“Do it to Julia!”. If you’ve read George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four (I read it in 1983), you’ll know that this cry is what gets Winston, the protagonist, out of Room 101 – where his worst nightmare confronts him. He realises
Sabbath rest in Jesus
At our Ash Wednesday service, we looked at some of the Bible’s teaching about fasting. This Sunday, our Gospel reading focuses on the Sabbath. Both of them share in common the theme of giving something up; in fasting, we give
Talking to God
In the book of Ecclesiastes it says “God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few”. Jesus said we shouldn’t babble like pagans (Matt 6:7), as if God could be impressed by our words
A fitting Tribute
More than three years after her death, the final design for the memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, set to be built in St James’ Park, is still yet to be confirmed. Final confirmation is expected this spring, to coincide with
Was it worth it?
Have you ever looked back and asked yourself ‘was it worth it? Maybe you invested time and energy on some project which went well (or not), and took a moment to reflect: Was it worth it? We never stop to
Prayer for Anxious Hearts
Anyone who has been following the news for the last few years will know that anxiety is on the rise in the UK, especially amongst young people. Doubtless, there are many reasons for this, ranging from global affairs like the
How (not) to pray
At some point, every child has to learn how to ask for things appropriately. We teach them to be polite and respectful in their requests. We’ve all heard someone ask their child “What’s the magic word?” (Answer: “PLEEEEEEEEASE!”) or tell
Let us pray
Have you ever watched a child playing in the room where their parent is sitting? Maybe you remember doing so, but perhaps it was so natural and ordinary that you don’t remember. And as children grow up, they want to
Happy New Year
But what do we mean when we say ‘Happy New Year? Is it a command (I order you to be happy this year), a general non-specific expression of hope (that the new year will be kind to you), a prophecy
The clue is in the name
What is important about Christmas? We make it a time for family and festivities, reminding ourselves of what is important in life. We make it a time for good will, and we support initiatives and charities working with people who