The story illustrates the tendency to judge whether we have enough by the extent to which our possessions are increasing or decreasing - if they are increasing in line with our aspirations we have enough, if not, we don't. Of course, by any objective standard, most of us continue to live in an affluent part of the world irrespective of these economic fluctuations.

Nevertheless, it is still be quite easy for many of us to lament the fact that less plentiful times may lie ahead and forget to be thankful for what we do have. Over time, the more we are dominated by thoughts of what we don't have the less we will remember to be thankful for what we do have. St Ambrose said that, "No duty is more important than that of returning thanks."

With the theme of thankfulness in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributes financially to the life of the churches in Frenchay and Stapleton. What you contribute to the mission of the church is never taken for granted. In the last year your gifts have enabled us to offer pastoral care to many families and individuals who have experienced bereavement or family breakdown, who have suffered violence and abuse, or who facing the consequences of long-term illness. We have been able to act as advocates for marginalised people whose voices aren't heard by our institutions. We have been able to go out to the homeless on the streets of Bristol with food, clothing and toiletries. In partnership with Christ Church (Downend) we are beginning to offer support and guidance to people who are in significant debt.

On a happier note we have been able to support and encourage couples who have been married and have been able to celebrate new life as families bring children for baptism. We have organised events to help to bring people together in order to build relationships and strengthen community. We have been able to open our churches as places where people can come to find moments of peace in hectic and sometimes turbulent lives. All of this has only been possible because these things matter to you and you have financially supported this work. So again, thank you.

Benjamin Disraeli, the prime minister in 1868 and 1874-80 once said, I feel a very unusual sensation; if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude." I hope that being thankful and saying thank you aren't as unfamiliar to us as they seem to have been to the prime minister- they are good habits to cultivate and practice on a regular basis.

The Lord be with you.