Ministers Letter August 2026

Rev. Dr Samantha Gillard

Dear siblings in Christ,

We are now in the full flow of summer and, wow, we have certainly had some hot and dry days! I wonder how everyone is coping. While many of us enjoy the sunshine, prolonged dry weather can leave gardens looking tired and parched. As I write, I look out at my own back garden and notice that much of the grass has turned brown. Yet, somehow, the dandelions continue to flourish. It made me curious enough to investigate why. The answer seems to lie in roots and resilience. Dandelions develop deep taproots that help them reach moisture hidden beneath the surface, while the grass conserves energy, waiting for the rain to return.

In June, I was blessed with the opportunity to spend a week at Iona Abbey on the island of Iona. The course was titled Experiencing Nature and was led by Bob Gilbert. I joined people from different countries across the globe, representing a variety of backgrounds, experiences and ages. Throughout the week we were challenged to engage more deeply with the natural world through three simple practices: pay attention, be amazed, and talk about it.

As I reflect on that week, and on the dandelions in my garden, I wonder whether nature is teaching us something about our journey with God. There are seasons in life when we feel dry, weary or depleted. Faith may seem harder than usual, prayer can feel a struggle, and the pressures of daily life may leave us feeling stretched. Yet, like the dandelion reaching deep for nourishment, we too are called to put down roots into God’s love and grace. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:7). Deep roots sustain us through difficult seasons. Worship, prayer, scripture, fellowship and times of stillness help us draw upon the life-giving presence of God. They enable us not only to survive but to grow.

One of the gifts of the Iona week was sharing our observations with others. When we take time to speak about the beauty, we have noticed whether it is a butterfly visiting the garden or a tiny patch of moss thriving in an unlikely place, we help one another to see God’s hand at work in the world. In a time when so much news can feel heavy and discouraging, sharing stories of wonder can be a quiet act of hope. It reminds us that God is still creating, sustaining and renewing life all around us, often in places we least expect.

At the same time, our faith calls us to care for the earth that God has entrusted to us. The more we pay attention to creation, the more we see both its beauty and its fragility. As an Eco-Church community, perhaps we might ask ourselves this summer: What can I do to help nurture God’s creation? Whether it is reducing waste, encouraging wildlife in our gardens, conserving water during dry spells, taking one new action to care for our environment, or simply taking time to appreciate the world around us, every action matters. May this summer be a season of paying attention, being amazed, and sharing what we discover. And may we all be deeply rooted in the love of God, ready to receive the refreshment that only Christ can bring.

Grace and peace to you all.

Revd Dr Samantha Gillard
Minister, Northampton Methodist Church & Circuit.