Dear Friends and Parishioners,

I was reminded today of a great friend who entertains rarely but rather beautifully. The table will wear old thick linen down to the ground; the plates are Cantonese and the handirons are of similar vintage; old waterglasses are used for wine and there will be lots of wild flowers. What is unusual is that the dinner will not be cleared away for about a week, sometimes two. The fish, fowl, meat and vegetables will be re-housed, but fruit, plates, glasses and all the rest will stay there - and become art: a painterly comment on pleasure and conviviality and decay. It would of course drive many mad, but calm reflection after activity, and repose after achievement offer an interesting space for thought.

I'm sitting at my garden table with the remains of a lovely luncheon all around me: dropped napkins, water glasses used for water, a dish of strawberries, coffee cups; and the echo of conversation and shared interests and concerns. At the end of the meal we enjoyed each other's company more than at the beginning and knew each other better. The clearing away and the washing up can wait.

Christians gather round a table too. Past, present and future are focused on the board. Bread is broken and wine poured. It is in some ways like other meals. Only the ho is invisible. Present but not seen. Addressed yet silen 'The Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ which was given fc thee preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died fo thee and feed on Him in thy heart with Thanksgiving.'

All meals are special when made with love. The hour of preparation before minutes of consumption are part c the pleasure. Guests and Host recognize each other. Th simplest food becomes a banquet.

Yours very truly,
Ian Whittle
The Rectory, Langham 01328 830246