Autumn Days

As summer draws to a close, there are many signs that nature is already gearing up for the next season. And what a spectacular season it is. Autumn – nature’s last hurrah before the colder winter months. Each year at Harvest Festivals, schools sing a song called Autumn Days which describes lots of the beauty of the life in Autumn and to be thankful.

At St James church, we have a lot to be thankful for. A year ago, we started Footprints Stay & Play Group which has a focus on sensory play and providing a lovely space for all children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities to explore play together. The group has flourished and good supportive relationships have grown – I think the chats over tea and cake help here! So a big thank you to all who come and all those who help make it possible. Please see dates list for when we meet.

The leaders of Footprints understand that not everyone likes to celebrate Halloween and so are having a Light Party on October 31st from 1 until 3 at St James Church. Lots of family fun, games, play and food to share together. Dress up in your brightest coloured clothes and enjoy celebrating Light. No charge, but donations are always welcome.

In September, some lovely volunteers opened up St James church for the Heritage Open Coffee Morning. Thank you to Southam Heritage for leading tours around the town and for everyone who came to the coffee morning and donated cakes. To date, we raised just over £210 which will go towards the buildings fund for the much needed repairs.

On Saturday October 14th , we’re excited to have a concert by ‘Vinyl Times’ to raise further funds. The band will perform music from the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Travelling Wilbury’s, Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen to name a few. Doors open 7pm with 7:30pm start. Licensed bar. Tickets £10 each from the Church office southamstjames@gmail.com or 01926 812413, or Jane Jones on a Sunday morning.

Just a quick update about the church building – we are so thankful to those who are supporting the work with their time, expertise and energy as well as those giving financially. The amount of work needed is significant, but we know how much the church means to the community and we are so thankful for your support. I hope that you will have noticed works already happening with work on the churchyard and also the south and north aisle doors being repaired and treated ready for the colder months ahead. It’s planned that in the week of October 16th a steeplejack company will be inspecting the tower and spire, removing loose debris, investigating and removing the shrubbery, and providing a full report for us. This sort of work doesn’t often happen, so do look out for the steeplejack but please do also keep your distance as they clear the debris etc. We’re hoping that after the works are completed that we may be able to restart the clock for which I know that we will all be thankful for! The clock hands are likely to require some work in the future, but we’ll keep you updated as we’re able to.

A few more dates for your diary…
October 26th – Poppy Appeal Launch – keep an eye out for more info from Galanos House
October 29th – Breakfast Church at St James 9:45am all welcome
November 12th – Remembrance Sunday Parade & service at St James
November 24th – 26th – Christmas Tree Festival – please get in touch with church office if you’d like to be involved this year.
December 2nd – Christmas Church Fayre

Stay thankful,
Rev Vikki