Dear friends, Today is Advent Sunday and we begin our journey of preparation for the incarnation of Christ. The national Methodist Church has launched its 2022 Christmas Campaign “There is Room” which seeks to demonstrate that the Methodist Church is welcoming and inclusive. We are reminded in the Christmas story that when Mary and Joseph…
One of the problems with my line of work is that every so often, I am required to attend some kind of training, some voluntary and others mandatory. I’m not a great lover of the training course, no matter what the topic and am much happier just getting on and researching what I need, when…
The Thought for the Day is from 2 Timothy 4 v 8. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Recently a man received a magazine sweepstakes…
I visited a Hindu Temple for the first time this week with a party of eight year olds. We were met by a lovely older gentleman who, with great patience and gentleness, explained to the class that Hindus have many gods and goddesses, but thirty three were revered the most. The children were intrigued by…
The honours system is frequently questioned, not because of the many worthy people who receive a grateful nation’s thanks for their service. Questions arise when there is a hint of cronyism, or an unhealthy link between political activity and honours received. If you could nominate an Old Testament character for an honour, I wonder who…
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This is…
Bite Sized Church returns this week and we reflect on John 8:12 and sing Light of the world.
This thought was first published in July 2020 What e’re I say or doThy glory be my aim (Charles Wesley, H&P 793) This excerpt from the hymn is on one of my tea towels. I have quite a collection and have decided to use them rather than keep them in a drawer! I attended many…
I’ve just been to the cinema for the first time in years – we often wait until films are available on DVD or Netflix. The film was entitled “Living” and starred Bill Nighy and Aimee Lou Wood. It is a gentle film set in London during the early 1950s. Mr Williams (Bill Nighy) is a…
First Sunday in Advent Year A 27th November 2022 Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 2 v1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13 v11-14; Matthew 24 v36-44. Living in the light. The apostle Paul wrote these timeless words, You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up.…