Summer 2026

VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS               

Summer 2026

“This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance.”

Matthew 10: 42 TMSG

Greetings!

And Happy Summer!

This is an intense summer! Joy-filled celebrations of America’s 250^th (congratulations, USA!); football fever worldwide (well done, all players); and extreme heat in much of the Northern Hemisphere (must try harder, people!)

 The failure to take better care of our climate, in no way diminishes our other successes and celebrations. But we need to pay more attention to God’s good Earth.

And make sure that those most affected by climate change are provided for.

The Bible has its own climate heroes. When the last Ice Age came to an end (@10,000 BCE), the Black Sea and Mediterranean basins endured devastating floods. Men like Noah (most likely many like him) did what they could to protect animals and preserve biodiversity.

In a later era, Joseph stepped up to help Egypt when drought and famine threatened. He arranged for both long-term food storage and the construction of a large reservoir.

High Priest Simon the Just (219-196 BCE) likewise insured Jerusalem’s water supply by digging a cistern “like the sea in circumference” (Sirach 50: 3).

Scripture saints conserve at scale! Jesus also addressed food and water security, but his focus was local and personal. “Help trees survive”, he advised (Luke 13: 6-9).

And be ready to offer food and drink to those in need.

We must all do our bit to save and share and protect vital water resources. Jesus’ mandate to give a cup of water can mean digging a well, or eliminating pollutants, or suing polluters!

Sometimes, Jesus’ words mean no more and no less than what he first said:

 “Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty.”

During Bengt’s surprise (but not serious) visit to the English Accident & Emergency Dept.

we encountered enough kindness for many sermons. (Most of you have heard one already). Mattie, the autism support dog who was there with her human, was a focus of loving care. She licked every patient and every relative/friend in the waiting room.

No one there was going to do without her support!

And every waiting relative and friend returned the favour. Each of us made sure that Mattie’s water bowl was regularly filled with fresh water. Licking is thirsty work!

As is living. Yet, according to water.org, 2.1 billion people — 1 in 4 — lack access to safe water. This impacts the health and livelihood of more than one-third of our global population. The water charity reminds us that,

“Access to safe water can turn problems into potential —

 unlocking education, economic opportunity, and improved health.”

Clearly, our world needs more Josephs and Simons!

It is not in our personal remit to construct reservoirs, or artesian wells, or safe plumbing systems, but we can all contribute. Donating to a clean water project or lobbying against/ shopping against a water polluter support the distribution of “cool cups of water”.

Giving water to a thirsty animal, or a person stuck outside in the heat, or a tree whose roots are trapped by tarmacadam, are other ways to fulfill Jesus’ mandate.

When he said it, he meant it!

Wishing you a summer of relaxation, refreshment, and rehydration!

Blessings,

Brenda