Dear Friends,

As I sit down to write this letter, the rain is pouring down, reports of local roads being flooded and closed are coming in, we have turned back the clocks, and the nights are longer and colder! The autumn is passing, and winter is now upon us, and we have the tendency to go into hibernation mode and put our feet up at a warm fire.

However, life goes on for all of us, and it is more important than ever to look out for one another especially at this time of the year, to ensure that those who maybe do not get out very often, are safe, well and have all that they need. More so than anything, that they have a friendly face drop in with them, or call them on the phone for a chat, as loneliness can be unbearable for many at this time of year. Maybe you can even invite them along to one of our Monthly Soup Lunches! We are also conscious of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and over the last weeks, the devastating news of the war in the Holy Land, where many thousands have lost their lives, homes, livelihoods, and are struggling every day for shelter, food, water, and medical care.

We pray for all those caught up in this horrific war and pray for peace, and for those who are trying to bring shelter and aid to the most affected areas and to hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, and for the safe release of those being held hostage, and their families. Many in our own community have been affected by rain and floods, and farmers have had to bring their animals in earlier than expected from low lying ground, putting extra pressure on resources of feed that was set aside for later in the year. This can be a lonely profession so, please do look out for and encourage those you know who are farmers in these dark and difficult days. This alongside other on-going cost of living demands has made many know the cost of everything, and nowadays the value of everything as well.

As I reflect back on the last year, as a family, 2023 has been a tough year for us.

Some of you will be aware we were told just before Christmas last year that my mum's health was declining, and as the months passed, she became more ill, and sadly passed away at home, at the end of May 2023. I was glad that I was able to spend time caring for her in her own home right up until the end. Thank you to all of you who prayed for us during this difficult time, sent cards, called at the house or attended the funeral. This was greatly appreciated.

On a personal level, yes, it has been very difficult losing my mummy, but on top of that as soon as my annual holiday started at the beginning of August, I took ill and ended up in hospital for a number of weeks, being badly jaundiced and requiring surgery to have my gallbladder removed as well as stones that had been lodged in my bile duct. Not a pleasant experience.

This was totally unexpected, and yet, as I look back over the last 12-18 months, I can understand now some of the things that I had been experiencing (but ignoring), and just kept on going. Therefore, my holiday ended up in 'Costa Del Craigavon' where I was looked after and cared for exceptionally well by all the Doctors, Nurses, Surgeon, Consultant and other staff, who were working under extreme pressures as they do so, so often these days.

So, my annual holidays were a few weeks off recovering at home, but I was glad to get back into routine in time for the Harvest weekend. It was certainly a new experience being in a hospital bed, rather than sitting at the side of it visiting someone!

Again, many thanks for all your Get-Well wishes during this time.

As we look forward to Advent, Christmas and to 2024, may I take this opportunity to wish you all A Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

A wee lesson I have learned in 2023 and hope to carry into the future: Appreciate your family, make time FOR them, take time WITH them.

Your Friend and Rector,
Elizabeth