Weekly Reflection – 30 June 2021
This is our last reflection. We have decided that these thoughts and prayers have run their course, and that it is time to look beyond this pandemic. This post-covid reality will be, I think, as uncertain as that which we encountered when first entering lock-down. We will need to treat it in the same way, with courage and believing that God with us. Risks remain, and we need to continue to keep safe. This is the reflection that I wrote on 23rd March 2020. It touches on the anxiety I think we all felt. No one, of course, could have…
Keep readingWeekly Reflection – 23 June 2021
The Calling of Samuel (1 Samuel Chapter 3) You have to admit that God is clever. You have to admit the Bible is clever. Look at the opening few lines of 1 Samuel Chapter 3: 1 Samuel 3 v 2-4 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, that the LORD…
Keep readingWeekly Reflection 9 June 2021
“You are the salt of the earth…” These words, spoken by Jesus 2000 years ago have become common in our speech today. When we say someone is ‘the salt of the earth’ we mean they are good, reliable or ‘sound’ as they say in Ireland. It’s a nice compliment but it’s easy to forget what it really means. Jesus spoke these words, so they must be true. What do they really mean? Salt is essential to life. It also has multiple uses. So, Jesus is telling us that we are essential to life, that we are useful in many ways.…
Keep readingWeekly Reflection 26 May 2021
I can tell when I’m burnt out, because I’m using stuff to get me through the day. No illegal drugs here, but some legal substances: coffee in the morning to incentivise me to get up and moving, maybe a glass of wine that soothes the frazzled feeling in the evening. Headphones on when I’m walking home from the school run, hoping that the music will keep me putting one foot in front of the other. Eating in search of some energy, even when I’m already full. Scrolling through Instagram when I’m bored, in search of a spark. Watching TV because…
Keep readingWeekly Reflection – 19th May 2021
Over the last few years, the 4th of May has become known as Star Wars Day. At Christmas we say, “Merry Christmas!”, at New Year we say, “Happy New Year!”, on a birthday some of us say (and some of us even sing!), “Happy Birthday!” and now, on the 4th of May we say, “May the Fourth be with you!” – it is from Star Wars (a cultural phenomenon, with at least three films out of 10 or perhaps 11 or perhaps even more, depending on how you feel about Solo and Rogue One). Some people like Star Wars, I…
Keep readingWeekly Reflection – 12 May 2021
There is a well-known story in The Acts of the Apostles (in the new Testament) where Paul and Silas find themselves locked away in prison. It is one of those which we remember as having a happy ending. We celebrate with both men, God answering their prayers, an earthquake releasing them and the conversion of the entire jailer’s family. A mighty story of transformation and change. But I sometimes wonder whether we miss some of the teaching in this story in the way it unfolds. Paul and Silas are being faithful and proclaiming God’s mercy and grace, railing against the…
Keep readingWeekly Reflection – 5 May 2021
When I was preparing my sermon for last Sunday, I was going to include a piece about this picture by Albrecht Durer – then the trend of my thinking when in another direction and I didn’t use it. However the story and the picture stayed with me. Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) was the son of a goldsmith and came from a family of 18 children. His father had to work hard to support such a large family and he wanted Albrecht to follow in his footsteps as a goldsmith. But Albrecht wanted to be an artist and an engraver. He had…
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Weekly Reflection – 30th April 2021
Phil K This weekend we finally came up with a plan for overhauling our garden. Currently we are allowed to have up to 6 people, or two families in our garden – soon increasing further. However I’m not sure 6 people would really like to be in our garden at the moment: the previous occupants had a great liking for ugly concrete paving slabs, poorly laid and the “lawn” is infested with nettles and dandelions (to be honest, the yellow flowers do bring some much needed colour). While we have set about making changes to the house since we moved…
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Weekly Reflection – 21st April 2021
“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”Winnie the Pooh What is your definition of bravery? In 1995, Braveheart won 5 Academy Awards (including Best Picture and Best Director for Mel Gibson). Ignoring how questionably historically accurate it is (or indeed isn’t!) there are probably two most famous parts and quotes. The first is the speech Mel Gibson, as William Wallace, makes from horseback, “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!” and the second, the final cry of William Wallace, “Freedom!”. Many people, perhaps even including ourselves, consider the ease from lockdown our way back…
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Weekly Reflection – 31st March 2021
Last night we were discussing guilt in our homegroup/life group. How can I return to God time and time again, asking forgiveness for the same sin, knowing that this will not be the last time? This is the question that was posed by one person in the group, but I think it is a feeling that most of us would recognise. Although I stated that we were speaking about guilt, and though Christians often use language like ‘guilt’ and ‘forgiveness’, I think what we are actually speaking about is shame. Brene Brown is a researcher and writer some of you…
Keep readingWeekly Reflection – 20 January 2021
Trust in the Lord: Proverbs 3: 5-6 It has been really encouraging to see Covid infection rates begin to decline around the country. In London, for example, the reduction has been marked with numbers of infections per 100,000 people down over 15%. Maybe our third lockdown is beginning to work! Time will tell. Certainly, distanced conversation with neighbours on Sunday involved discussing vaccinations and their prospects of getting one soon. The sun was also out, and days are getting longer. The low mood I think many of us faced at the beginning of last week has given way to something…
Keep readingWeekly reflections – 16th December 2020
Welcome A blessing for all of us this Christmas. This is our last Newsletter for the year. We hope that you have found them helpful – an opportunity to pause and reflect. Our plan is to continue to send these out to you until some sort of normality to regained. I’m praying that this will not be too far away! Wishing you and your families the very best for a blessed, safe Christmas. Mark May the Lord bless you and keep you. Having a key worker and vulnerable person in our family bubble makes for an interesting time at the…
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