In the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 400m sprint event the home favourite Matthew Hudson-Smith was so nearly home as he hurtled towards the finishing line. The gold medal was nearly his. Yet then, out of nowhere, a blur zoomed past. Zambian sprinter Muzala Samukonga suddenly found a furious burst of speed—from well behind the race leader—to…

According to a legend, a king once placed a heavy stone in the roadway. Then he hid and watched to see what would happen. Many people passed by and grumbled and complained that the government was not doing their job in keeping the highways clear but no one assumed the job of pushing the stone…

One of my grandsons will have had his fifth birthday on 14th January. After Christmas, it always seems to creep up on me every year, so as soon as the New Year celebrations were over, I texted my daughter to ask what I should get him. Apparently, they are preparing to remove his stabilisers from…

It is strange how old memories materialise out of nowhere. Reading the passage for today (2 Samuel 6:12-19) I recalled my mother’s smile. With hindsight she always had a happy smile but as a child I considered it to be an abomination. To my shame, now that I am some twenty years older than she…

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Rev Claire Jones www.christianaid.org.uk Something to read By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse…

The leader at a recent Sunday morning service included, in the opening prayer, thanks for some of the many blessings we enjoy. Some items included a warm bed in which to sleep, a warm home and food and clothing. Possibly, some of us in the congregation were grateful that the prayer continued with consideration of…