In 2003 a series of 4 TV programmes was recorded entitled “Grumpy Old Men”. The title was taken from the 1997 film which starred Jack Lemmon. In the TV programme, narrated by Geoffrey Palmer, a number of famous men between the ages of 35 and 54 aired their grievances about various aspects of modern life…
Before I share a dictionary definition, let me ask a question. Do you ever suffer from Church fatigue? One definition states “extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness,” but in the context of the question, I prefer a comment from an old man some years ago: “My get-up-and-go has got up and went”. This subject…
21st Sunday in ordinary Time Year A 23rd August 2026 Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 51 v1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12 v1-8; Matthew 16 v13-20 The Invisible Mentor The person of God not mentioned explicitly in today’s readings is the Holy Spirit. Jesus implies that the Holy Spirit is at work in the mind of…
My family have been claiming that my hearing is deteriorating. I claim it is selective hearing! However I agreed to have a hearing assessment. As part of the assessment the audiologist asked many questions to try and illicit what sort of hearing loss I might have, if any. One of the things I have noticed…
You’re unlikely to see Gordon in your pulpit but is any of his wisdom transferrable to life in your church? In a previous thought I reflected upon the encounter between Joseph and an unnamed man in Genesis 37. Although the man is not identified as a man of God in any way, God uses the…
Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Peter Brokaar www.ellel.uk See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43a:19, NIV Everyone with a driver’s licence knows about the blind spot, that space that you simply cannot see from where you sit as the driver.…
Psalm 63: 1 O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; My soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. This verse has played over and over in my mind, as I have gradually watched the playground near my house turn…
My recent Thoughts for the Day have focused very much on our summer breaks, and on the important part they can play in helping us recharge our batteries for the year ahead. But life is much bigger, and much longer, than our summer holidays — if we are fortunate enough to have them. For many…
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I wonder how often it is that you receive a handwritten letter these days? And how often do you write a letter to friends/ family members? I have to confess that I contact people mainly by email, text or phone call now and it is quite rare to receive a handwritten letter. Postage costs have…