Newsletter - October 2026

Welcome to our October newsletter!

Throughout September, we’ve been marking the Season of Creation. During the weeks leading up to Harvest, we celebrate God as Creator and Sustainer, reflect on human responsibility for the Earth, and pray for environmental renewal. In our Sunday services, we’ve been thinking of Creation as God’s vineyard and reflecting on our responsibility to tend it. We’ve been remembering that we don’t rule over Creation, but rather we’re part of Creation. Our Sunday School children made this wonderful “Living Water” banner.

Our Harvest Festival is on Sunday 4th October at 10am. Once again, we’ll be collecting for Redhill Foodbank, who do fantastic work supporting those who suffer from food poverty. You can find a list of the most urgently needed items on their website: www.redhillfoodbank.org.uk

The move into Autumn has been reflected in our flower arrangements in church. We are hugely grateful to Sarah Reader for her wonderful creations, nearly all of which feature flowers she has grown on her allotment. In line with our Eco Church Bronze status, none of Sarah’s arrangements use oasis. Studies have shown that oasis is bad for the environment as it is made from phenol-formaldehyde resin that breaks down into toxic microplastics and does not naturally biodegrade,

This Autumn we’re starting a new venture here at St Philip’s – a Home Group. We’ll be meeting for Bible Study and prayer, and a chance to get to know God and one another better. Our first meeting is at the Parsonage, from 7.30-9pm on Wednesday 7th October, when we’ll begin to work our way through Mark’s Gospel. All are welcome, but please let me know in advance if you’d like to come (07780 144448).