August Solar Eclipse (Eye Safety: Never look directly at the sun
)
On the evening of 12th August, Western Europe will experience a solar eclipse the likes of which won’t be seen again until 2090.
Key timings in Church Stretton:
Starts: Around 6:10 PM to 6:20 PM
Maximum Peak: Around 7:10 PM to 7:15 PM, low on the western horizon.
Ends: Around 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM
It is a moment when millions of people of all faiths and none will be caught in a shared experience of awe, wonder and transcendence. The Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight for over two minutes.
The importance of awe, wonder and transcendence
Research attests to the psychological and wellbeing benefits of having transcendence in our lives – connecting with something beyond ourselves makes us more compassionate, resilient and social.
For Christians, we see awe and wonder as one of the ways God reveals God-self to us and allows us to connect with the divine.
This connection is one aspect of a deeper relationship. A relationship that is available to all.
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3–4)
Present uncertainty and future hope
Though the eclipse is beautiful, it is also unsettling. Temperatures drop, animals become disturbed and confused, the sun and things around us are obscured.
Often, we find ourselves in periods of great confusion and uncertainty. The eclipse can be a hopeful image for all of us of darkness lasting only a moment, before being bathed again in the full warmth of the sun.
As Christians, our confidence and hope for the future is rooted in what we believe Jesus has already achieved through his death and resurrection.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
The comfort of celestial rhythms
Though the earth is orbiting the sun at over 100,000 kph and the moon is orbiting the earth at over 3,000 kph, scientists can calculate to the minute when eclipses are going to occur centuries into the future.
Many find it comforting, in a world full of chaos and uncertainty, that when we zoom out some things are still predictable and certain.
For Christians, though we live during much uncertainty, we find hope in a God who is faithful, constant and who holds creation in order and purpose
.
“… all things have been created through him and for him… and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16–17)
There is a pattern in the way that planets move,
the heavens are governed by laws and physics.
We can count on the sun rising, the moon waxing and waning,
the stars shining and comets marking their course.
There is reassurance in the ordering of the universe,
yet still we look on in wonder.
The prophets and wise travellers have for millennia
sought direction from the stars.
Poets continue to wax lyrical about starlight
and celestial symmetry paints constellations
in which we mere human beings
find or seek meaning beyond science.
The reliability (at least for a few more million years),
of the ordered heavens,
sits in sharp contrast to the chaos of earthly
conflict, climate crisis and profound inequality.
This eclipse reminds us of the reliability of God,
reassures us that light will follow darkness and,
even when it seems not to, God sees, knows and loves
all people, even us, just as we are in all our chaos.
Plastic Free July
The Methodist Church is urging us all to try and cut down on the amount of plastic we use during July. On the Eco Church notice board in the church hall is an opportunity to write down how you might manage to do this.
Share your ideas with others.
Venezuelan Earthquake Appeal
The Disaster Emergency Committee have set up an appeal for Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. Donations will be collected at church over the next two weeks. Thank you.
Churches Together in the Strettons
7th June 2026
Enjoy a picnic together in St Milburga’s presbytery and gardens. A time of friendship and fellowship.
17th August 2025
A Sunday afternoon guided walk has been organised across High Leasowes, four developing wildflower meadows, high in wildlife. Peter Whitlock will show us how the area is being developed into a haven for nature. The fields, in all 6.5 hectares were saved by the community for the community and are being created into a patchwork of rich habitats that provides shelter, nesting and feeding opportunities for a great variety of wildlife, where there is space for people to walk and quietly enjoy the area and for the community to participate in its care. Followed by tea and cake in the church hall.