From the Rector - May 2026

Abundant Living

The first full moon in May is known as the Flower Moon, because May is the month when nature begins to blossom in earnest, and spring is in full swing. This full moon is also a ‘micro moon’, because the moon is at its furthest point from Earth, making it look smaller than usual. This year the Flower Moon is on May the 1st, which means that there will be two full moons in May, the second being called the ‘Blue Moon’. The first Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne (around 800AD), called May the ‘month of joy’ because of the coming of spring, and in Western Europe it is celebrated as such in many songs and poems. With good reason, Shakespeare called it ‘the merry month of May’ and Thomas Hardy wrote that ‘the May month flaps its glad green leaves like wings, delicate-filmed as new-spun silk.’ Our villages look beautiful at this time, and our hearts rise with the promise of coming summer.

In the church calendar, this month is also full of joy, as the Easter season celebrations of Christ’s resurrection continue until Ascension Day on the 14th of May, and Pentecost comes on its heels, on Sunday the 24th. At Pentecost we remember the giving of the Holy Spirit to the disciples, to the church, and to us, reminding us to recognise and allow the work of God’s power, grace and creative energy in our lives. As the first disciples felt the rush of new life following the resurrection of Jesus, we also ask for the spiritual dynamism of God’s presence in us, to live abundantly, in love and thankfulness. I hope and pray that your life will be abundant this May. Please come and join us as we worship together.

Revd Ralph Williamson - Rector