FROM THE VICAR ON HOLIDAY

My dear People,

I much hope that, if you also are about to go on holiday, you will enjoy real rest and recreation. Moreover, I hope that you will not forget, in the enjoyment of new sights and pleasures, Almighty God "from whom all good things do come"; that you will offer Him at least one hour a week in worship in your nearest church as a simple act of thanksgiving. It may be also the easiest occasion of the year for the whole family to go, to church - no meal for mother to prepare, no garden or car needing urgent attention from father.

August or not, Parliament is still sitting and M.Ps. are grappling with the serious economic crisis which has been front-page news for weeks. This leads me to say that I believe that all Christians, whether they vote Conservative or Labour, whether they agree or not with the Prices and Incomes Bill, have a definite duty to assist the Government in this crisis. New Testament teaching, always allowing for conscience, is quite clear on the Christian's obligations to the civil authority, and remember, in their case, it was an occupying power. At the moment we as a nation are, living beyond our means. We as individuals can in some cases produce more, but all of us can make a real effort to restrict our spending to things that are really essential. In any case thrift has been the basis of many a fortune.

August is also regretfully Mr. and Mrs. Snape's last month among us. We have already tried to express our appreciation of their contribution to Church and community in this magazine, in Church Council and at the School Prizegiving. All this and more is sincerely meant. We wish them much happiness at South Weald.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.