This phrase, and the description, “Grumpy Old Man,” are synonymous with Victor Meldrew, though perhaps not so common as when the programme, One Foot In The Grave, was in its heyday. I felt both descriptions applied to me, one Sunday morning, as I listened to a well-known presenter on Christian radio. As he introduced the…
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C 3rd August 2025 Lectionary readings: Ecclesiastes 1 v2, 12-14, 2 v18-23; Psalm 49 v1-12; Colossians 3 v1-11; Luke 12 v13-21. Rich in the sight of God. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus finishes his story of the rich fool by saying, “This is what happens to people who…
I have been responsible for setting a timetable for a series of meetings happening this week. It has been a steep learning curve, with the need to alter days that people can attend, and so altering the timings of the remaining attendees. It has also become apparent that the amount of time allocated to each…
Welcome to a third thought emanating from the world of bags and containers. In the first, we looked at baggage and luggage. In the second, we encountered portmanteaus and portmanteau words. Today we’re thinking about pokes and what’s inside them. I suspect you’re now wondering what exactly a poke is. You might have dredged up…
On my recent visit to Ickworth House I was very taken by the beautiful old olive tree. It is over 100 years old and is very impressive with a bounty of green leaves. Olive trees have been growing for millennia and used for their oil and fruit. Olive trees in the Bible are rich in symbolism, representing peace, blessing and…
I’m sure that you, like me, were horrified to hear of a recent court case in which grandparents were found guilty of the death of their grandson through ‘casual cruelty’. Any violence to anyone as a one-off crime of anger or passion is bad enough, but the idea of it being casual or habitual towards…
Last night (as I write this) was the occasion of the annual school production by older children in the Primary School where I am a Governor. As I watched I thought about the privilege of supporting an event that encourages children but with whom I have no directly vested interest. All around in the auditorium…
This week, our 10 minute service reflects on Luke 7:38.
Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Laura Kerr www.christianaid.org.uk Beauty and wonder of creation. Something to read O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! Psalm 95:6. Something to think about I wonder where you feel God’s presence most tangibly? Maybe it’s in…
For the first 28 years of my working life, I was employed by one of the major banks. At my first branch, most of the business was transacted face to face, by telephone or by handwritten letters. I am not sure if a copy was retained, and it was before photocopiers. On my transfer to…