Rogation Sunday 14 May 2023 - Beating the bounds
Rogation Sunday – traditionally this is when we ask for God’s protection of the agriculture industry, livestock, and crops. The tradition involves walking the boundaries of the parish – which is called “beating the bounds” – praying and asking for God‘s blessing for the well-being of that particular community.
The walkers from St John's were following a carefully planned route starting with the ascent of Church Hill, then south along the valley to Caterham School.
Striking south again, the party made our way via a muddy path to the View Point where lunch was taken and supplied, very kindly, to one foolish person who was ill prepared for the journey.
Heading east along the North Downs Way, a boundary marker was found and duly given a small beating. Crossing the A22 was complicated by having to give way to the runners heading in the opposite direction.
Climbing back up onto the downs was a testing time, though much mutual encouragement was given. Our sixth prayer location was deep in bucolic uplands and was followed by a respectful passage through a large herd of cows (or bulls with udders).
It was all downhill to the Wasp Lodge roundabout, thankfully, and after a trek along Stafford Road, it just remained to pray in front of the north entrance porch of the church.
