from the November 2011 Mickleham magazine

The Rectory, Mickleham

Dear friends

I am very aware that all of us are affected in some way or another by current economic uncertainties. Some are battling with the threat of redundancy; some are desperately searching for employment, sometimes for the first time after leaving college or university. Some are worried that they may not be able to afford to retire, whilst others watch their life savings rapidly disappearing as they strive to supplement their income to stay afloat. These are worrying times, and remind us all of the uncertainties of life.

The only good thing that might possibly come out of this period of huge financial instability is an awareness that we cannot go on simply ‘acquiring’ but have to re-examine our life styles and decide what things we need and what we want but could well do without.

In making that assessment, I am sure all of us would recognise peace as being something we all take for granted, and yet desperately need. We will recall the cost of maintaining peace as we come together to celebrate Remembrance Sunday which this year falls on Sunday 13th November. There will be a Service of Remembrance at 10 a.m. followed by the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial at 10.55 a.m. Do please join us for this important occasion, as we acknowledge our debt to all those who have given their lives in search of peace, and our own responsibility to maintain peace at a local as well as an international level. Peace is very easily threatened, especially when the gap between haves and have-nots increases. We saw this very clearly in the riots that occurred in our own country in August. We all have a responsibility for the well-being of our fellow citizens, and have the opportunity to exercise it in a small community like our own.

After the service on Remembrance Sunday we are all invited to Box Hill School for coffee and the chance to find out more about their exciting plans for the future. Do come to hear more about these, and to meet old friends as well as make new ones.

As we think of those whose needs are huge, in comparison with our own, we have the opportunity to share by filling a shoebox with goodies as part of the Operation Christmas Child, Shoebox Appeal. Leaflets are available from St Michael’s School, Rose’s Stores and the church. Please respond generously. Boxes should be returned to church by Shoe Box Sunday, 20th November or to the Rectory.

Our good fortune is highlighted by the fact that we have two first class concerts this month. One on Friday 4th November when Alexander Ardakov will give a piano recital and the other on Sunday 20th November when Mickleham Choral Society presents ‘A Pastoral Messiah’. Both are publicised elsewhere in the magazine, and both are taking place in St Michael’s Church.

I have made no mention of the Rugby World Cup, but if you want me to bore you rigid with my reflections on a remarkable trip to NZ, just call and set at least an hour aside for the narrative.

Kindest regards,
David Ireland