I have been sorting through some of my files lately and came across this take on the Beatitudes by Joseph Follett from a Church magazine. “Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves; they will have no end of fun. Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill; they will be saved…
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 20th August 2023 Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 56 v1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11 v1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15 v21-28. The ‘bigger picture’ requires a ‘bigger heart’. In the gospel reading, the focus is on a mother’s concern for her daughter’s health. In Paul’s letter the focus is on…
On my recent trip to France, I had to hunt around in the recesses of my brain, and dust off (it was very dusty) my French speaking skills. My cycle buddy for the holiday, Rev Rach Ward was much more confident than me and was able to hold a conversation for more than just a…
My mum went from being a family of four to living on her own in just two years following the wedding of my brother, the death of my father, and Karen and I marrying. She loved baking and enjoyed laying on a feast for her family, I can remember my brother and his wife and…
On my recent holiday we visited Coventry Cathedral. Firstly, we stood in the ruins of the old one, which must have been a magnificent building, and then we walked into the new one. I love stained glass and I just stood and admired the most fabulous window. The colours and patterns were awe inspiring. I…
If my Dad was still alive, this week my parents would be celebrating their blue sapphire wedding anniversary. I thought all sapphires were blue. After all the word ‘sapphire’ comes from the Greek word for blue. But they come in all colours apart from red. Sapphires are very hard and durable, hence their suitability to…
A couple of weeks ago I had the wonderful experience of hearing a choir of 250 young people and supporting orchestra and soloists perform Elgar’s ‘Dream of Gerontius’ in Ely Cathedral. It was moving, not just because of the music but because of the effect of performance on young people, many of whom may not…
A couple of months ago I told you about my mother’s book of prayers which she had written for her Women’s meeting when she was President. These prayers are lovely, my Mum was a member of the Methodist Church all her life, and she had a strong faith. I thought I would share another of…
This week, our 10 minute service reflects on Psalm 17:7-8.
In the past I was often involved with leading outdoor Songs of Praise and services on the beach along with talented musicians and we always included songs that spoke the name of Jesus. The story is told of a Vicar was getting ready to speak in the open air and he noticed that everybody seemed…