Every day we post a Thought for the day written by someone within the circuit. Some are very light hearted and some are very deep theologically with all bases between covered.
We hope these will encourage, uplift and make you reflect but most of all we hope you enjoy reading these small daily snippets and take some inspiration on your daily journey
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15)
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. A friend of mine often uses this verse to pray with people who are going through tough times. It was the…
Recently, I was blessed to lead the funeral service of a gentleman who had served the nation through the British Legion. His army service took him to many different countries. When I first met the family to plan the service, they showed me some of his precious treasures: his baptism certificate, his Methodist membership card,…
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8, ESVOne day I found myself thinking about a friend and wondering or worrying about some things in their life. I started to talk to God…
Now the nativity scene is set up on the mantlepiece, I can’t help but see it when I settle down on the sofa in the evenings. It struck me last night that the characters are either standing or kneeling. Apart from baby Jesus of course, who is always depicted lying on his back – seemingly…
As I write this, we have just had an Advent Prayer Day for the churches in the Northern Mission Area of the Ipswich Circuit. There were some beautifully thought through and obviously helpful prayer stations devised and set up by various friends. The atmosphere was special and spiritual. I have just searched the internet for images of ‘prayer aids;’ the search returned…
Christmas is not an easy time for people with disabilities or age related health problems. The Alzheimers Society warn people annually that Christmas festivities may adversely affect those living with dementia. Family parties, where people gather who have not met for some time, can create confusion and even distress for the person who has cognitive…
Not long ago, I was contacted by a lovely Christian who broke down as he tried to speak with me on the phone. Patiently waiting as he tried to control his emotions, I learned that he was facing a life-changing challenge and even had occasional suicidal thoughts. In the circumstances, only a very few Christians…
Would you prefer to be happy or joyful, (or both)? It seems easier to describe happiness as we see happiness around us. People out celebrating look happy. When Ipswich Town score the fans look happy – unless of course you are a fan of the opposition! We might meet a friend who has received some…
My sister found this photograph recently and sent me a copy. I’m related to most of the people in the photo. My grandfather and my dad are in the middle of the picture, holding the mugs. Goodness, it’s like a different world! My grandfather and my dad are in the middle of the picture, holding…
Do you have a nativity scene in your home? Sometimes they come as advent calendars now with a different figure to add each day in the run up to Christmas. When I had my children small, we had a nativity and I remember often glancing at it as the preparations got more intense and the…