St Peter's Yaxley

…reaching out in love and faith

My Splash Walk Tips

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I ventured out on my first Splash Walk at the end of May, unknowingly picking one of the longer walks to attend.

We trailed seven miles from The King’s Head in Wadenhoe to the National Trust’s Lyveden New Bield, and back again. The length of the walk allowed for plenty of conversation and adventure through muddy puddles, fields, kissing gates and long grass. Along the way, I thought of a few handy tips to share with new Splash Walkers:

1. Invest in waterproof walking boots/shoes
It’s safe to say I learnt why Splash Walks are aptly named ‘Splash’ walks. Although we had a beautiful sunny day for our walk there were areas in the woods that were still rather boggy from the previous days rain. In some areas we ventured through bushes in order to avoid muddy puddles, however not all could be avoided and resulted in two rather wet, inappropriately dressed feet. I didn’t let this dampen my spirit and it all added to the adventure bringing back happy childhood memories of rambling through woods.

2. Join the group for lunch
The prospect of a good pub lunch is more than enough to keep you going when you’re flagging three quarters of the way around! Another incentive is hearing Richard call the pub to start preparing the food, you know then that you’re on the home straight and that the Brie and Bacon sandwich is not far off! The pub also gives you time to relax together, catch up with anyone you didn’t get a chance to talk to during the walk, and rehydrate with your choice of drink!

3. Take a spare pair of shoes
Even if you don’t have wet feet or blisters, air to the feet feels a luxury after seven miles – a spare pair of flip flops or alternative are a must! Even more so if you are staying for food.

4. Take water
A combination of chatter and exercise calls for water! I enjoyed having time to get to know friends a little better and have since found out that there are many benefits from walking & talking in the countryside, such as help with depression, anxiety, grief and difficult life transitions.

5. Every once in a while, take a moment to look around
Whether it’s a brief pause from walking, or a pause in conversation, look up and take in the sights of the countryside, and all that God has created for us. The Splash Walk offered me an opportunity to explore somewhere I hadn’t been before and appreciate the beauty and stillness of the countryside.

Thank you to everyone who was on the May Splash Walk. Despite feeling a little achy and sporting flip flops for the following 24 hours, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The walk was definitely made easier with the flow of conversation and promise of a good meal with friends. This was my first walk in different terrains and one I found very enjoyable. It was lovely to explore new territory and discover a new village, where people swim in the river! I look forward to walking with you all again in the future!

The next Splash Walk is taking place on Saturday 30th June.

For more information on Splash Walks, please speak with Chris Grant or Richard Hilliard.

God Bless.
Laura Ashley (PCO) 07939 449255, lauraashley@saintpeters.co.uk

Mistaken identity

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I wonder if you have ever been subject to a case of mistaken identity?

To my amusement I read the other day about a group of priests who went into a pub in Cardiff to celebrate the ordination of one of their number. Thinking they were a stag party in fancy dress and anxious to avoid any trouble, the pub manager initially threw them out. The priests managed to convince the manager that they really were priests and an embarrassed publican offered them a free round of drinks by way of an apology.

When Mark Fuller wrote in last month’s Gazette that he was leaving Yaxley, several people mistakenly assumed it was me who was going. If that was a cause of celebration I’m sorry to disappoint you – I’m still here! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mark publicly for the huge contribution which he made to life here – both in the church and the community. We wish Mark, Becci, Josie and Ethan well in their new home and ministry in Portishead.

It seems to me that many of us think our identity is linked to what we do, what we have, what school we attend, etc. However, I believe that’s a real case of mistaken identity. Back in Genesis, the Bible tells us that we are made in the image of God. Early in his Gospel, drawing on the language of Genesis, John tells us that everyone who believes in Jesus is given power to become a child of God. That for me is our true identity – children of God who are invited to live in his everlasting Kingdom.

If you’d like to explore more about your true identity as a child of God please feel free to join us at any of our services – see our events calendar for more details, or get in touch to find out more.

With my continuing prayers,

Jon Randall (Vicar) 07939 449255; vicar@saintpeters.co.uk

Read this article in the Yaxley Gazette.