Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

On church tourists and outrageous lies The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren I was sorry to hear of the dawn call by the police because your church had been broken into, although the theft of tambourines, books of choruses and banners proclaiming “Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam” are likely to...

‘He gave us eyes to see them’:  St Erasmus’ mitre 2nd June is the feast day of St Erasmus or Elmo – not a well-known saint, but a bishop who suffered terribly under Diocletian’s persecution and died in 303. His symbol is a windlass, used to wind up a ship’s anchor, and his name lives...

The Christians’ Prayer The Christians’ prayer did God implore That Peter should be jailed no more! But God, faithfully Had set Peter free He waited, freezing, by the door! By Nigel Beeton

Dancing in the Rain We wait and hope for better times And pray for far less pain; We’re waiting for the storm to pass Taking shelter from the rain. But yet we wait for far too long And waiting seems in vain. The storms outside are stronger still We see torrential rain. So wait not...

I Am the Great Sun (from a Norman crucifix of 1632) I am the great sun, but you do not see me. I am your husband, but you turn away. I am the captive, but you do not free me, I am the captain you will not obey. I am the truth, but you will...

Short prayers Prayers don’t need to be long to be acceptable to God.  For instance, consider: Peter (Matt 14.30):  Lord, save me. A Canaanite woman (Matt 15.25):   Lord, help me. Samuel (1 Sam. 3:10):   Speak, for your servant is listening. Psalm 43.3:    O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;  let...

John and Jesus Isaiah’s words were ringing out As John called out ‘Prepare the way’ For one who would come who was greater than he, How Moses had longed to see His day. Clad with a garment of camel hair, John’s special ministry had begun, His call to repent and be baptised Announcing the coming...

A prayer for the lonely and lost Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us. So many people feel lonely and isolated and unloved today. In a culture that values I above all things, help us to look beyond our i- phones and i- pads and selfies. Help us to see with your eyes, to love...

Beautiful Days (Hebrews 13:5) Lord, it’s a beautiful day sun shining, birds singing, blossom and flowers at their best. I’m thankful, but so, so lonely, so, so sad. Summer doesn’t fill the gap, it widens it. Smiles and shorts and sun-cream, the holiday plans of others magnify my loss. Lord help me, please. Restore my...

Quotes Editor:  with our Christian faith in mind… The noblest revenge is to forgive.  Thomas Fuller All but God is changing day by day.  Charles Kingsley We expect our young people to lay down their lives for our nation, but most of us are not willing to lay down our bank accounts for God.  Anon...

Smile Lines ** Be with you The vicar at a local church experienced some technical problems with the sound system one Sunday. Instead of starting the service as usual with ‘The Lord be with you’, he said: ‘There’s something wrong with this microphone.’ Not hearing this, the congregation responded: ‘And also with you.’ ** Too...

Faith in the Making – Praying it, talking it and living it Inside Fatherhood – Today’s fathers tell their stories Long Story Short – Finding Your Place in God’s Unfolding Story When God was King – Rebels & Radicals of the Civil War & Mayflower Generation The Journey Begins – Adventures through the Bible with...