Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

Clean water is one thing we take completely for granted.  After all, when did you last turn on the tap and expect filthy water to come out? But sadly, bad water is still a daily reality for billions of people. The United Nations wants to help them by ensuring that everyone can access clean water...

There is an old Jewish saying:  God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers. Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods – our human mothers – all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’ – as the fourth Sunday in Lent is affectionately known.  It has been celebrated...

There is no doubt about it: tourists love England.  Our visitor economy is worth a staggering £106 billion a year and it supports 2.6 million jobs.  What a boost for our restaurants, pubs, farming, transport, retailing, sports, museums, galleries, theatres – and – last but not leas and churches. No wonder that each year the industry...

The Fourth Sunday in Lent was called ‘Mid-Lent’ or ‘Refreshment Sunday’, when the rigors of Lent were relaxed more than was normal for a feast day. It is called Mothering Sunday as a reference to the Epistle reading for the Day (Galatians 4:21-31).  The Lenten Epistles follow from each other with teaching about our life...

This month Barbie celebrates her diamond anniversary.  And the fact that she needs no introduction is proof that this plastic doll became an international celebrity many decades ago.  Indeed, if you were a little girl in the 1960s, you will probably have loved a Barbie doll yourself. Barbie was launched at the International Toy Fair...

In the 1960s, it was said UK entry to the “Common Market” would mark the end of a thousand years of British history.  Fast-forwarding to 2019, the clock is now ticking rapidly towards the end of British membership of the European Union.  Where are we, and where are we going on Brexit? Brexit is a...

Love Despite Brexit? From the vicar Be my Valentine? Psalm 95’s wise words on worship No need to fall Organised rain? Then the fun stops Shine, Jesus, shine   ** Editor:  The Rev Paul Hardingham considers the tensions that Brexit has caused. Love Despite Brexit? ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ (The Clash).  Since...

‘Should I stay or should I go?’ (The Clash).  Since the Referendum in June 2016, we have seen families, our nation and Parliament divided by different opinions over Europe. But ‘at the heart of the Christian message is Jesus’ command to love our neighbour. This includes those with whom we agree and disagree: at home,...

As we celebrate St Valentine’s Day this month, how can we conduct this debate in a loving way? The Apostle Peter reminds us: ‘Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.’ (1 Peter 2:17). Respect everyone: However much we may disagree with another people’s perspective, we should respect...

St Valentine’s Day falls on 14th February and since the 18th Century has been associated with the declaration of love, albeit anonymously. Originally this might be through the offering of sweets or flowers, and now more commonly by the sending of an unsigned card. One suggestion is that St Valentinus was a Roman Christian who...

‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever’ (Westminster Confession). We are created to worship, but who or what will we worship? Psalm 95 invites us to worship God and to engage with His presence and power. Rejoicing in God (1-5): ‘Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord.’ (v1)....

 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.  Jude v 24-25 When the weather...