The focus of our gathering this 4th Sunday of Advent is Mary, mother of Jesus. Seems like a good idea given that without Mary there would be no Christmas! In the 1st Century, as one part of the early church began to develop, assert and impose its own brand of Orthodoxy – ‘the correct way’…
There are 7.6 Billion people on the planet today, which means there are 7.6 Billion ways of being human. In ministry, you get to know a very tiny slice of earth’s amazing variety of people. People with different hobbies, personalities, jobs, cultures, world views and opinions. You discover very quickly that being part of a…
Whilst studying in Manchester, I was invited to experience first-hand the Jewish celebration of Yom Kippur. We met in the Synagogue on Friday evening and I had one of the most moving spiritual experiences of my life. An elderly member of the family sang the Kol Nidre. It’s hard to describe the feelings it generated…
How should I proceed to unpack this particular doctrine; a doctrine which for thousands of years has underpinned both the mission of the church and the language of Christianity? Well, with a mixture of trepidation and hope. Trepidation, because people have built much of their faith upon this doctrine. Hope, because of all the doctrines…
When it comes to the subject of prayer I always try to tread very gently and thoughtfully because I know I am entering very sacred space. These past few weeks have been no exception. I am acutely aware that behind every person who prays there sits a background story. Stories that emanate from life experience…
This month’s focus on prayer has been rather thought-provoking – especially for me as I spend time preparing for our gatherings on Sunday. It’s been good to concentrate on this dimension of spiritual life which is common to people of all faiths, and some people of no particular faith. Over the past 2 weeks I…
Yesterday, we said goodbye to a dearly loved member of the church. Shirley Lancaster died as she had lived – peacefully. But this was not the end of a passive life but rather the end of a vibrant, creative, strong, caring and thoughtful life. A few months ago, on one Sunday morning, Randall shared with…
Some interesting responses to the question, “Any ideas for themes for the next few months?” All suggestions were about some of the big themes around faith and life – so we will have a go at all of them. The idea of exploring a theme is for that purpose. Some things are just too deep…
Funny how a word that’s not used very often can keep popping up in conversation. That’s what’s been happening with the word resilience. Three times this week: in a plant nursery, in a recovery ward, and after a phone call with a friend who’s husband died suddenly on Monday. First time, I was looking for…
I recently had lunch with a friend who is working on the island of Lesbos – helping to manage the flow of refugees arriving on its shores. She went back last Wednesday. She first went there almost 3 years ago. On arrival she found chaos; beaches strewn with discarded lifejackets, and the formal ‘settlements’ overflowing.…