Parish news: Michaelmas

It has been a weekend of joy and vision at St George’s.

Yesterday we kept the feast of St Michael and All Angels with a joyful Parish Mass. 125 people gathered, and we rejoiced in a baptism and a first communion, moments of grace that remind us how God is at work in our community.

The day before, our PCC met for an away day. Thank you to all who gave your time and energy. We reflected on how far we have come as a parish and began shaping a vision for growth in the years ahead. It was a day of gratitude and hope.

Last week also saw the launch of Holy Hour. It was a tremendous occasion with 56 people in attendance, a beautiful time of stillness, prayer, and music before the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Hour was followed by our LIFE Group, which continues to grow as a place of conversation and fellowship. We warmly encourage you to consider joining the next LIFE Group meeting.

Reflection: St Michael and All Angels

St Michael and All Angels lifts our eyes to the grandeur of God, reminding us that the universe is alive with strength, light, and song. Michael’s very name asks the question: Who is like God? Not the powers of darkness, not the empires of this world, not the despair that prowls in the night. Only Christ.

And Michael does not stand alone. All the angels surround the throne, their voices woven into the song of heaven. Which means that when we gather around the altar here in Borough, we never worship alone. Our fragile prayers and voices are joined to theirs. Heaven leans close.

So as you step into the week ahead, remember this: you are not alone. You are accompanied by angels, defended by Michael, and held in the victory of Christ.

Lift up your hearts, for heaven is nearer than we think, and the world, even in its shadows, is charged with the grandeur of God.

Food for the journey

I wonder what it feels like to know that our worship here is joined with the worship of angels.

I wonder whether you have ever felt accompanied, as though an unseen presence was carrying you through.

I wonder how joining in with Holy Hour or LIFE Group might be a way of noticing heaven “leaning close” in the ordinary rhythm of your week.