Rest and Redemption Where can we find rest? Research suggests that collectively, we in the UK spent roughly £64.2 billion on holidays in 2024. But rest is more than just relaxation or recreation. The insurer AXA estimates the cost to
Do you feel lucky?
Do you think you’re a lucky person? Some people think we make our own luck. Thomas Jefferson is often quoted as saying ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get’. ‘Luck’ on this view is just an excuse for lazy
Behind a frowning providence
How can you tell whether God is pleased with you or not? One approach, popular since time immemorial, is to look at how things are going in your life. If things are generally going well and you enjoy health, prosperity
Fishing for People
I have never been fishing before in my entire life (well, maybe for crabs at the seaside once or twice with the Boys’ Brigade when I was little). But our reading this Sunday (Luke 5:1-11) uses it as a major
Stir Up Sunday
This Sunday is the last one in the Church Calendar before the new liturgical year begins with Advent. Historically, it’s been known as ‘stir up Sunday’ because the collect for this week was said to remind people to bake their
Saints saved by Grace
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘saint’? My guess is that most people think of the saints as some sort of super Christian, whose spiritual life is above and beyond what we mere mortals are capable
Sure and Steadfast
This week we are welcoming the 1st Newbury Boys’ Brigade Company, to give thanks for the opportunity to partner with them, to pray for them and to dedicate the Company as they make St Mary’s their new home. The motto
Holy Communion
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus and his disciples spoke about many things. John’s Gospel in particular tells us a lot about what Jesus taught them that night. But the thing which has really stuck in the Church’s memory
A Question that Reveals our Hearts
‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Can you imagine the possibilities if Jesus asked you that question? How would you answer? It’s a question Jesus actually poses twice in Mark 10 (verses 36 and 51), but he
Faith vs…?
What’s the opposite of faith? There’s lot’s of different answers you might give to that question. I’ve spent a bit of time recently working on an essay about faith and reason, which many people (mistakenly) take to be opposites. You