News (Page 155)

Who would know?

I’ve just re-read the story about a lady, who, when she was putting her groceries into the boot of her car discovered a greeting card she hadn’t paid for. She went back into the shop, waited in line at the till, apologised for the oversight, and paid for the card. The man behind her in the…

Tea stains

During half term, I was treated to lunch at the Blitz tea rooms in Ipswich. I’d never been there before.  It was amazing. It has a small frontage but covers three floors and is set out like pre 1940s sitting rooms – with genuine furniture, crockery, photos and posters. And beautifully embroidered tablecloths! Our waiter…

Changing direction

According to Saint John’s Gospel (2:1-12) Jesus began his Ministry when he was ambushed by his mother at a wedding, and despite his reluctance, performed a miracle, turning water into wine. He thought the time was not right, but Mary had other views. The last act of fellowship Jesus enjoyed with his Disciples before his…

The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians

The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians : preparing for the coming King by John StottRev. ed., IVP, 2021 with Study Guide  185 pages  £5.99   (also available as an ebook)(The Bible Speaks Today)  ISBN 978 1 789 742 442 First published in 1991 and reprinted 12 times says a great deal about the success…

THE PATCHWORK QUILT

The members of a certain church worked well with willing hands and useful articles they made, to send to foreign lands. A dear old Granny sewed with joy-, a patchwork quilt she made and as she joined the gaudy scraps, with every stitch, she prayed. She took it to the vicarage and beamed with pride…

FRIENDSHIPS

I have had my friend and her husband from Australia visiting us and it has been a wonderful time together.  They were due to come before Covid and at last have been able to come.  She is the sort of friend who you pick up with as if you had seen her yesterday – a…

Lectionary Reflections – Sunday 25th June 2023

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time                    Year A                                                 25th June 2023 Lectionary Readings: Jeremiah 20 v7-13;     Psalm 69 v7-10, 16-18;     Romans 6 v1b-11;     Matthew 10 v24-39                   When the going gets tough…….. In the Old Testament passage, Jeremiah is being honest with God about how he is feeling. Jeremiah is blaming God for his social isolation,…

Rooted

Another of the highlights of my trip to Athens, (a previous TFTD mentioned the Museum of Cycladic Art), was watching the ceremonial changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The guards change every hour throughout the day, and stand absolutely still in between times, staring straight ahead. Their dress and their…

A Whole New World

I am currently on sabbatical, which is three months of study leave and not meant to be holiday, however, one of the great joys of stepping back from my normal daily routine for a season is that I am able to spend more time with my wider family, which has been a great joy for…