One of the debates that occasionally occurs between Christians is related to the use of “modern” Bible translations and updating the words of well-known hymns. I recall a young lady, handed a KJV Bible, said she “couldn’t understand a word of it”, and that was relating to a passage in the Gospels. As for changing…
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 7th September 2025 Lectionary Readings: Deuteronomy 30 v15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon v1-21; Luke 14 v25-33. The seemingly impossible demands of being a disciple. Jesus said, “You cannot be my disciples unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children and…
A few weeks ago I had a short break in Herefordshire. On our first day we decided to walk from Ledbury to Much Marcle, a distance of around 7 miles. We used a recommended route, with notes about interesting places along the way. After leaving Ledbury by a rather overgrown and neglected footpath running alongside…
September 2025 Preaching Plan
In Harare, Zimbabwe, Emma, a devoted Christian, found herself sharing a flat with three roommates: Nyasha, Tanaka, and Monty. Each had different views on faith, and their disdain for religion often left Emma feeling isolated and sometimes confused. Nyasha openly mocked Emma’s prayers, while Tanaka questioned the validity of her beliefs with subtle jabs. Monty,…
A while ago I watched a film which had subtitles. You had to really concentrate and read them to understand what was going on in the film. My family tells me that I doze off when watching TV at night but I definitely didn’t during this film. One of the phrases used was, “hopeful music playing.”…
After twenty years having the same middle aged single man living next door, we were surprised last Friday when a van arrived, collected his belongings and the house was empty. The next day, new neighbours arrived – an Eastern European family. Suddenly we have heard unfamiliar noises from next door – the pitter patter of…
If you are familiar with Asian culture, you may know that in some countries the giving of gifts is an important part of business and social etiquette. When I travelled regularly to China, I never went without taking something to give my hosts and all-important interpreters. Likewise I never returned empty handed. Earlier this summer…
(This thought was first published in July 2022) I could list several times that I felt I could not succeed. In my early years as a teacher, I came quite close to quitting. In the late 60’s the school leaving age was increased from 15 to 16. Those who just had to stay on another…
This week, our 10 minute service reflects on John 13:34-35.