This year seems to be speeding by – here we are in May already! As I write this, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, spring flowers are open and the buds are breaking open on the trees. All seems pleasant and perfect. Until we turn on our screens and see what’s happening in…
Today, being 1st May is a Saints Day, a Political Day and one of ancient traditions. In our modern world the edges between those three things are blurred, not necessarily wrongly. The ancient celebrations of May Day marked the beginnings of summer. Flowers and dancing, music and jollity can be traced back to the Roman…
This week, our 10 minute service reflects on Psalm 27:8.
Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Jim Stewart At the time of writing Jim had led a church in Tunbridge Wells over the last 21 years. Together with his wife they have been pleased to serve with people with a heart for evangelism, social action and worldwide mission. www.christianaid.org.uk Something to read…
In a recent Bible app daily reading, I was confronted with the longest passage I can ever recall – 63 verses. Though I much prefer a short passage, I appreciate why so many verses were selected. The opening phrase of this contribution was taken from one verse out of the 63. It reminded me of…
Third Sunday of Easter Year C 4th May 2025 Lectionary Readings: Acts 9 v1-6 (7-20); Psalm 30; Revelation 5 v11-14; John 21 v1-19. Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” The chosen passage from John’s gospel tells of the encounter between Jesus and Simon Peter on the shore of Lake Tiberias. When Jesus and his…
I was feeling pretty pleased with myself, having planted 4 neat rows of potatoes, with (short) fencing around each of the two raised beds. But my efforts were all in vain when two or three days later the fencing was pushed to one side and there were small “pits” dug into the ground and the…
As the Gospel writers tell the Easter story, they differ in the names given to those women who are first to visit the empty tomb. One name though, appears on everyone’s list – that of Mary Magdalene. It points to the significance of Mary among Jesus’ followers so it therefore feels sad that many people…
I have recently read an article entitled, “What should Ministers wear?” There were four different personal answers from four different people. It got me thinking about what I wear when attending church. I was raised to believe that it was respectful to wear “Sunday Best” when attending services. I find that I still do this…
When Mary Magdalene set off to anoint Jesus’ body with oils and perfumes on the first day of the week, I’m guessing she would have been distraught. After following Him for years, listening to His words, healed and comforted by Him, she must have felt disappointed, betrayed, maybe taken in by His words of kingship…