Page 4 - BR May 2023

May 2023 May 2023

As humans we are bound to the earth, and DATES FOR
we depend on it for our survival. In Latin
homo means human, and humus means soil;
both are derived from the same root word. YOUR DIARY
In the book of Genesis, the first book of the 2023
Bible, we are reminded, ‘you are dust, and to
dust you shall return’ (Genesis 3.19). From Floral Group 1st Thursday Club
ancient times we have recognized how Communibus Women’s Institute
important the soil of the earth is for growing
crops to feed and clothe us. In caring for the Salt and Pepper Club Pop in Place Twinning Gardening Club
earth we are caring for ourselves and our
children and grandchildren. This is why, in the
church calendar, we have different August
agricultural blessings for the different seasons
of the year. The most popular of these is, of
th
course, Harvest, but there are also Blessings of 8th 65 . Anniversary Celebration
the Plough in January and blessing of the
seed at Lammastide – August. And in May, usually about 6 weeks after Easter, we
have Rogation. These agricultural blessings are a reminder of the
interdependence between humans and the environment, and of the importance SP 17th Salt and Pepper Club
of respecting and caring for the natural world.
The word ‘rogation’ comes from the Latin word ‘rogare’, meaning to ask or to
plead, and it is observed as a time of prayer and reflection. The origins of September
Rogation can be traced back to ancient Roman agricultural customs, where
people would observe a special day of prayer and fasting, asking the gods for a 12th Kelly Shaw 'A Celebration of Nature's
bountiful harvest. Over time, the Christian church adapted this observance and Bounty' Demonstration
incorporated it into their own liturgical calendar. One of the key themes of

Rogation is the idea of stewardship. During this time, believers are encouraged to SP 21st Salt and Pepper Club
think about their responsibility towards the environment and to reflect on the ways
in which they can be better stewards of God’s creation. This focus on stewardship 26th Folk Night, Skittle Alley, Drax Arms Sherburn Sanders 7.30pm
is accompanied by a range of agricultural and environmental practices, such as
blessing the fields and the animals that support our livelihoods. 29th Macmillan Coffee morning
As Christians, we are called to be stewards of God’s creation, and Rogation
provides an opportunity for us to reflect on this responsibility and to renew our
commitment to protecting the environment. In this way, Rogation is an important
observance that reminds us of our connection to both God and to the world
around us. October
We will be celebrating Rogation in two ways in Bere Regis on Sunday 14 May, at
th
the 11am Family Service which we will be holding at the Scout Headquarters, 10th Allison Finch TBA Demonstration
outside if the weather is kind, and a more traditional service at 4pm in church.
Everyone is welcome to come and join in, you’ll be most welcome. SP 19th Salt and Pepper Club

With blessings Sandra
24th Folk Night, Skittle Alley, Drax Arms Bruce Watson 7.30pm

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