Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

These reported numbers of people with coronavirus are likely a fraction of the true extent of the disease, and only hint at what is happening all around us. Borders have closed. Travel is nearly at a halt. Conferences and other events have been cancelled or postponed. Church buildings are empty. Sports and entertainment industries are...

Stay calm and non-anxious From the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Donald Allister, Bishop’s Bulletin 1 We are already seeing levels of stress and panic in our population. Our own calm and non-anxious presence will be very important in the weeks to come. However busy you are, don’t lose your precious time with the...

Here are some resources which you may find of interest: ** Latest figures The Johns Hopkins Covid-19 Dashboard appears to be one of the best source for statistics on the spread of the virus. ** Joni Eareckson The well-known American Christian writer and quadriplegic, Joni Eareckson Tada, talks about how Christians can meet the threat of the...

Since 17th March, when the Archbishops of Canterbury and York had to put the public worship of the Church of England on hold, they have called on Christians to become “a radically different kind of church, rooted in prayer and serving others.” They have also urged congregations to be in the forefront of providing practical...

Suppose you lose someone whom you love at this time?  Current guidelines from the Church of England, in light of the current restrictions over Coronavirus COVID-19, say that funerals may now only happen at the Crematorium or at the graveside. Only immediate family members can attend (if the crematorium allows). When we lose someone we...

Visit us after 3pm on Friday 3rd April – and download some stories to use on your website this weekend!  

The Rectory St James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren It seems that the basics of parish ministry are no longer taught in theological colleges.  Don’t you know anything about consulting your diary in public? When you are asked if you are free on a certain date, accepted practice is to open it...

Editor:  The following stories are ‘News’ stories telling how various Christian organisations are dealing with the crisis as at the end of March/early April.Because the coronavirus crisis is changing so rapidly, please note: Throughout April we will be UPDATING our News EACH FRIDAY AT 3PM  Please go to:  www.parishpump.co.uk / Resources / Editorial / Coronavirus...

1                      May Day 1                      Philip the Apostle/James the Less 2                      Athanasius 8                      Julian of Norwich 9                      Pachomius 10                    Comgall 14                    Matthias the Apostle – called by lots 16                    Caroline Chisholm 17                    Rogation Sunday 19                    Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury 21                    Helena, Protector of the Holy Places 21                    The Ascension 24                    John and Charles Wesley...

May is the month when the ancient pagans used to get up to ‘all sorts’! The Romans held their festival to honour the mother-goddess Maia, goddess of nature and growth. (May is named after her.) The early Celts celebrated the feast of Beltane, in honour of the sun god, Beli. For centuries in ‘Olde England’...

Life in quarantine Loneliness at the Virtual Chelsea Flower Show, 19th – 23rd May Leave your dandelions alone What is the best way to talk about death?  Grow your lawns Take exercise for even half an hour a day – and lower depression! Dieting at home When texting can be dangerous Bless you? Plan for...

Is there someone in church whom you respect for their spirituality and common sense combined? Someone you feel easy about approaching to ask questions? That person’s patron saint should be Philip. Philip came from Bethsaida and was a disciple of Jesus from early on. He knew how to lead others to Jesus; he brought Nathanael...