In 1991 the United Reformed Church published a new hymn book; Rejoice and Sing was welcomed by many and criticised by many too for all the hymns that had been ‘left out’. I soon found that there was new hymnody there, or new to me anyway, that broadened my mind. Early on I came across…

I will never forget returning from a short break in Guernsey early in 2001. We drove off the ferry in Weymouth and on the car radio I heard about an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. Some of you may remember the things that followed. Farmed and hobby livestock, wild animals and domesticated; anything with…

There are several references in the Gospels to Jesus and water. Saint Matthew (chapter 8) records an occasion when he was busy and tired and crossed the lake to avoid the crowds, but he was soon found again. In Framlingham we have our famous castle and historic church, idyllic market hill and Saturday market. We…

Nichola and I have known this path for over 25 years. We used it as a highway for the buggy when the children were tiny, it was a training ground for carrying them in the backpack as they grew bigger and a Sunday walk later on again. Sometimes it is very wet and once last…

You may not be prepared to pay for the view from my desk but it never ceases to interest me. In these ordinary trees I see the changing seasons and although sometimes I have a surprise when something like a woodpecker comes to call, some of my best entertainment is provided by the wood pigeons.…

I recently had the great privilege of returning to the Church in which I grew up to lead their 356th Anniversary. Inevitably I met new people and was reacquainted with people I have known all my life. Some of the former group were from families associated with mine and yet as individuals we have never…

Jonah wanted to watch what happened to Nineveh. He went out to a vantage point and made himself a shelter to protect himself from the sun while he boiled with rage at God’s mercy.  A large, leafy plant grew quickly and sheltered him adding to the comfort of his viewing platform. Then a worm chewed…

My sister is one of the most long suffering, patient people I have ever met. I incline to irascibility and while I always regret and often have to apologise for shortness of temper, I find it hard to be as good as she appears to be. I do not suppose I am alone in not…

In the third chapter of the book that bears his name, Jonah, having learned his lesson about running from God, is recommissioned and returns to Nineveh to preach. The simplicity of the message is stark: ‘forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown’. Nineveh was a great city. There is some uncertainty about the dating…

Have you ever reached the conclusion that you have just made a huge mistake? Most of us, at some time, will have had one of those experiences where we realise we have just made the wrong decision and the consequences will be tough; they may be with us for some time. World news is full…