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A Christian charity has set out an urgent action plan to help churches respond to the gathering storm. The Jubilee Plus social action charity has published detailed advice to help local congregations support families and individuals survive the coming winter. In ‘Responding to a Deepening Crisis,’ Jubilee Plus has called on churches and Christians to...

In the month when we think about those who have given their lives in war, the Two Minutes Silence is a significant act of remembrance. The silence provides an opportunity to remember those who have suffered in war and how we can work for a peaceful world. However, we can also find ourselves thinking about...

The last Sunday in November is the last Sunday of the church year, and in some ways the most important. Why?  Because everything else in the Christian year looks BACK on what happened 2000 years ago. The Sunday of Christ the King looks FORWARD to what we can expect next….  the return one day of Jesus...

Churches and Christians across the UK are being invited to remember the suffering of Christians persecuted and imprisoned for their faith in countries around the world. According to Open Doors, the 2022 rankings are as follows.  The top 20 countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian are:  1 Afghanistan; 2 North Korea;...

By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just (Proverbs 8:15)  We have a unique system in this country that links the King to the Church. The new King has made an oath to uphold the Presbyterian Church in Scotland and is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The sovereign holds...

‘And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.’ These are King Charles III’s words from his TV broadcast following the...

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Saviour. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Guy Fawkes Night used to be...

If you are going to any concerts before Christmas, spare a thought for St Cecilia (2nd century) – the patron saint of musicians. Cecilia is one of the most famous of the Roman martyrs of the 2nd century.  As far as is known, she was born a noble lady of Rome who, despite her vow...

“I was travelling, and out early in the morning: at first there was a vast fog; but, by the time that I was seven or eight miles from home towards the coast, the sun broke out into a delicate warm day. We were then on a large heath or common, and I could discern, as...

Brother Andrew, the founder of Open Doors, died on 27th September, aged 94. Famous around the world as ‘God’s smuggler’, he began his ministry in 1957 by smuggling Bibles across the Iron Curtain in a blue Volkswagen Beetle. That trip was the beginning of Open Doors which, more than 65 years later, is now supporting...

Fixated – Advent Meditations from the Book of Hebrews Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies – 25 daily reflections from Ruth The Unexpected Gift Activity Book – Creative Christmas Activities The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness – the path to true Christian joy God In Number 10 – the personal faith of the Prime Ministers, from Balfour to...

Catherine is thought to have been a noble girl who lived in the 4th century.  She was persecuted for her Christianity, and despised marriage with the Emperor because she was a ‘bride of Christ’.  According to the legend, Catherine was no push-over intellectually, either:  she disputed successfully with 50 philosophers who were called in to...