FROM THE VICAR

My dear People,

About two months ago someone off-loaded what seemed like half a lorry-load of scrap-iron and household rubbish beside the road through Queendown Warren woods. About, two, weeks ago a tanker off the Isle of Grain opened an oil-valve instead of a sea-valve, causing the death very quickly of at least 13 swans on the Medway and undoubtedly much suffering and ultimately death to thousands of other birds. Both these, incidents show irresponsibility; the first action was intentional, the second probably accidental. Whatever the, reasons behind them, though, these incidents are symptomatic of a thoughtless and selfish attitude existing in many people today towards the realm of Nature and all created things. It can be seen in the dog-owner who asks the vet to destroy it because they are going on holiday. It can be seen in the unnecessary destruction of some wild animals and birds. It can be seen, too, in the careless use of pesticides and in the planning authority who allows a stretch of coastline of special beauty to be developed by building.

A good many of you, this first week-end in October, will play a part in our annual Harvest Thanksgiving. In kind and in word you will offer your thanks to God for everything but especially for your daily food and sustenance. I am deeply thankful that you should do so; but is this enough? Such gratitude to our Creator must also carry with it a respect and a responsibility for His created things. We are stewards in this way, as in everything else. There is the basis for the attitude of the, Christian. To, be practical - I wonder how many in the parish belong to the Kent Naturalists' Trust, who care for the flora and fauna of Queendown Warren among many other places in Kent? Or how many subscribe annually to the R.S.P.C.A.? Individually our influence in these matters is necessarily restricted, but collectively through such organisations it can be considerable.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.

PATRONAL AND HARVEST FESTIVAL

Sunday, 2nd October

8.00 a.m. Holy Communion.

9.30 a.m. PARISH COMMUNION.

11.00 a.m. Mattins, (Sung).

6.30 p.m. Evensong.