well lived, and it was just as he wanted it
to be. John was well known and much admired for his intellect, his faith and his
tireless service to God, the church and the community. Indeed, he often contributed
fascinating articles to the magazine.
The sun shone brightly on both occasions, as we all enjoyed a spell of lovely summer
weather, a welcome relief after weeks of low temperatures, rain and wind. Everyone
knows that a bit of sunshine brightens the spirits; apparently, it increases the release
of the hormone serotonin, boosting mood and helping us to stay calm and focused.
Also, it plays a vital role in our bodies’ production of vitamin D, essential for our
health. The sun’s crucial role in the daily, seasonal and annual rhythms of life on
earth has been recognised for millennia. No wonder many cultures, past and present,
have worshipped the Sun as a deity. After all, the Sun can be seen as the source of
light and life, and in a physical sense that is true.
The Old Testament prophet, Malachi, predicted a coming judgement for evildoers,
but added, ‘… for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with
healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.’ I love that
image. When I lived next to a working farm, I remember how joyful the moment was
when the cattle were let out into the field after a winter inside. Like many
commentators, Charles Wesley interpreted the Sun of Righteousness to be none other
than Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This is clear in his great hymn, ‘Christ whose
glory fills the skies’, in which he calls Christ ‘the true and only light’, who as Sun of
Righteousness will ‘triumph o’er the shades of night’, ‘pierce the gloom of sin and
grief’ and ‘glad [his] eyes, and warm [his] heart.’ What a wonderful image!
Jesus Christ is the source of light and life. Only he can fill us with ‘radiancy divine’, bring
us true joy so that we can go out and frolic like well-fed calves.’
I wish you every kind of joy this Summer.
Jo