Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

 ** With the forthcoming US Presidential Election in mind… A candidate came home in the small hours and gave his wife the wonderful news: “Darling, I’ve been elected!” She was delighted. “Honestly?”  she demanded. He laughed in an embarrassed sort of way. “Oh, why bring that up?” * Old politicians never die – they just...

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 asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I...

The Rectory St James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren Your suggestion that we should hold a sponsored hymn-singing bicycle ride through the village as a way of raising money was well-meant, but I am not wholly convinced it would suit our clientele here at St James the Least of All. You may...

– Daily Advent Readings from The Gospel of John By Tim Chester, The Good Book Company/10ofThose, £4.24 We may be familiar with the baby in the manger, but have you met the Word who was in the beginning with God? Have you met the One True Light who is full of grace and truth? Or...

HOPE Spaces was launched at the start of 2020 inviting churches to use a public place as a space for the spiritually curious to explore prayer. Then the world went into lockdown. Undeterred, HOPE Together has developed a virtual HOPE Space at hopespaces.com to help people to pray – maybe for the first time. Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf,...

Sending The Blessed Dead War and Peace David and Goliath Named Storms The Promise of Advent Election Day (from) The Brewing of Soma O England, Country of my Heart’s Desire ** Editor:  29th November is the day of intercession and thanksgiving for the missionary work of the Church. This poem acknowledges that it is and always has...

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone … The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment…...

Bible Society teams worldwide provided almost 3.7 million Scripture items for children last year.  More than 1.1 million children’s Scriptures were distributed in Egypt alone. This is the largest number for one nation, in a place where ministry with young people is a top priority. Through festivals, competitions and quizzes, the Bible Society of Egypt engages with hundreds of...

‘He never makes it his business to inquire whether you are in the right or the wrong, never asks whether you are rich or poor, silly or wise, sinner or saint. You are his pal. That is enough for him.’ Jerome K Jerome was writing there about the special bond between human beings and dogs...

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...

Don’t live on processed food if you want to stay looking young. It seems that a high intake of unhealthy ready meals and other convenience food will age the cells in your body and increase the risk of a host of diseases. Such poor food can also lead to depression, high blood pressure, and even...