Welcome
We are the Church of England parish of St Mary’s Shaw cum Donnington – just to the north and east of Newbury.
Our purpose and focus is Knowing Jesus, Sharing God’s Love, Caring for People.
You can read more about it here.
We meet every Sunday at 10am, as well as at other times during the week.
Everyone is welcome to join us.
Word for the Week
- Fruitfulness
Fruitfulness
This summer it has been so hot that our fields and gardens are white! Even watering the pots takes ages… and we re-use the water from sinks and showers…
I have been sad to see my Cornus (Dogwood plant) struggle. My Dad gives me birthday money, and we went together to Wisley to buy a plant. The Dogwoods have brilliantly coloured stems and colourful leaves, so that they are a good choice for all year round. So, I chose one with him, and since the Spring have tried it in our garden. Yesterday, I took it out of the flowerbed and put it in a pot, with new compost, plant food, and lots of water… because it is just not thriving.
Jesus tells a parable about a Fig Tree that is not thriving. After three years of looking for fruit and finding it fruitless, the owner wants to cut it down. But the gardener asks to leave it for one more year, give it good attention and fertiliser, and see whether it will bear fruit next year. Only then cut it down if this does not work.
This teaches us about our lives, our need to make changes if we are not being fruitful. We call repentance the turning around that God asks us to do when we are going in the wrong direction. Turn around, make changes, become fruitful for God. Jesus is also teaching us about God’s grace, giving us invitations and help to renew, to be fruitful and to grow. I am reminded of Jesus’ words about the vine: “I am the vine, you are the branches… remain in me… and you will bear much fruit.” John 15.5.
Thanks be to God who offers us the hope of change in our lives and the resources to flourish.
Marion