The header on this page shows autumn leaves – with their brilliant colours: the glowing reds, the warm golden yellows, the soothing browns. Or maybe you prefer to look at the real thing when the trees begin shedding their leaves soon and they colourfully deck our pavements and gardens.

It’s my favourite time of year, time to get out there and – making sure no-one is looking – to do what I used to love doing as a child, shuffling through the leaves with my feet, relishing the sensation as they rustle while I walk along. An unforgettable sound. A sound I have always enjoyed and loved.

Or autumn’s the time to put the fire on and snuggle up close to it with a cup of tea and a good book. Maybe one of the theological books I’ve bought lately. Such as Marcus Borg’s curiously named “Reading the Bible Again for the First Time” – Can you really do that? Is it not a paradox? Can you do anything again and yet for the first time? I’ll have to read the book and find out!

In a way though, week for week in worship, isn’t that exactly what we already do? – Try to unearth more of the truth, to coax yet more of the meaning out of the old familiar stories. Attempting to approach Scripture freshly and open-mindedly as if it were the first time. Letting it impact on us and our lives with its novelty.

The pastors and church council found this idea so intriguing, we’ve ordered a Bible Study pack based on that book and on Borg’s idea of “taking the Bible seriously but not literally” ... study group booklets, a DVD with video clips, posters and artwork.

By the time these all arrive, it will be autumn. And ECC members will then be able to enjoy these special autumn treats, snuggling up close to the fire with a hot cup of tea ... and the rustling sound will be that of the pages of the Bible as we leaf our way through it together, experiencing it again for the first time! Why not join us and enjoy a cosy Bible-rustling autumn too!

Your pastor and friend,

James M. Brown