Sometimes while on holiday there are things you see that give you an idea for the future, or confirm an idea that was already brewing. From holidays in the past I have a wealth of photos of sanctuary furnishings and banners that might offer ideas should I ever find myself in a congregation undergoing a major fabric refurbishing. There is a selection of orders of services and leaflets, sometimes in French, that occasionally I’ve borrowed ideas for shaping worship. In my head are memories of photo displays within historic national buildings that remind people that a living congregation continues.

This year’s noticing at the moment sits at the side of a bridge. On a once unkempt, uncared for piece of ground a community garden has appeared. Growing are vegetables and herbs that once ready the passer-by is encouraged to pick and try.

It’s a simple idea that has transformed a corner and encourages engagement.

Within parishes and perhaps legacies there are sometimes forgotten wildernesses that could be transformed and offer a new picture of what it means to belong.