The New Year has brought bare trees, and the weather has been quite cold, with only endless rain to follow. If there is a pause, we look for something of colour in our natural landscape. Thank goodness for the evergreens. Some plants are blooming already, though. One in particular gives hope for the birds and animals in way of food during the cold, bleak days. Witch Hazel is in bloom with its spindly petals and either orange, yellow, or red colouring. Her name came from wych, an old English word for bend, as her flexible branches were used as water diviners.
She was imported from America in the 1700s, and appears in our woodlands and gardens blooming from December through to March, and did I mention she is healing? Wych hazel was certainly known during my youth, as she is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and a great antioxidant. Like essential oils, the tonic is extracted by steam distillation of the twigs and leaves. Gardeners love her. She is fragrant and gives us just that burst of colour to lift the spirit when all else is looking grey.
We gathered in Chawton last night for our first in-person gathering of the New Year. We were so glad to welcome Bob Baker!! We had a night of lifted spirits. Bob shared some lovely thoughts and then went on to bring some equally lovely messages. Thank you so much, Bob. What a lovely evening!! Our own Chris Shore chaired the evening proceedings beautifully. Thank you!
We thank those who offered prayers and readings. They always give us pause. Thank you to Lisa for running music. Thank you, Sue and Nerina, for helping with hospitality. Thank you to our healers on hand after the service. And as always, the set-up and breakdown are done diligently every evening we gather. Thank you.
Prayer of the week
Please pray for a calming of all the chaos in this world and a restoration of Peace.
Calendar up later.
Have a beautiful week, and don’t forget the bird seed!!
Alton Christian Spiritualist Church 