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January 2023 January 2023

of all colours like the formation of a reef or a rainforest. They held a vast range of FROM THE AFFPUDDLE CHURCHWARDEN
microscopic plants and animals and provided food for many insects, bog spiders
and dragonflies. When this is removed this peat would be holding after thousands
of years, peat which could have stored five thousand tons of carbon per hectare.
When drained this five thousand tonnes is oxidised and and released as carbon Resolution
dioxide bubbling out through the bog. I guess this could result in global warming. I A few weeks ago, the gospel reading in church was from Matthew’s gospel,
rest my case. Don’t use peat based composts. chapter 3. In verse 2 John the Baptist is quoted as saying “Repent, for the
Ted Cox kingdom of God has come near”. Well, 2000 years later it doesn’t look much like
the Kingdom of God has arrived. The problems in Ukraine are well publicised and
are often overshadowed by news of the other world problems. We have
SOCIABLE BOOKWORMS apparently just passed the landmark 8 billion world population. The Chinese are
being criticised for excessive restraint to control the Covid pandemic (having not
long ago relaxed the one child law). Though this is a long way away, the
The Sociable Bookworms welcomed three new influence extends to us as we have been called to pop over to Wareham for a
members at our meeting on 30th November. Jackie, Covid booster jab. (Those folk in the Hi Vis vests are not riot police but are actually
Emma and Jeanette - and a warm welcome is volunteers.)
extended to others who may like to meet up, to not So here in sleepy Bere Regis and Affpuddle, what account should we take of the
only discuss books, but for friendship, social events greater world problems? Well, a bit further on in Matthew’s gospel (Ch7;v5) it says
and activities. Just come along to a meeting to see “You hypocrite, first take the log from your own eye and then you will see clearly
what we’re all about. There is no pressure to join us to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
every month, some books might not be your cup of tea, and other events often
clash, just come along when you can. Back in 1976, I made a promise on Easter day to follow Christ, to be a Christian. I
am pleased to say that I have, am, and will maintain that promise. I have to
We discussed The Martian by Andy Weir and Paula’s review is below. confess that my eyes are still drawn at the sight of beautiful lady, that my taste
We have selected our next few books which are:- buds encourage a further glass of Burgundy, that the 70 limit is not necessary for
me, and probably some much worse misdeeds.
January- One Day in December by Josie Silva
Throughout the Bible there are many pieces of advice. In Proverbs 28:13 it says
February- The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and
renounces them finds mercy.” This requires two actions -
March - The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams Confess – are you perfect or do you actually have a few problems?
We like to select books a couple of months ahead so that our members have Repent – are you really sorry that you have done something wrong?
opportunities to source copies from the library, charity shops, friends, etc., which Once you have made these two
not only keeps costs down but is good for the environment too. statements – that’s it – you are forgiven.

Our next meeting will be on 25th January. Best wishes to everyone for a happy You don’t have to worry, just strive to
and healthy new year. follow Christ’s teaching.
So, at this season when some people are
The Martian by Andy Weir making New Year’s Resolutions, have a
think. Can I contribute to solving the
Our group had a mixed reaction to this book. The story tells of an astronaut who is world’s problems by being a better
accidentally left behind alone on Mars, how he tries to survive and, ultimately, person? Make a resolution – now !
whether or not he is able to be rescued.
Mike Menzies
Those of us who enjoyed the book found it interesting to read about the range of Church Warden, LWL, Affpuddle
different problems he encounters and his possible solutions to those - some

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