After three weeks away, it was good to be back on the organ stool again on Sunday 24th July. Worshippers who attended the 10 am service on 17th July will be relieved to hear that my deputy suffered no lasting effects from her fainting fit. Indeed, she wasn't the only person to be overwhelmed by the heat that day.

I brought a fan to church with me on 24th July (the kind you flap, rather than the kind for whom you write autographs) - but I didn't need it.

Before the service, you heard Handel's Hornpipe in D, from the Water Music. Afterwards, you heard Widor's Toccata in F. (I confess - I played both at a wedding on Friday afternoon, so you benefited from some considerable hours of practice during the week!)

On to a more serious note. I am happy to report that our friends' daughter is home from hospital, gaining weight, and is even "out and about" again. More treatment will follow, and there may still be trying times ahead - but we are all overjoyed at the progress that has been made so far. Truly God is good - give thanks for this wonderful news.

Please continue to pray for those suffering serious illness, for anyone undergoing uncomfortable treatment, for their families and friends, and for the skill of the doctors and nurses who look after them on a daily basis.

Pray, too, for all countries threatened by terrorism in these worrying times. Pray for anyone directly affected by the aggression. Give thanks to all those involved in defending us and bringing to justice those responsible for the atrocities.