Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

On Holy Cross Day the Church celebrates the Cross as a symbol of triumph, as the sign of Christ’s victory over death.   Holy Cross Day goes right back to 14 September 335, and we have the mother of a Roman Emperor to thank for it. Helena was a devout Christian, and after her son, Constantine,...

Teaching people to ‘tithe’ can be a delicate matter.  Some clergy teach ‘tithing’ well, and inspire their people to great generosity of spirit.   Other clergy teach ‘tithing’ at least well enough, and get their people’s sluggish cooperation. But – there are clergy who teach ‘tithing’ badly – and then, watch out!   St Adam (bishop 1213...

Cyprian is the saint for anyone who has given up a successful career in order to serve God in a difficult Christian ministry. For, before he became a Christian, Cyprian ‘had it all’. He was a renowned Orator of Carthage, teaching rhetoric and advocacy. But then, in AD 245, when he was in his mid...

Have you ever sinned since you became a Christian?  Really sinned – or in other words done something that was SO wrong and totally ‘out of line’ with being a Christian that you are still ashamed when you think of it now.  If so, and if you went on to ask God’s forgiveness for it,...

Ninian was a Celt who was born about 360, in southern Scotland.  He was remarkable for two things:  he was almost certainly the first man in Scotland to live in a little white stone house, and also the first to preach the gospel to the Scots.   Just as remarkable:  becoming the apostle to the Picts...

Joseph of Copertino (1603 – 63) should be the patron saint of all awkward people who mean well, but who drive those around them to distraction – especially their church leaders. Joseph began life in a garden shed, because his father had sold the house to pay debts.  Then he grew up wandering about open-mouthed...

Come back to our church on 29th September! End the ‘scandal’ of the need for food banks, General Synod hears Synod backs motion to affirm the human dignity of disabled children How are you? I hope you are well? Fewer priests ahead? Food is weaponised in Sudan Do not expect much from Iran’s new President...

Theodore had several things in common with Justin Welby: despite living in troubled times, and in the aftermath of a severe national plague, he made extensive tours of his archbishopric, spoke at many Synods, and worked tirelessly to unite the bickering factions of the Church in England. But, unlike Justin Welby, Theodore did not start...

Ofsted recognises Church’s ‘exceptional’ school leadership training  New anti-bullying guidance for Church of England schools published General Synod backs day of prayer for persecuted Christians around the world Synod signals support for ‘Anglican way forward’ on same-sex relationships Some extracts from the Presidential Address by The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell National charity which helps...

Education Sunday From the Vicar What’s the Big Idea? An Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew Reflecting Faith: Arts and Crafts Churches And whatever you do! Let’s run with perseverance Sailing with the Spirit ** Editor:  Canon Paul Hardingham considers the needs of children. Education Sunday Education Sunday takes place on 8th September, as our...

All in the month of September Bridge over the Firth of Forth The coming of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Breaking the land speed record The ‘Father of English Medicine’ England’s largest festival of history and culture – 6th to 15th September Public will be able to feel the tree rings of Sycamore Gap Reading is...

Have you ever been to our church before? Perhaps for a wedding, a baptism, or funeral?  Or how about if you visited us even longer ago – when you were a child? Whoever you are, and whenever you came to us, we would love to see you back again on 29th September, which is Back...